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What are Weather Cell Phone Alerts?

Mitch Morgan
Mitch Morgan
Mitch Morgan
Mitch Morgan

Staying informed of the weather 24 hours a day is easier than ever before with the use of weather cell phone alerts. Important weather alerts are automatically sent to a cell phone, usually through text messaging or e-mail, and help make the user aware of serious weather conditions in his or her area. These updates help keep people informed of breaking weather news so they may take advanced precautions to stay safe.

Weather cell phone alerts usually contain some options and preferences to suit the user’s needs. Alerts may be sent each hour or each day, and include daily or weekly forecasts, or may only be sent only during the event of hazardous weather situations. Users may register online to receive the updates, or may choose a weather alert option from some weather-related cell phone applications.

Not all phone models are able to receive weather cell phone alerts. Typically those mobile phones with text and web browsing capabilities may be set to receive alerts. Some phones may require the installation of a mobile weather application.

Weather alerts can be sent directly to a cell phone through text messages.
Weather alerts can be sent directly to a cell phone through text messages.

Mobile phone alerts are usually free. Some premium services, however, require a monthly fee to operate and to access all of the alert features. Additional features found on some subscription services may include daily weather forecasts and access to news-related weather topics of interest. Without a subscription, weather cell phone alerts may not function in all locations or at desired intervals.

Cell phone alerts are typically sent to warn people of dangerous weather.
Cell phone alerts are typically sent to warn people of dangerous weather.

Aside from weather news, cell phone alerts might provide other related information. These might include alerts on road conditions, school and business closings, and other factors potentially affected by hazardous weather. Weather forecasts, as well as local, national and worldwide news updates are among the other cell phone alerts a person may receive on his or her phone.

Mobile cell phone alerts should not be relied on for personal protection. Despite their accuracy, alerts may sometimes be delayed or missed entirely due to extreme weather or cellular and internet network problems. It is therefore important to have a backup or alternate source for weather information such as TV or radio in the event of inclement weather situations. Weather cell phone alerts are not available in all states or regions.

Alerts and updates may be stopped at the user’s discretion by being removed or unsubscribed from the list of recipients. This process usually involves replying to an alert with a message that indicates the user no longer wishes to receive weather cell phone alerts to his or her phone. Unsubscribing from any type of cell phone alert typically takes up to a few days before it is finalized.

Mitch Morgan
Mitch Morgan

Mitch is a journalist, photographer, and test administrator who has contributed to a diverse array of publications, including the Oxford, Mississippi arts and entertainment guide Oxford Town and the trade publication Nightclub & Bar Magazine. In addition to his freelance work for WiseGEEK and several other websites, Mitch has written dozens of album reviews, allowing him to showcase his love of music and media.

Learn more...
Mitch Morgan
Mitch Morgan

Mitch is a journalist, photographer, and test administrator who has contributed to a diverse array of publications, including the Oxford, Mississippi arts and entertainment guide Oxford Town and the trade publication Nightclub & Bar Magazine. In addition to his freelance work for WiseGEEK and several other websites, Mitch has written dozens of album reviews, allowing him to showcase his love of music and media.

Learn more...

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    • Weather alerts can be sent directly to a cell phone through text messages.
      By: Brian Jackson
      Weather alerts can be sent directly to a cell phone through text messages.
    • Cell phone alerts are typically sent to warn people of dangerous weather.
      By: valdezrl
      Cell phone alerts are typically sent to warn people of dangerous weather.