How to Watch Weather Without Cable or Internet in Oklahoma
If power lines were down or you're without the traditional cable TV or radio, how are you going to receive updates on the weather around you? Think ahead and prepare now.
For those without cable
Weatherlink LLC - Oklahoma & Northern Texas
You'll see livestreams from storm chasers, constant weather updates from both their storm analysts and other reliable sources, and generally have a constant update in this group.
National Weather Service Norman Oklahoma
Warnings, Watches and emergency notifications usually come from the National Weather Service, or weather.gov. The National Weather Service for Norman has a facebook page that stays current with weather awareness for all of Oklahoma.
Texoma Storm Trackers
Receive updates on road closures as well as important information for your area via the Texas Storm Trackers facebook page, with a focus of Southwest Oklahoma.
Ryan Hall, Ya'll
This one was a recent discovery of mine after the Ya'll Squad had made its appearance on our "ways to help those impacted by storms" story. He is clear, accurate and timely - watch the livestream on his channel to receive updates for all of Oklahoma, not just one area.
News9
They are reliable and can be accessed in multiple ways. For those who don't use facebook, you can stream them live on their youtube, website and through their app.
KOCO 5 News
Once again, another reliable news source that reports locally for Oklahoma. They also have recently advocated for reaching their reports via radio when internet isn't available.
For those without internet
KOCO 5 News
When storms hit and knock powerlines down or electricity out, you still need to be able to receive updates. If you have a radio on hand, you can tune in to these stations, depending on the area you're located, and receive updates from 5 News:
- Oklahoma City: 105.7
- Norman: 106.3
- Clinton: 89.1
- Woodard: 88.1
- Ada: 91.9 and 97.9
- Chickasha: 106.9
- Shawnee: 105.1
- Seminole: 103.1
Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA)
These are notifications sent to targeted areas from government-approved operations, such as the National Weather Service. Those that could be affected by severe weather will receive these alerts even without internet, as long as your phone is on and you have not opted out of emergency alerts.
Emergency Alert System on Radio
The National Weather Service also has specific radio station frequencies that are "broadcasting continuous weather information directly from the nearest National Weather Service office." These stations are reporting comprehensive weather and emergency information, so expect reports to be lengthy and include only affected areas of impact. A list of frequencies can be found here.
Pro Tip: Make sure if you are relying your radio for updates that you have batteries accessible, in the case power goes out and you aren't able to plug it in.
Severe weather is nothing to joke about, especially with this storm season. Take action before the last minute and plan ahead of time.
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Gallery Credit: Kelso
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Gallery Credit: Kelso