SiriusXM has discontinued its weather and traffic channels, including the “SiriusXM 1st Traffic & Weather” channels. The company has not provided any official comment on this decision. These channels were available on channels 133–136, with specific channels for major cities like New York, Los Angeles, Boston, Philadelphia, and more. The weather and traffic services were initially launched in 2004 by separate companies, Sirius and XM Satellite Radio, and were later consolidated after the merger in 2008. In 2017, the number of channels was reduced to four, but now, they have been completely discontinued.
Key Takeaways:
- SiriusXM has discontinued its weather and traffic channels on XM Radio.
- The channels were available on channels 133–136, with specific channels for major cities.
- The weather and traffic services were launched by separate companies and later consolidated after the merger.
- In 2017, the number of channels was reduced to four, and now they have been completely discontinued.
Stay informed with the latest weather updates and emergency information through alternative means like NOAA Weather Radio.
The Importance of NOAA Weather Radio
When it comes to staying informed about weather conditions and potential emergencies, NOAA Weather Radio plays a crucial role. This nationwide network provides continuous weather information from National Weather Service (NWS) offices across the country, ensuring that the public has access to the most comprehensive and up-to-date weather and hazard information available.
NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts a range of vital information, including warnings, watches, forecasts, current weather observations, and other hazard updates, 24 hours a day. With over 750 transmitters operating in the VHF public service band, this extensive coverage reaches nearly 90% of the 50 states, along with coastal waters, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the U.S. Pacific Territories.
Whether you’re at home, at work, or on the go, having a NOAA Weather Radio receiver can provide you with essential information to help you make informed decisions and take appropriate action in the face of severe weather events or emergencies. These receivers come in various sizes, styles, and price ranges, offering features like alarm tones for severe weather alerts and the ability to receive alerts for specific geographic areas through the SAME (Specific Area Message Encoding) system.
| Benefits of NOAA Weather Radio | Features of NOAA Weather Radio Receivers |
|---|---|
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Whether you’re at home, out camping, or traveling to a new area, having a NOAA Weather Radio receiver can provide you with peace of mind and ensure that you’re well-informed about weather conditions and potential emergencies. Before you embark on your journey, make sure to check the NOAA Weather Radio coverage for your destination to ensure that you’ll receive the necessary updates while on the road.
Remember, NOAA Weather Radio is the single source for the most comprehensive weather and emergency information available to the public. By having a NOAA Weather Radio receiver, you can stay connected to the latest updates and make informed decisions to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
NOAA Weather Radio Coverage and Frequencies
NOAA Weather Radio stations provide essential weather information through a network of transmitters across the country. These stations ensure near-continuous coverage for most coastal areas served by National Weather Service (NWS) offices. The range of a full-power transmitter is approximately 40 miles over level terrain, but this can vary based on factors such as antenna height and receiver quality.
The NOAA Weather Radio network operates on seven frequencies in the VHF public service band, allowing for wide coverage and easy access on most modern receivers. The frequencies are as follows:
| Frequency | Description |
|---|---|
| 162.400 MHz | Channel 1 |
| 162.425 MHz | Channel 2 |
| 162.450 MHz | Channel 3 |
| 162.475 MHz | Channel 4 |
| 162.500 MHz | Channel 5 |
| 162.525 MHz | Channel 6 |
| 162.550 MHz | Channel 7 |
These frequencies enable NOAA Weather Radio users to stay informed about weather conditions, forecasts, and emergency alerts in their area. It’s important to ensure that your receiver is tuned to the correct frequency to receive the desired information.
NOAA Weather Radio Receivers and Features
When it comes to staying informed about weather conditions and emergency alerts, having a reliable NOAA Weather Radio receiver is essential. These receivers are designed to receive broadcasts from the nationwide network of National Weather Service (NWS) offices, providing you with real-time weather information and critical updates. Here, we’ll explore the different types of NOAA Weather Radio receivers available and the features to consider when choosing one.
Types of NOAA Weather Radio Receivers
NOAA Weather Radio receivers come in various sizes, styles, and price ranges to suit different needs and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a portable handheld device or a desktop model for your home or office, there’s an option for everyone. Some common types include:
- Handheld Receivers: Compact and portable, these receivers are great for outdoor activities and on-the-go use. They often come with features like flashlight, built-in alarm, and rechargeable batteries.
- Desktop Receivers: These larger models are designed for stationary use and provide a more robust set of features. They may include additional functionalities like AM/FM radio, clock, and multiple alert settings.
- Emergency Radios: These all-in-one devices combine features of NOAA Weather Radio receivers with other emergency preparedness tools like flashlight, power bank, and even a built-in solar panel for charging.
Key Features to Consider
When choosing a NOAA Weather Radio receiver, there are several key features to consider:
- Alarm Function: Look for a receiver with an alarm tone feature that can alert you when severe weather or emergency information is being broadcasted.
- SAME Capability: The Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME) feature allows you to receive alerts for specific geographic areas. This is especially useful if you live in an area prone to particular weather hazards.
- Battery Operation: Consider whether you need a receiver that operates on batteries or one that can be plugged into an outlet for continuous power.
- Tunability: Ensure that the receiver is capable of tuning into all seven NOAA Weather Radio frequencies (162.400 MHz to 162.550 MHz) to receive broadcasts from different NWS offices.
- Compatibility: If you already have other radios like CB radios or scanners, consider a receiver that is compatible and can work alongside them.
By carefully considering the type of NOAA Weather Radio receiver and its features, you can ensure that you’re well-equipped to receive timely weather updates and emergency alerts whenever you need them.
| Receiver Type | Features |
|---|---|
| Handheld Receivers | Compact, portable, flashlight, built-in alarm, rechargeable batteries |
| Desktop Receivers | Larger, AM/FM radio, clock, multiple alert settings |
| Emergency Radios | All-in-one devices with additional emergency preparedness tools |
Using NOAA Weather Radio While Traveling
When it comes to staying informed about weather conditions while traveling in the United States, NOAA Weather Radio is a reliable resource. This nationwide network provides continuous weather information, including warnings, watches, forecasts, and other hazard information, 24 hours a day. But how can you use NOAA Weather Radio effectively while on the go?
If you’re planning a trip to another area in the United States, it’s essential to check the NOAA Weather Radio coverage for that specific region. The National Weather Service offers maps and listings that provide comprehensive information on NOAA Weather Radio coverage by state and county. By referring to these resources, you can determine if your destination is within the coverage area.
It’s important to note that the NOAA Weather Radio frequencies used in the United States are also utilized by Canada’s Weatheradio network. This means that if you’re traveling to Canada, your NOAA Weather Radio receiver should still work. However, as you travel along the coastline, you may need to reset your radio’s frequency to continue receiving NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts.
By staying aware of the NOAA Weather Radio coverage in your destination area and adjusting your radio’s frequency as needed, you can ensure that you stay informed about any weather changes or emergency situations while traveling.
| Benefits of Using NOAA Weather Radio While Traveling |
|---|
| 1. Continuous weather information availability |
| 2. Warnings, watches, and forecasts for your specific area |
| 3. Real-time updates on weather conditions |
| 4. Accessible in most regions of the United States and Canada |
| 5. Compatibility with NOAA Weather Radio receivers |
Interference and Additional Information about NOAA Weather Radio
NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts a wide range of essential weather information, including marine forecasts and severe weather alerts. To ensure you receive these important updates, it’s important to be aware of potential interference and how to program your receiver correctly.
Interference can occur when other electronic devices or structures hinder the reception of NOAA Weather Radio signals. Common sources of interference include power lines, large buildings, and electronic devices like computers and TVs. To minimize interference, place your receiver in a location with a clear line of sight to the sky, away from any potential sources of interference.
In addition to interference, understanding how to program your receiver is crucial for effective use. NOAA Weather Radio utilizes the SAME (Specific Area Message Encoding) system, allowing you to receive alerts for specific weather conditions or within a limited geographic area. By programming your receiver with the right station frequency, SAME geographic codes, and SAME event codes, you can ensure that you receive alerts that are relevant to your location.
For mariners, it is recommended to program your receiver with nearby land area codes and codes for regional marine areas. This will help you stay informed about weather conditions while out at sea. By maintaining weather awareness, you can make informed decisions and prioritize safety.
