NOAA Weather Radio: Old Tech, New Relevance
When Hurricane Helene knocked out cell towers for weeks and Texas floods left communities without power or internet, one piece of technology kept working: NOAA Weather Radio. In this essential emergency preparedness episode, we explore why this 50-year-old analog technology is more critical than ever in our digital age. The episode opens with a powerful story from Dr. Neil Jacobs, incoming NOAA Administrator, about how a weather radio saved his life during a 1996 tornado. But this isn't just about nostalgia – it's about survival when modern technology fails. Host Emily Gracey sits down with Bruce Jones from Midland Weather Radios to discuss the fascinating history of weather radio, practical setup and usage tips, and address swirling rumors about the future of the NOAA weather radio network. You'll learn why backup communication systems are essential, how weather radios work when cell service fails, and why every emergency kit needs this reliable technology. Whether you're a prepper, weather enthusiast, or just want to keep your family safe, this episode reveals why the humble weather radio deserves a spot alongside your smartphone in your emergency preparedness arsenal. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
July 29, 2025
37 min
117
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Episode 117 · July 29, 2025
NOAA Weather Radio: Old Tech, New Relevance
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The National Weather Desk Episodes Around July 29, 2025
Episode 115 of 157 — walk the feed in the order it was published.
37:12This episodeNOAA Weather Radio: Old Tech, New Relevance
Summary
When Hurricane Helene knocked out cell towers for weeks and Texas floods left communities without power or internet, one piece of technology kept working: NOAA Weather Radio. In this essential emergency preparedness episode, we explore why this 50-year-old analog technology is more critical than ever in our digital age.
The episode opens with a powerful story from Dr. Neil Jacobs, incoming NOAA Administrator, about how a weather radio saved his life during a 1996 tornado. But this isn't just about nostalgia – it's about survival when modern technology fails.
Host Emily Gracey sits down with Bruce Jones from Midland Weather Radios to discuss the fascinating history of weather radio, practical setup and usage tips, and address swirling rumors about the future of the NOAA weather radio network. You'll learn why backup communication systems are essential, how weather radios work when cell service fails, and why every emergency kit needs this reliable technology.
Whether you're a prepper, weather enthusiast, or just want to keep your family safe, this episode reveals why the humble weather radio deserves a spot alongside your smartphone in your emergency preparedness arsenal.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Episode details and artwork are published by the show’s own feed. Sentinel plays short cited excerpts and links every episode back to its publisher.

















