Every storm we cover starts the same way: an official warning, and the people who were ready for it. This is the gear we recommend for getting those warnings and riding out the power cuts that follow. Buy it in a calm week, not the night before landfall.
When the power and internet are out, a weather alert radio still sounds the alarm. It receives NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts from the National Weather Service. Look for "Public Alert" certification and SAME coding, which lets you set alerts for your county only.
No batteries? Crank it or set it in the sun. Most also charge a phone and include a flashlight. Look for NOAA weather bands and a USB charging port.
Runs phones, lights, a fan or a small fridge for hours when the grid goes down. Indoor-safe, unlike a gas generator. Look for battery capacity in watt-hours that fits what you need to run.
Recharges your power station during a long outage. Check that it's compatible with your power station's input.
Pocket backup for phones. Look for 20,000 mAh or more.
Sends texts and SOS messages with no cell service. Most require a monthly plan. Recent iPhone and Pixel models also offer emergency satellite texting.
Temperature, wind, rain and pressure from your own backyard, on your phone. Many can share readings with public weather networks.
The same gauge used by CoCoRaHS, the volunteer network that reports rainfall to the National Weather Service. Join in and your readings help forecasters.
Warns you when lightning is within range. Useful for outdoor work, sports and boating.
Gear helps, but official warnings save lives. Always follow your local officials and national weather service.
Follow Weather Worldwide Now for every storm on Earth, verified, twice daily.