New NOAA Weather Radio Transmitter in Idaho Increases Coverage Area
February 5, 2008
NOAA Weather Radio-All Hazards.
Residents and visitors in southeast central Idaho now have immediate access to weather information thanks to a new NOAA Weather Radio-All Hazards transmitter, recently installed at Mt. Baldy near Salmon, Idaho.
The new all hazards transmitter is strategically located to provide NOAA weather radio services to residents of Lemhi and Custer counties. The transmitter also will be accessible on Highways 93 and 28, and on the Lost Trail Pass at the Idaho and Montana border. Residents can tune in to 162.55 MHz for weather warning and forecast broadcasts.
“This increased coverage area enhances our ability to reach the central mountains area of Idaho with vital warnings,” said Bruce Bauck, meteorologist-in-charge of the National Weather Service forecast office in Missoula. “This new transmitter will help residents and visitors to the area get current weather information via NOAA Weather Radio.”
Girl listening to NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards.
“This new transmitter has the potential to make a big difference in protecting lives and property not only here in Lemhi county, but over a large portion of southeast central Idaho,” said Janet Nelson, Lemhi County disaster and emergency services coordinator. “You can't stop Mother Nature, but with the ability to provide advanced warning you can be prepared.”
The NOAA Weather Radio network has more than 850 transmitters, covering the continental United States, adjacent coastal waters, Puerto Rico, U.S. Caribbean islands, and U.S. Pacific Territories.
The Missoula County Sheriff purchased the transmitter with a grant from the Lewis and Clark Bi-Centennial communications fund. The Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security Public Safety Communications Division donated tower space, electrical power, and will provide maintenance and upkeep of the transmitter.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, an agency of the U.S. Commerce Department, is dedicated to enhancing economic security and national safety through the prediction and research of weather and climate-related events and information service delivery for transportation, and by providing environmental stewardship of our nation's coastal and marine resources. Through the emerging Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS), NOAA is working with its federal partners, more than 70 countries and the European Commission to develop a global monitoring network that is as integrated as the planet it observes, predicts and protects.