NORTHEAST OREGON GETS NEW WEATHER WARNING SYSTEM

Just in time for late summer recreational activities, residents and visitors of Grant County, Ore., can now stay on top of storm activity through a direct link to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Weather Service (NWS) forecasters. NOAA is part of the Department of Commerce.

The new broadcast of NOAA Weather Radio, a 24-hour source of weather forecasts and warnings from the National Weather Service can be heard on receivers using a frequency of 162.500 MHz from a transmitter located on Fall Mountain 10 miles southwest of John Day, Ore. The John Day NOAA Weather Radio is a cooperative effort between the National Weather Service and the U.S. Forest Service Malheur National Forest.

Mike Vescio, meteorologist in charge at the Pendleton weather office, said the John Day weather radio significantly increases the National Weather Service's ability to reach the residents and visitors of Grant County, Ore., with vital inclement weather warnings. “This becomes even more essential considering the amount of outdoor activities that occurs in the region.”

NOAA Weather Radio allows meteorologists to send weather statements and warnings directly from the forecaster to the public, thus saving valuable time. NOAA Weather Radio network has more than 800 transmitters, covering all 50 states, adjacent coastal waters, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and U.S. Pacific Territories.

Weather radios come in many sizes, with a variety of functions and costs. Some receivers automatically sound an alarm and turn themselves on if a severe weather warning is broadcast and can be programmed to warn for weather and civil emergencies specific to a county. Most NOAA Weather Radio receivers are either battery-operated portables or AC-powered desktop models with battery backup. Some scanners, HAM radios, CB radios, short wave receivers, and AM/FM radios also are capable of receiving NOAA Weather Radio transmissions. Weather radios can be purchased at many electronics stores.

Additional information about the NOAA Weather Radio is available at: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr/index.html.

The Commerce Department’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is dedicated to enhancing economic security and national safety through the prediction and research of weather and climate-related events and providing environmental stewardship of our nation’s coastal and marine resources. To learn more about NOAA, please visit: http://www.noaa.gov.