This post compiles essential information about how residents in the St. Louis region can stay informed during severe weather through federal Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) and a variety of local notification systems.
It highlights what WEA covers, outlines county-by-county alert options, and points to practical tools like mobile apps that provide live radar and real-time warnings.
Overview of Severe Weather Alerts in the St. Louis Area
Severe storms in the St. Louis area can bring damaging winds, large hail, and the potential for tornadoes.
Officials emphasize using multiple alert channels that deliver timely warnings.
The cornerstone is the nationwide Wireless Emergency Alerts, which automatically reach compatible phones from authorized government agencies for extreme weather, AMBER Alerts, and presidential emergencies—without any sign-up required.
Users can enable or disable WEA on iPhone and Android devices through their settings, providing a quick, device-based safety net during severe weather outbreaks.
Beyond WEA, local jurisdictions offer opt-in alert systems that tailor notifications to your location and interests.
These systems supplement WEA by delivering county- and city-specific messages that can include weather watches, warnings, and safety instructions.
Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA): No Sign-Up Required
WEA is designed to deliver urgent alerts to mobile devices in affected areas.
It covers extreme weather events as well as AMBER Alerts and presidential emergencies.
Since WEA is automatic, residents do not need to register to receive these alerts.
To manage notifications, users can enable or disable WEA on their iPhone or Android devices via the device settings.
This baseline alert channel helps ensure you receive the earliest warnings even before any local opt-in system reaches you.
County-By-County Alert Options
In addition to WEA, several counties around St. Louis offer opt-in alerts with varying registration methods.
Signing up for multiple systems improves redundancy and increases the chance you’ll receive timely instructions during severe weather.
City of St. Louis — NotifySTL
The City of St. Louis maintains NotifySTL, a voluntary emergency notification system that delivers alerts based on your location and interests.
Notifications can arrive by text, phone call, or email, helping residents receive timely safety information tailored to where they are and what they care about.
St. Louis County — Office of Emergency Management (SLCOEM)
St. Louis County residents can sign up to receive text alerts from the Office of Emergency Management by texting “SLCOEM” to 78015.
Note that standard message and data rates apply.
This service is a practical way to receive county-focused weather advisories and instructions directly to your mobile device.
St. Charles County & Franklin County, Missouri
Franklin County residents can enroll via CodeRED or by texting “FranklinCounty” to 24639.
St. Charles County provides a separate online portal for localized emergency alerts.
These county-level options help ensure residents get alerts that reflect the specific weather risks and safety guidance in their communities.
Jefferson County & St. Clair County
Both Jefferson County and St. Clair County have adopted Everbridge for emergency notifications, giving residents the ability to customize which weather alerts they receive.
St. Clair County transitioned from CodeRED without requiring re-registration, simplifying the shift to the new system.
This modernization aims to improve reliability and user control over alert preferences during severe weather events.
Madison County
Madison County is transitioning from CodeRED to Everbridge, prompted by resident concerns about prior alert performance.
The move aims to maintain effective, timely communications while enabling residents to tailor alert settings to their needs.
Additional Tools to Stay Informed
Several apps provide real-time weather intelligence that complements text and push notifications.
The 5 On Your Side news app offers live radar, watches, and warnings.
To maximize its usefulness, users should enable “Breaking News” and “Weather Alerts” in the app’s Profile > Notifications section.
This combination gives you a multimedia feed of warnings, contextual weather data, and weather-related breaking news.
Practical Steps to Build a Redundant Alert System
To improve your readiness for severe weather, consider a layered approach that uses multiple channels.
Here are practical steps to implement now:
- Enable WEA on all compatible devices and keep it active to receive nationwide alerts during extreme weather events.
- Sign up for at least two local notification systems (e.g., NotifySTL, SLCOEM, CodeRED/Everbridge, or other county portals) to ensure regional coverage even if one system experiences delays.
- Register with county-specific programs like Franklin’s CodeRED and St. Charles’ online portal, and stay informed about any county transitions to Everbridge or other platforms.
- Install and configure the 5 On Your Side app for live radar, watches, warnings, and weather alerts, with notifications enabled for Breaking News and Weather Alerts.
- Keep devices charged and accessible during storms and consider alternative notification methods (e.g., landline or email) if mobile service is disrupted.
- Review and practice your emergency plan with family members, including meeting points, shelter options, and communication strategies.
Bottom Line
Staying informed during severe weather requires a multi-channel approach.
By combining federal WEA, local opt-in alerts across multiple counties, and real-time app data, residents can receive faster, more reliable warnings.
Review your alert subscriptions and enable relevant notifications.
Practice your emergency plan so you’re prepared when severe storms arrive.
Here is the source article for this story: Here’s how to sign up to get emergency weather alerts on your phone