I get asked this question a lot. The answer is a resounding yes. Weather radios can give you information about what is going on, what is coming (in most cases), and what they recommend if severe weather is imminent. You can listen to this information using a weather radio or a radio capable of tuning in on weather bands. Many ham radios and some GMRS radios will also provide weather band access for receive (listen only), and some of them also provide severe weather alerts.
NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) provides information across the US using radio frequency of 162.400MHz through 162.550MHz in 25kHz increments consisting of 7 channels. Every state has multiple channels, but not all states use all 7 channels. Tuning in is very easy, with a dial based tuning radio, you dial in the weather frequency until you hear the broadcast. With ham radios, you can tune in on specific frequencies, and some are preprogrammed with all 7 channels. Some older NOAA weather radios only have 3 channels available. All newer NOAA weather radios have 7 channels in the US.
Here is the NOAA – National Weather Service site where you can find the channels in your area.
If you already have a ham radio or GMRS radio, see if you can tune in to the weather bands. Otherwise, I highly recommend getting a weather radio (preferably one with severe weather alert) when you travel on the road, off roading, overlanding, camping, or even long hikes.
