The National Weather Service's new wireless emergency alerts system offers a new way to send mass warnings. The text alerts set off a special tone and vibrate while delivering emergency information to people who are in the path of thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes, blizzards and other threats. Users do not have to sign up or pay for the service.
At this time, the weather alert system does not work with all smartphones or in all areas of the U.S.
