The National Weather Service [NWS] is experiencing significant weather data server capacity issues even during non severe weather days. The upshot of these server issues is that under the best case scenario RADAR data may be unreliable even during good weather. It is not beyond the pale that NWS servers could completely fail during bad weather days. The potential of these server failures cascading /collapsing the NWS' entire tornado warning capability should not be discounted.
Potentialities to Risk Mitigate (in order of probability):
1) Your phone RADAR app will be effectively non-functional
2) Your local TV weatherman may face RADAR delays / outages
3) Your local TV station may not receive timely Tornado Warnings
3) Your phone's Emergency Alert may not sound.
4) Your Weather Radios may not receive alert warnings.
Risk Mitigation Strategies: (in order failure survivability)
1) Tune into your local Amateur Radio SKYWARN network
These are local NWS trained weather spotters operating on HAM radio nets. They can operate independently even if the entire National Weather Service computer systems fail. Even when everything is functional they often provide warning prior to any other warning system. A google search for SKYWARN nets in your local area should return the information you need to listen to the frequencies that cover you local area.
2) Purchase a dedicated RADAR data download license from www.AllisonHouse.com.
AllisonHouse exists because even in the best of times NWS servers can be problematic. Their data feeds can be integrated directly into some phone apps and computer programs (see list)
AllisonHouse is known to be a reliable data provider and they should prove functional in all but the worst case complete failure of the National Weather Service. Currently they are still selling monthly data licenses, but if the herd stampedes their direction they might not be able to take new customers.
3) Purchase a S.A.M.E capable weather radio.
I prefer the Sangean CL-100 weather radio because it gives the user total control of exactly which warnings trigger its alarm. However, it should be plugged into an uninterruptable power supply as its own battery back system has been reported to drain down.
4) Purchase the RadarScope phone app.
RadarScope's own severs seem way more reliable than those provided on other free or paid apps. Moreover RadarScope is designed to seamlessly integrate with AllisonHouse's paid data feed.
