Don’t let thunderstorms catch you off guard

Set up rain alerts (and never get caught by unexpected storms again)

Unexpected storms aren’t just an inconvenience, they can put your family at risk. One minute your kids are playing outdoors or you’re enjoying a family beach day, the next you’re scrambling to get everyone out of the water as lightning approaches. When you’re responsible for keeping your family safe, you can never be overprepared.

Lightning strikes and sudden severe weather can turn a normal day into an emergency situation if you don’t have advance warning. Tack on the surprise summer cold from an unexpected downpour, and you’ll have your hands full the next week.

So why wouldn’t you set up an extra layer of protection that works automatically?

Your 2-minute rain alert setup

Real-time alerts can give you the critical minutes you need to get your family to shelter, bring the kids and pets indoors or clear the pool before lightning strikes within 15 miles of your location.

1. Open The Weather Channel app and click your profile (top right corner)
2. Select “Notifications” in the top left menu
3. Scroll to “My Places” and click the alerts button under your location
   • Pro tip: Choose “Current Location” so alerts follow you everywhere (perfect for travel days)
4. Turn on “Real-Time Precipitation” by tapping the slider in the second box
5. Bonus protection: While you’re there, enable government-issued alerts for serious weather warnings and lightning alerts within a 15-mile radius
6. Customize your daily forecast delivery starting as early as 6 a.m.

Alert notification set-up screen in The Weather Channel mobile app

You’re protected

That’s it. You’ve just created a safety net that works 24/7 to keep your family informed and protected. No more wondering if those dark clouds are dangerous. Just reliable, advance warning that gives you time to act.

When it comes to your family’s safety, why wouldn’t you take every precaution available? Turn on your real-time weather notifications today.