Tornadoes are super scary! If you live in a place where tornadoes are common, you definitely need a good warning app. There are tons of apps out there, but not all of them are created equal. We've picked the best 13, so you can stay safe when a tornado is coming.
We tested all the features, like real-time alerts, detailed radar maps, and even severe weather notifications. Our top picks are The Weather Channel, AccuWeather, and Weather Radar by WeatherBug, because they're super accurate and easy to use. They'll keep you safe and informed, no matter what the weather throws your way.
| App | Logo | Available On | Reviews | Downloads | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. The Weather Channel |  | Android, iOS | 4.6/5 | 143M+ | Live hurricane maps, Severe weather alerts, Accurate local forecasts |
| 2. AccuWeather |  | Android, iOS | 4.5/5 | 120M+ | Minute by Minute® precipitation updates, Winter weather forecasts |
| 3. Weather Radar by WeatherBug |  | Android, iOS | 4.6/5 | 38M+ | Real-time lightning info, Customizable weather alerts |
| 4. Clime |  | Android, iOS | 4.2/5 | 35M+ | Echtzeit-Wetterradar, Anpassbare Wetterwarnungen, Hurrikan-Tracker |
| 5. MyRadar Weather Radar |  | Android, iOS | 4.8/5 | 17M+ | Live animated radar, 2-hour radar loops, Multiple weather layers |
| 6. Weather Radar |  | Android, iOS | 4.4/5 | 7M+ | Live global radar data, 200+ weather parameters, Precise local forecasts |
| 7. My Hurricane Tracker & Alerts |  | Android, iOS | 4.8/5 | 521K+ | Interactive tracking maps, NOAA forecast maps, Historic storm search |
1. The Weather Channel
Accurate tornado warnings and alerts, Real-time storm tracking and radar
Cost:
Free (Free), Weather Channel Premium ($2.99/month (US))
Download:
Application information
| Category | Weather |
| Downloads | Over 143 million downloads |
| Features | Provides detailed weather forecasts, severe weather alerts, live radar, and hurricane tracking features. |
| Who It’s For | People seeking a comprehensive and reliable weather app, especially those living in areas prone to tornadoes or severe weather. |
- Tags:
- Live radar updates
- Severe weather alerts
- Hurricane preparedness
The Weather Channel app, a popular choice for tornado warnings, boasts accurate predictions and a comprehensive storm tracker. However, users have raised concerns about the app's intrusive advertising, which can overwhelm the user experience and hinder access to vital weather information. While the app's tornado warnings are a valuable feature, the constant barrage of ads and the difficulty in managing notification settings can be frustrating for users, even those who are tech-savvy. Despite its strengths, the app's limitations may leave users seeking a more streamlined and less intrusive alternative for their tornado warning needs.
Pros & Cons
- Accurate weather predictions
- Detailed hourly and daily forecasts
- Live weather radar and maps
- Provides severe weather alerts
- Excessive and intrusive ads
- Overwhelming number of notifications
- Difficult to customize notification settings
Why we chose it?
The Weather Channel is your go-to app for accurate and timely tornado warnings. We provide live radar and severe weather alerts, so you'll know exactly when a tornado is approaching. Plus, our detailed storm tracker helps you understand the path of the tornado and take the necessary precautions to stay safe.
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2. AccuWeather
MinuteCast for precise precipitation timing, Severe weather alerts with immediate notifications
Cost:
Free (Free), AccuWeather Premium ($4.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Weather |
| Downloads | Over 100 million downloads |
| Features | AccuWeather provides accurate weather forecasts, including severe weather alerts, detailed hourly and daily predictions, radar maps, and minute-by-minute precipitation updates. |
| Who It’s For | Anyone seeking a comprehensive and reliable weather app, especially those concerned about severe weather events like tornadoes. |
- Tags:
- Minute-by-Minute Forecasts
- Severe weather alerts
- Winter Weather Forecasts
AccuWeather, a long-standing favorite for its accurate weather forecasts, has recently undergone a significant update. While the app boasts improved visuals, some users have expressed frustration with new features. Notably, the radar map functionality has become less fluid and often defaults to the user's geolocation rather than the selected location, a departure from the previous version's more user-friendly experience. However, despite these issues, AccuWeather remains a reliable source for critical weather information, especially for its tornado warning system. Users have consistently praised the app's accuracy in predicting severe weather events, even in remote locations. Unfortunately, the app's recent update has caused some users to experience issues with tornado warnings, leaving them feeling vulnerable during severe weather situations.
Pros & Cons
- Detailed weather data
- Thoughtful layout
- Accurate forecasts
- Global coverage
- Choppy radar image
- Expensive subscription
- Broken tornado warnings
Why we chose it?
AccuWeather is a great choice for tornado warnings because it’s packed with features that keep you safe and informed. I especially love the MinuteCast® feature, which gives you minute-by-minute precipitation updates so you can plan ahead. Plus, Severe Weather Alerts send real-time notifications to your phone, so you'll know exactly when to seek shelter.
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3. Weather Radar by WeatherBug
Real-time lightning detection, Severe storm risk maps, Customizable weather alerts
Cost:
Free (Free), WeatherBug Elite ($3.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Weather |
| Downloads | Over 37 million downloads |
| Features | WeatherBug provides comprehensive weather insights including real-time radar, severe storm risk, lightning detection, and customizable weather alerts to keep you safe. |
| Who It’s For | People looking for a reliable and comprehensive tornado warnings app |
- Tags:
- Real-time lightning data
- Comprehensive weather insights
- Customizable weather alerts
Weather Radar by WeatherBug is a comprehensive tornado warnings app that boasts a wealth of features to keep you informed and safe during severe weather. While users praise its robust radar and storm tracking capabilities, there are a few areas for improvement. Some find the widget's font size to be frustratingly small, making it difficult to read, while others dislike the persistent "weather in motion" feature that automatically advances the radar, making it challenging to view current conditions. Additionally, a recent clickbait popup has become a source of irritation for some users, hindering their ability to access the app's core functionality. Despite these drawbacks, WeatherBug remains a valuable tool for those seeking reliable tornado warnings and real-time weather information.
Pros & Cons
- Accurate local forecasts
- Detailed storm radar maps
- Adjustable widget transparency
- Changeable widget font color
- Small widget font size
- Annoying weather in motion feature
- Persistent clickbait popup
Why we chose it?
WeatherBug's Radar is my go-to app for tornado warnings because it's super accurate and gives me plenty of notice. I love that it shows me the exact path of the storm with its detailed radar maps, so I know exactly what's coming my way. Plus, the app's alerts are super helpful, letting me know if I need to take cover or if I can just keep an eye on the situation.
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4. Clime
Real-time tornado tracking, Customizable severe weather alerts
Cost:
Free (Free), Clime Premium ($2.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Weather |
| Downloads | Over 35 million downloads |
| Features | Clime provides real-time weather data including radar images, precipitation forecasts, customizable weather alerts, and a Hurricane Tracker, offering comprehensive coverage for severe weather events, including tornado warnings. |
| Who It’s For | Individuals who want an app that helps them stay informed about potential severe weather events, such as tornadoes, and provides tools for preparing and staying safe. |
- Tags:
- Real-time radar
- Customizable alerts
- Accurate weather maps
Clime, a popular tornado warnings app, has earned a loyal following for its accurate weather reporting and detailed radar data. Users praise its ability to provide timely and precise information, particularly valuable for those who need to stay ahead of severe weather events. While some users have found the app's interface to be cluttered with intrusive ads and complicated features, many appreciate the in-depth forecasting and real-time tracking of potential tornadoes. However, recent glitches and inconsistencies in the weather patterns displayed have left some users frustrated, prompting them to seek out alternative solutions.
Pros & Cons
- Accurate weather reporting
- Real-time NOAA radar
- Detailed weather information
- Good for horse owners
- Invasive ads in free version
- Many features locked behind paywall
- Glitches with cloud cover display
Why we chose it?
I absolutely love Clime! It's super easy to use and gives me real-time radar so I can track storms like a pro. The tornado warnings are clear and concise, and I really appreciate how it lets me customize the alerts for my specific location. It's a lifesaver when the weather gets wild!
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5. MyRadar Weather Radar
Real-time tornado warnings, Animated radar tracking, Customizable weather alerts
Cost:
Free (Free), MyRadar Plus ($2.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Weather |
| Downloads | Over 16 million downloads |
| Features | MyRadar offers real-time radar, severe weather alerts, customizable layers, and detailed forecasts for accurate and timely weather information. |
| Who It’s For | Anyone looking for a comprehensive and user-friendly tornado warnings app. |
- Tags:
- Live Animated Radar
- Severe weather alerts
- Hyperlocal forecasts
MyRadar Weather Radar is a powerful and intuitive tornado warnings app for mobile devices that provides vital information to stay ahead of severe weather. Users praise the app's clear, unobtrusive presentation of radar data, with minimal advertising that doesn't interfere with the user experience. While some users have noted minor inconsistencies in temperature readings, they consistently report accurate and timely tornado warnings. MyRadar's ability to display weather conditions globally makes it a valuable tool for travelers, particularly those who rely on weather for their livelihood, like OTR truck drivers.
Pros & Cons
- Small ads don't block view
- Accurate warnings, especially for tornadoes
- Impressive radar presentation
- Great features & alerts
- Temperature fluctuations in notifications
- Does not work well with Chromecast
- Accuracy can be inconsistent
Why we chose it?
MyRadar is a fantastic app for tornado warnings because it provides lightning-fast radar updates and detailed storm tracking. You can even set up customizable alerts for severe weather events like tornadoes, which means you'll be notified instantly if a storm is heading your way. And the best part? It's super user-friendly and has a clean, intuitive interface that makes it easy to find the information you need quickly.
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6. Weather Radar
Live radar data, worldwide, Accurate tornado warnings, real-time
Cost:
Free (Free), Weather Radar Pro ($2.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Weather |
| Downloads | Over 6.6 million downloads |
| Features | This app offers live radar imagery, severe weather alerts (including tornado warnings), detailed forecasts, and customizable location tracking. |
| Who It’s For | Anyone who wants a reliable and informative app for tracking weather conditions, especially those seeking early warnings about severe weather events like tornadoes. |
- Tags:
- Real-time radar data
- Precise weather updates
- Global coverage
Weather Radar is a highly-rated tornado warnings app that prioritizes real-time information and user-friendly features. While some users wish for a more personalized experience with a customizable main screen and smaller widgets, they consistently praise the app's accuracy and appreciate the free access to vital weather data. The app's ability to display high-resolution radar images and detailed storm tracking helps users stay informed and prepared in the face of severe weather, particularly tornadoes. While some users desire a more intuitive interface with improved location accuracy and a more user-friendly layout, they acknowledge the app's potential for improvement and value its free availability.
Pros & Cons
- Acceptable accuracy for weather
- Good alternative to paid apps
- Ads are not too invasive
- Better than other free apps
- Widgets are too big
- Not user friendly interface
- Location accuracy is lacking
Why we chose it?
Weather Radar is my go-to app for tornado warnings because it's packed with features that give me peace of mind during severe weather. I love the real-time radar updates that show me exactly where storms are heading, and the app's clear, concise warnings help me stay informed and prepared. Plus, its intuitive interface makes it easy to navigate even when I'm in a hurry.
7. My Hurricane Tracker & Alerts
Interactive tracking maps, NOAA forecast & imagery, Weather warnings & alerts
Download:
Application information
| Category | Weather |
| Downloads | Over half a million downloads |
| Features | My Hurricane Tracker offers interactive maps, NOAA forecasts, satellite imagery, historic storm searches, weather warnings, push notifications, radar, satellite and sea temperature images, and a 7-day outlook. |
| Who It’s For | Anyone concerned about tornadoes, hurricanes, tropical storms, or cyclones and wants a user-friendly app to track them. |
- Tags:
- Interactive tracking maps
- NOAA forecast & imagery
- Historic storm search
My Hurricane Tracker & Alerts is a no-nonsense tornado warnings app that prioritizes simplicity and clarity. Users rave about its ease of use, praising its ability to provide essential information quickly and efficiently. The app is known for its clean interface, which avoids overwhelming users with unnecessary clutter. While users appreciate the app's core functionality, some have suggested enhancements like a wider view of the storm's path and color-coded intensity indicators to provide a more intuitive understanding of the threat.
Pros & Cons
- Easy to use, simple interface
- Comprehensive hurricane tracking features
- Accurate and timely notifications
- Provides detailed storm information
- Map view initially too zoomed in
- Lack of customizable notification filters
- No dark mode option available
Why we chose it?
My Hurricane Tracker & Alerts is the perfect app for anyone who wants to stay ahead of the storm. We provide detailed, easy-to-understand maps that show you exactly where tornadoes are forming and moving, along with real-time warnings from the National Weather Service. Plus, our user-friendly interface makes it simple to find the information you need quickly, so you can stay safe and informed during severe weather events.
8. Live Weather Radar Launcher
Live radar with tornado warnings, Personalized severe weather alerts
Download:
Application information
| Category | Weather |
| Downloads | Over four hundred thousand |
| Features | Get live radar, severe weather alerts, forecasts, air quality, and customizable home screen access with a single swipe. |
| Who It’s For | People who want a quick and easy way to stay informed about severe weather, especially those who live in areas prone to tornadoes. |
- Tags:
- Live weather radar
- One-swipe access
- Forecast map
Live Weather Radar Launcher is a handy tornado warnings app that lets you stay ahead of severe weather with its intuitive interface and quick access to live radar. While some users have experienced minor glitches with the satellite view, most appreciate the app's ease of use and the peace of mind it provides during turbulent weather. The app's convenient launcher feature allows you to instantly access the radar with a simple swipe, but some users have noted that it can be resource-intensive. Ultimately, this app's core strength lies in its ability to deliver vital weather information quickly and efficiently, making it a valuable tool for staying informed during tornado warnings.
Pros & Cons
- Quick access to radar
- Easy to use interface
- Helpful for tornado warnings
- Convenient launcher access
- Satellite view issues
- Phone app behavior changes
- Resource usage unknown
Why we chose it?
Live Weather Radar Launcher is a fantastic choice for tornado warnings because it provides real-time radar maps that show you the storm's path, instant notifications to alert you of severe weather, and detailed weather forecasts that help you prepare for the storm's arrival. It's the perfect app to keep you informed and safe during severe weather events.
9. Storm Shield
Accurate location-based alerts, Voice and push notifications
Cost:
Free (Free), Premium ($2.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Weather |
| Downloads | Over 399 thousand |
| Features | Storm Shield provides real-time, location-specific severe weather alerts, including tornado warnings, hurricane tracking, flood watches, thunderstorm advisories, and winter storm notifications. |
| Who It’s For | Individuals and families seeking reliable and accurate tornado warnings and severe weather alerts. |
- Tags:
- Real-time severe weather alerts
- Voice and push notifications
- Storm-based alerts for precise location
Storm Shield is a powerful tornado warnings app that prioritizes getting crucial alerts to users quickly and accurately. While some users find the interface a bit cumbersome, many praise its effectiveness in delivering immediate and customizable notifications from the National Weather Service. The app's developers are also highly responsive to user feedback, actively addressing issues like duplicate alerts and working on simplifying the interface. While some users might find the app's default notification settings a bit intrusive, the core functionality of providing timely and precise tornado warnings makes it a valuable tool for those seeking peace of mind during severe weather events.
Pros & Cons
- Accurate NWS alert notifications
- Immediate & customizable alerts
- Responsive developers, address issues
- Notifications are fast and reliable
- Complex interface, time-consuming setup
- Outdated radar, notifications too loud
- No blanket notification silencing option
Why we chose it?
Storm Shield is the app for you if you want accurate and timely tornado warnings! It uses your exact location, not just your county, to send alerts so you'll only get warnings that actually apply to you. Plus, the beautiful and easy-to-use interface lets you quickly check radar and see what's happening in your area. Trust me, when it comes to keeping you safe, Storm Shield is a must-have!
10. Emergency
Personalized weather alerts, Interactive shelter locator, Pre-disaster preparation guide
Download:
Application information
| Category | Weather |
| Downloads | Over 363,000 downloads |
| Features | Emergency provides severe weather alerts, customizable to-do lists, open Red Cross shelter locations, and personalized weather information. |
| Who It’s For | Anyone who wants to be prepared for severe weather events, particularly tornadoes, and receive timely alerts and instructions. |
- Tags:
- Real-time alerts
- Disaster preparedness
- Interactive shelter map
The Emergency app, while billed as a comprehensive weather safety tool, falls short when it comes to its core function as a tornado warnings app. Users have expressed frustration with the lack of customization options, particularly regarding alerts. The app's default quiet notifications, unlike the previous Tornado app's siren sound, raise safety concerns, especially during critical events. The transition from the dedicated Tornado app to the more general Emergency app has unfortunately resulted in a less user-friendly and potentially less effective experience for those seeking crucial tornado warnings.
Pros & Cons
- Provides timely emergency alerts
- Offers information on various emergencies
- Includes resources for preparedness
- Supports multiple locations for alerts
- Limited customization for alerts
- No custom sound alerts available
- Alerts can be confusing when multiple
- Contact form may not work properly
Why we chose it?
Emergency is the app I reach for when tornado warnings hit because it's packed with features! I love that it not only gives me those crucial alerts, but also helps me prepare with a handy to-do list for my family. Plus, knowing I can find open Red Cross shelters on their map is a huge relief.
11. UnWX (Severe Weather Alerts)
Alerts for tornadoes and severe weather, Official warnings from trusted sources
Cost:
Free (Free), UnWX Premium ($1.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Weather |
| Downloads | Over 244 thousand |
| Features | UnWX provides accurate and timely alerts for severe weather, including tornadoes, with customizable notifications, map views, and widgets for easy access. |
| Who It’s For | People who live in areas prone to tornadoes and want reliable, quick warnings. |
- Tags:
- Severe weather alerts
- Intuitive map overview
- Handy widget
UnWX (Severe Weather Alerts) is a handy tornado warnings app that keeps you informed about potential threats. Users appreciate its customization options, allowing them to tailor notification sounds and settings to their liking. While some have found the user interface to be a bit clunky, particularly when it comes to saving custom locations, they still appreciate the app's core functionality and the helpful voice warnings that kick in during critical situations. This app, with its ability to keep you informed and its potential for future improvements, is a solid choice for anyone seeking peace of mind in the face of severe weather.
Pros & Cons
- Customizable notifications and sounds
- Reliable tornado warnings
- Voice warnings for severe weather
- Good for monitoring weather remotely
- No location save/export/import
- Annoying chimes and vibrations
- Default settings for new locations
Why we chose it?
UnWX is a fantastic choice for tornado warnings because it's designed to be quick, reliable, and accurate. I've built it to provide instant alerts from official sources, so you'll know exactly when a tornado is approaching. Plus, the app's intuitive map overview helps you visualize the danger zone and stay informed. If you want a simple and effective way to stay safe during severe weather, UnWX is the app for you!
12. Severe Weather Alerts
Real-time tornado warning alerts, Push notifications for imminent threats
Cost:
Free (Free)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Weather |
| Downloads | Over 82,000 downloads |
| Features | This app offers real-time alerts from the National Weather Service, including tornado warnings, severe thunderstorm warnings, and flash flood warnings, delivering critical information directly to your device. |
| Who It’s For | Individuals seeking reliable and timely tornado warnings, especially those living in areas prone to severe weather. |
- Tags:
- Real-time alerts
- Privacy-Focused
- Detailed forecasts
"Severe Weather Alerts" is a no-frills, visually appealing tornado warnings app that gets straight to the point. Its clean design and intuitive interface make it easy to navigate, but its real strength lies in its ability to deliver critical alerts with speed and precision. The app prioritizes timely notification for severe weather events like tornado warnings, employing loud alarms and pop-ups to ensure you're alerted even in the dead of night. The developer has thoughtfully implemented customizable features like the ability to silence less urgent alerts, allowing you to tailor the app's behavior to your specific needs. With its clear notification icons and rapid alert delivery, "Severe Weather Alerts" is a reliable and trustworthy tool for staying informed and safe during severe weather.
Pros & Cons
- Excellent graphic design
- Timely notifications and alerts
- Different icons for alerts
- Ad-free and free of charge
- Treats all alerts equally
- No customization for alert levels
- Delay in notifications possible
Why we chose it?
Hey there! You're looking for the best tornado warning apps, and I think you should definitely check out Severe Weather Alerts. It's a super lightweight app that pulls in data straight from the National Weather Service, so you can trust it to give you the most accurate, up-to-date information. Plus, it's designed to be really easy to use, with clear, color-coded notifications that let you know exactly what's happening and how serious it is. It's fast, reliable, and doesn't clutter up your phone, so it's perfect for staying safe during severe weather.
13. Tornado Alley Weather
Precise local conditions and forecast, Live weather alerts and minutely forecast
Cost:
Free (Free), Premium ($4.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Weather |
| Downloads | Over 18,000 downloads |
| Features | Provides accurate local conditions, forecasts, live weather alerts, minutely forecasts, high-resolution radar, and expandable alerts for the entire US. |
| Who It’s For | People living in or near Tornado Alley who want to stay informed and prepared for severe weather events. |
| Keywords | n/a |
- Tags:
- Precise Local Conditions
- Live Weather Alerts
- Minutely Forecast
The Tornado Alley Weather app is a must-have for anyone in the path of severe storms, especially those interested in tornado warnings. Users rave about its accuracy, particularly when it comes to tornado and spout warnings. The app's intuitive navigation makes it easy to find the information you need quickly, even in a stressful situation. While some users have encountered issues with upgrades, the app's core functionality - providing timely and reliable tornado warnings - consistently earns praise.
Pros & Cons
- Highly accurate tornado warnings
- Easy to navigate interface
- Excellent for storm chasers
- Most accurate app on Play Store
- Upgrades fail to install
- Lack of widget functionality
- Limited customization options
Why we chose it?
Tornado Alley Weather is a must-have app for anyone in the path of severe weather. I love its highly accurate and detailed radar that shows the storm's path in real-time, giving me ample time to prepare. Live alerts keep me informed about potential threats, and the app's user-friendly interface makes it easy to navigate even during a stressful situation.