Like the reverse 911, one of our local TV stations has an alert phone call system. If severe weather is forecast for your neighborhood it gives you a call.

Worked well two weeks ago when we had a tornado pass within three miles of the house. We actually got the call before the TV station stated making announcements, we happened to be watching the news at the time.

As to the PC, "Weatherbug" does decent alerts, you can either set them make noise or not. It's a free download. Ignore the ads.

JB