Real-Time Alerts
Emergency notifications, weather warnings, road closures, and how to stay informed during severe events in Radford.
Sign Up for Alerts
Register for these free systems to receive emergency notifications on your phone, email, or desktop.
Alert Radford (Smart911)
The City of Radford’s official emergency notification system. Receive alerts via text, email, and voice messages for weather, traffic, emergencies, and city announcements. Free to register.
How to sign up: Visit the city website to register your phone, email, and address for geo-targeted alerts.
Radford Alert (Radford University)
RU’s emergency notification system for campus threats. Students, faculty, and staff are auto-enrolled. Family and visitors can opt in via SMS.
How to sign up: Text "RadfordAlert" to 67283 for 365-day subscription, or "RadfordShort" for 7-day access.
NWS Blacksburg
National Weather Service office covering the New River Valley. Issues watches, warnings, and advisories for severe weather, flooding, winter storms, and heat events.
How to sign up: Bookmark the NWS Blacksburg page or listen to NOAA Weather Radio (162.475 MHz).
511 Virginia (VDOT)
Real-time traffic info, road closures, work zones, and travel advisories. Available online, via mobile app (iOS/Android), or by dialing 511.
How to sign up: Dial 511 or 1-800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623), or download the 511 Virginia app.
Common Weather Hazards
Severe Thunderstorms
NWS issues watches (conditions favorable) and warnings (storms occurring). Seek shelter indoors immediately when warned.
Flash Flooding
The New River and local creeks can rise rapidly. Never drive through standing water. Radford’s flood stage at the New River gauge is 14.0 feet.
Winter Storms
Ice storms and snow can close roads and knock out power. Check 511 Virginia before traveling. VDOT deploys plows on state-maintained roads.
Tornado Warnings
Take shelter in a basement or interior room on the lowest floor. RU activates campus outdoor warning system with sirens and PA.
Drought
The NRV periodically experiences severe drought, impacting water supply and agriculture. Monitor NWS and city water advisories.
New River at Radford — River Gauge
Flood stage: 14.0 feet. Normal levels are around 2–3 feet. The NWS monitors river conditions at the Radford gauge point.
View Current River LevelsEmergency Contacts
Emergency
911
Police, Fire, Medical
Radford Police (Non-Emergency)
(540) 731-3624
Radford Fire & EMS
(540) 731-3636
Electric Outage (After Hours)
(540) 432-3945
Electric Outage (Business Hours)
(540) 731-3641
Public Works
(540) 731-3605
Roads, stormwater, solid waste
VDOT Hotline
1-800-FOR-ROAD
State road hazards
Poison Control
1-800-222-1222
24/7