In an update to our earlier reports, the National Weather Service in Valley, Nebraska, said today (Monday), that the Hancock Weather Transmitter (KZZ-52) will continue to be out of service for anywhere from 12-to 14-weeks, possibly longer, while they wait for repair crews to assess the damage to the Hancock Tower and related components that send out the Emergency Alert System tones your weather radio receives during times of severe weather or other emergencies. The facility was knocked-off the air this past winter due to icing. Officials say the stability of the tower must be assessed before they can look at other critical components. The transmitter covers parts of six area counties and all of Cass County.

That means unless you are signed-up for the Cass County Emergency Notification System, you will have to be extremely weather aware during this severe storm season. Signing-up is free and easy, and you can select the types of alert(s) you want to receive and how you want to receive them (voice, text or e-mail). You can select any or all communities in Cass County for your warning area, as well. And, you can indicate if anyone at your residence has special needs (Such as: Assistive devices, bedridden, blind/vision impaired, Deaf/hearing impaired, limited mobility/wheelchair user, and if the person uses an oxygen machine/cylinder).

To sign-up, go to the Cass County Emergency Management page  http://www.atlanticiowa.com/county/county-departments/emergency-management/ and click on the Alert Iowa! link. If you have any questions or need help, call Cass County Emergency Management Coordinator Mike Kennon at 712-254-1500,