We used a hand crank radio during that time. I really want one that is multi-band.
I also used a small battery operated radio which had am/fm/shortwave. I did not keep it on all of the time because I only had a few batteries and I sure did not want to go to the few stores which had generators. It was amazing how super nice drivers were at the non-working stop lights. We all took turns at them. My daughter’s company is in another part of town and she said it was freaky driving home with no lights whatsoever. She also said it was dangerous. We learned a lot during that week
I have a Kaito Voyager. Purchased it at NormThompson.com for about $60.
It’s great. it’s multi-band; weather; crank, and it has a solar panel. It even comes in several colors. It’s about 5x8 in size - 2” deep, and not very heavy. It has an attached strap, and two flashlight settings .. one is flashing red, and the other is solid white.
Great buy. Gave a couple away as gifts to people who live in bad weather places.