Agreed. Except I don’t have a smart phone. B4 digital, one could get radios to monitor local TV stations, who usually do a good job tracking tornados in their coverage area. Maybe somebody makes a digital OTA tv tuner that can run off 12 volts?
Well, the smartphone is the best and most versatile option.
Failing that, you can get a portable 7” DTV for under $100 that can run off USB or 12V vehicle power. There are 4” units under $50.