[Skip to content](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/press/t-mobile-prepares-for-a-series-of-powerful-storms-along-western#maincontent) [Newsroom](https://www.t-mobile.com/news)Toggle secondary navigation - [Network](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/category/network) - [Devices](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/category/devices) - [Un-carrier](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/category/un-carrier) - [Community](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/category/community) - [Offers](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/category/offers) - [Business](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/category/business) English [Press Release](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/press) # T‑Mobile Prepares for a Series of Powerful Storms Along Western Washington October 12, 2016  3 min read - Facebook IconShare on Facebook - Share on Twitter - LinkedIn IconShare on LinkedIn *The Un-carrier prepares its network and offers guidance to* *help keep customers connected before, during and after the storms* __Bellevue, WA — October 13, 2016 —__ With strong winds and heavy rainfall currently expected to impact Western Washington beginning today and through the weekend, T‑Mobile’s operations and engineering teams are actively monitoring weather patterns and preparing equipment and supplies in the potentially affected areas to help customers stay connected. From readying backup generators, Cell-On-Wheels (COW), and fuel tanks to setting up an engineering Command Center in the areas of expected impact, T‑Mobile engineers and rapid response teams are ready to mobilize. In addition, T‑Mobile’s Geo-Redundant Network Operation Centers (NOCs) will closely manage network traffic and further coordinate any response needed. Here are some important steps people can take to increase chances of connecting with loved ones before, during and after the storm: - __Make sure your phone is fully charged before the storm__ and have a plan to recharge your phone in case of a power outage, such as a car charger or portable power charger. You also can find several options in our retail stores and [online](https://www.t-mobile.com/accessories/chargers.html). - __Conserve phone battery life__ during power outages by utilizing your phone’s power-save mode. Also consider reducing screen brightness, turning off location-based services when they’re not being used, and limiting app usage and downloads. - __Send a text__ instead of calling. Text messages are more likely to get through during high usage periods since texts require fewer network resources. - __If you need to make a call, keep it short__ so others can also get through. The number of calls spikes during severe weather events; try to limit conversations and keep the network available for all to use. - __Keep your phone dry__ by storing it in a plastic bag or other waterproof covering. - __Make sure emergency contacts are updated on your phone.__ - __Use Wi-Fi calling__ if cellular service is not available. Wi-Fi calling allows T‑Mobile customers with capable devices to text and make and receive voice calls via any Wi-Fi connection. - __For iOS__ go to *Settings > Phone > Wi-Fi Calling*. - For Android go to *Settings > More Connection Settings > Wi-Fi Calling*. Customers can stay up to date with the latest storm forecasts from NOAA’s National Weather Service at [weather.gov](http://www.weather.gov/). For T‑Mobile Customer Care, visit [www.my.t‑mobile.com](http://www.my.t-mobile.com/) or call 611 from your T‑Mobile handset. \# # # __About T‑Mobile US, Inc.__ As America's Un-carrier, T‑Mobile US, Inc. (NASDAQ: TMUS) is redefining the way consumers and businesses buy wireless services through leading product and service innovation. The Company's advanced nationwide 4G LTE network delivers outstanding wireless experiences to 67.4 million customers who are unwilling to compromise on quality and value. Based in Bellevue, Washington, T‑Mobile US provides services through its subsidiaries and operates its flagship brands, T‑Mobile and MetroPCS. For more information, please visit [https://www.t‑mobile.com](https://www.t-mobile.com/).     __Media Contacts__ T‑Mobile US Media Relations [MediaRelations@t‑mobile.com](mailto:MediaRelations@T-Mobile.com)   __Wi-Fi Calling:__ Not compatible with TTY devices at this time (including calls to 911). More [info](https://www.t-mobile.com/company/company-info/consumer/accessibility-policy.html).   Tags[Consumer](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/archive/consumer)[Emergency Response](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/archive/emergency-response)[Relief](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/archive/relief) ## Related Stories [More Stories](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/stories) [ \ NetworkPress Release \ __T‑Mobile Expands Network Recovery and Customer Support Across Hawaiʻi Following Hurricane Lala (Updated 8/18/26)__ \ August 16, 2026|7 min read](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/network/t-mobile-expands-network-recovery-and-customer-support-across-hawaii-following-hurricane-lala) [ \ CommunityPress Release \ __T‑Mobile Teams Support Midwest Storm Response__ \ August 14, 2026|2 min read](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/community/t-mobile-teams-support-midwest-storm-response) [ \ NetworkPress Release \ __T‑Mobile Activates T-Satellite and Mobilizes Network Teams as Tropical Storm Lala Approaches Hawaiʻi (Updated 8/16/26 AM)__ \ August 14, 2026|7 min read](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/network/t-mobile-activates-t-satellite-and-mobilizes-network-teams-tropical-storm-lala-hawaii) [ \ NetworkPress Release \ __T‑Mobile Prepares Network and Positions Crews Across Hawaiʻi Ahead of Tropical Weather__ \ August 12, 2026|2 min read](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/network/t-mobile-prepares-hawaii-ahead-of-tropical-weather)