Just in time for spring's thunderstorms, a new severe weather warning transmitter is now broadcasting in Cape Girardeau.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration transmitter, which will allow for better coverage and reception on NOAA weather radios, is in operation, said Rick Shanklin, warning coordination meteorologist.

Residents in and around Cape Girardeau County, including those in Perry, Bollinger, Scott and Mississippi counties, as well as Union and Alexander counties in Illinois can tune into KXI-93 at 162.55 megahertz and get broadcasting information from the Paducah, Ky., weather service forecast office.

"NOAA Weather Radio allows us to send weather statements and warnings straight from the forecaster to the public, saving five to 10 minutes or more," Shanklin said. "NOAA Weather Radio listeners can receive our warnings in a matter of seconds at a time when seconds save lives."

The transmitter was purchased by Citizens Electric Cooperative and donated to the National Weather Service. It was made possible thanks to a cooperative project between the National Weather Service, Citizens Electric Cooperative, Missouri State Emergency Management Agency, the city of Cape Girardeau, Cape Girardeau County and Withers Broadcasting.

The city of Cape Girardeau will feature the new warning transmitter at a dedication ceremony at 2 p.m. Thursday at the Osage Community Centre. Following the ceremony, the National Weather Service will also offer free weather spotter training classes until 5 p.m. Advanced registration is required to attend the training, but anyone interested can contact public information officer Tracey Glenn today at 335-8556.