Verithiathe honest score on any app
Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
Head-to-head

WMC5 First Alert Weather vs StormTrack 5

WMC5 First Alert Weather 4.7★ · Free to download 60
Winner StormTrack 5
StormTrack 5 4.8★ · Free to download 70

StormTrack 5 generally offers more reliable radar and alerts, making it a slightly better choice despite some recent update issues, while WMC5 suffers from more widespread functionality problems and excessive ads.

Full reviews: WMC5 First Alert Weather · StormTrack 5

StormTrack 5 (App B) generally has more accurate and reliable storm tracking and alerts, though recent updates have caused some issues. WMC5 First Alert Weather (App A) is praised for its local meteorologists but is plagued by frequent app crashes, radar malfunctions, and an abundance of ads.

Head to head

Radar Functionality and Accuracy edge: StormTrack 5R1R4R6R7
WMC5 First Alert Weather Many WMC5 users report significant issues with the radar, including it not working, showing a black screen, lagging, not updating, or crashing the app when settings are changed R1R4R6R7. Some also find the radar inaccurate or not showing weather for their location R31R37.
StormTrack 5 StormTrack 5 users also experience radar problems, such as it not updating, crashing the app, or not working after updates . However, many praise its detailed and helpful radar maps, especially for tracking nearby storms, and its ability to show what's happening in the next 15 minutes . Some users do report it being inaccurate or showing clear skies when it's raining .
Alerts and Notifications edge: StormTrack 5R1R2R8R11
WMC5 First Alert Weather WMC5 is praised by many for keeping families safe and updated during severe weather, with some users specifically mentioning verbal alerts from meteorologists R2R8R11. However, a significant number of users report that alerts don't work, are too frequent, or are not for their correct location R1R36.
StormTrack 5 StormTrack 5 is highly regarded for its storm alerts and warnings, with users appreciating timely and accurate notifications for approaching storms and lightning strikes . Conversely, some users complain about alarmist or false notifications, or a complete lack of alerts for severe weather like tornadoes .
Ease of Use and Interface tieR7R13R15R16
WMC5 First Alert Weather WMC5 users express frustration with recent updates that have made the app less user-friendly, with complaints about the new radar system, cluttered screens, and difficulty finding information R7R13. Some also report issues with videos not playing R15R16.
StormTrack 5 StormTrack 5 also faces criticism regarding recent updates, with users disliking extra clutter on the screen, changes to custom settings, and issues with screen rotation for wider views . Some users find the interface hard to read or navigate .
Reliability and Performance tieR1R9R12R15
WMC5 First Alert Weather WMC5 users frequently report the app being slow, glitchy, crashing, or not working at all R1R9R12R15. Specific issues include the app not being available at the current location or not working on smart TVs R15.
StormTrack 5 StormTrack 5 users also experience reliability issues, with reports of the app crashing after updates, not loading, or not connecting to WiFi . Some note it's a great app 'when it works' .
Ads and Monetization edge: WMC5 First Alert WeatherR3R12R19R27
WMC5 First Alert Weather WMC5 receives strong criticism for an excessive number of fraudulent, scam, or intrusive ads that clutter the page and interfere with usability R3R12R19R27. Users feel the app is primarily an 'advertising opportunity' R19.
StormTrack 5 StormTrack 5 users also complain about too many pop-up ads that make it hard to navigate .
Local Focus and Personalities tieR2R10R22R35
WMC5 First Alert Weather WMC5 users appreciate the local focus, especially the coverage during severe storms and the contributions of specific meteorologists like Ron Childers R2R35. However, some are frustrated when alerts or information are not relevant to their specific location R10R22.
StormTrack 5 StormTrack 5 is also valued for its local weather coverage and staff . Some users note issues with the app defaulting to incorrect locations or not showing enough information for their specific area .
Pick WMC5 First Alert Weather if

You prioritize hearing from specific local meteorologists during severe weather events and are willing to tolerate frequent ads and potential app glitches R2R35.

Pick StormTrack 5 if

You need a weather app primarily for reliable storm tracking and timely, accurate alerts, and are generally satisfied with its performance despite some recent update issues .

Evidence note: Both apps are free to download, and the negative reviews for both often stem from functionality issues or intrusive ads, which are common complaints for free apps. The lifetime ratings are very similar, but recent reviews indicate a decline in satisfaction for both, particularly concerning recent updates.

Frequently asked

Do these apps offer accurate weather forecasts?
WMC5 First Alert Weather is generally considered to have good accuracy for its weather forecasts, though some users report inconsistencies R3R31R36R37. StormTrack 5 is often praised for its accuracy, especially for short-term forecasts and storm tracking, but some users find it unreliable or not accurate for their specific location .
Are there many ads in these apps?
WMC5 First Alert Weather is heavily criticized for an excessive number of fraudulent, scam, or intrusive ads that clutter the app and impede usability R3R12R19R27. StormTrack 5 also has complaints about too many pop-up ads, but the issue appears less severe than with WMC5 .
Do these apps have issues with recent updates?
Both WMC5 First Alert Weather and StormTrack 5 have received numerous negative reviews following recent updates, with users reporting ruined radar functionality, app crashes, less user-friendly interfaces, and general glitches R1R4R7R13.

What reviewers actually said

Built only from these 120 real reviews (foreign ones translated). Superscripts jump to the quote here. Apple has no per-review links, so [ref] opens that app's reviews on the App Store.

  1. [R1] WMC5 First Alert Weather 2/5 · US Alerts don’t work!!!!: Since the last update, I do not get any verbal notifications. Also, when you go to turn alerts on the map none of them show up. There’s a lag even though the app is connected to the Internet just needs to be fixed. I’ve used this app for more than 10 years and now it’s barely functional.
  2. [R4] WMC5 First Alert Weather 1/5 · US Update ruined radar: This app used to be great but the update has ruined the radar options.
  3. [R6] WMC5 First Alert Weather 3/5 · US That is not 24 hours: Why can the “24 hour” radar only go halfway on the bar before the radar stops
  4. [R7] WMC5 First Alert Weather 2/5 · US Radar needs improvement: The old radar system was a lot more user friendly and easier to understand new update is not good
  5. [R2] WMC5 First Alert Weather 5/5 · US The best app ever: This is the best app ever on my phone I love how y’all prepared for storms like tornadoes and severe thunderstorms, which we just had them on Monday and Tuesday not very much on Monday but a lot on Tuesday, please make more videos. I really wanna see what’s happening and I live in Memphis so yeah
  6. [R8] WMC5 First Alert Weather 5/5 · US Keeps me alerted: The first alert weather keeps my family safe from the storm
  7. [R11] WMC5 First Alert Weather 5/5 · US Weather: I love this app! It keeps my family safe and helps us plan.
  8. [R13] WMC5 First Alert Weather 2/5 · US Disappointed: Not happy with new upgrade. Don’t fix what’s not broken! I had it set, don’t like the way it looks
  9. [R15] WMC5 First Alert Weather 3/5 · US Apps needs improving: I really like The Action News 5 weather app. But open the satellite map is not updating. Also, often the app will not work on my phone or my smart tv. The videos are not updating in a timely manner either. There needs to be some sort of update to fix these bugs.
  10. [R16] WMC5 First Alert Weather 2/5 · US Video’s: Can’t get videos to play.
  11. [R9] WMC5 First Alert Weather 3/5 · US Waylon: This app can be good but it can also be a pile of peanut butter dog licking maggot chewing piece of kitty litter because it comes in handy but it also does it at the wrong time so it’s mid and that’s why I gave it three stars.
  12. [R12] WMC5 First Alert Weather 3/5 · US Slow: Very slow waiting for it you want make sure we see the advertisement I don’t like that think I will use WREG
  13. [R3] WMC5 First Alert Weather 3/5 · US Accurate weather; Scam ads: The accuracy of the weather forecast on this app is good, but the whole app is covered in fraudulent, scam ads.
  14. [R19] WMC5 First Alert Weather 1/5 · US Advertising Opportunity: Just another opportunity for revenue for the TV Station.
  15. [R27] WMC5 First Alert Weather 3/5 · US Ads: Way too many ads cluttering the page.
  16. [R10] WMC5 First Alert Weather 2/5 · US Best to worst: This app was my favorite travel app. Not only for weather wherever I was at, but especially for the Traffic part of the app. The Traffic part now ONLY works for Memphis - no more checking the roads for where I’m at, where I’m going, or for my daughters traveling on the road. For this loss of functionality, giving it 2 stars.
  17. [R22] WMC5 First Alert Weather 1/5 · US First alert: I’ve never seen a station get such a hard on when it’s raining 150 miles from Memphis!! Don’t Mississippi and Arkansas have weather stations? Ron you bought your wife those new boobs are they not covering her bad breath or does it smell that bad south of her waist line? Cause you get a hard on when it thunders and don’t let us what we pay for! So something with what you paid for on Jo
  18. [R35] WMC5 First Alert Weather 5/5 · US Sliding Toward 80: Your Voice n those of your superior staff Offers TO US-your PQPublic viewers n listeners a level of ‘direction - timing- and calm ‘ in a high stakes Real Life drama - dealing with L I F E ! WE Are All Blessed To Be Able To Have YOU And YOURS ‘On Our Side-Looking Out For All Of US ‘ Thank Y’all From All Our ❤️❤️❤️❤️s
  19. [R31] WMC5 First Alert Weather 1/5 · US Fake weather forecast.: This app is not a legit weather forecast.
  20. [R36] WMC5 First Alert Weather 3/5 · US Alerts / readings not accurate: Currently 26 says 43
  21. [R37] WMC5 First Alert Weather 2/5 · US Weather: Why don’t weather people look outside before they forecast current conditions. Sun shining yet forecast is clouding & rain. So frustrating!

Synthesized from 120 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store