The way these things are designed is the slightest bit of static will make that NOAA logo flash but as long as its getting reception is shouldn't have a problem activating for severe weather alerts I have this same radio and the NOAA logo flashes on it with clear reception but it doesn't have any issue with going off for any alert that is issued from the National Weather Service and if there is corrosion in the thing there is a chance that you could've left old batteries in it and the corroded.