Lightning Strike Data Now Available To A Wide Audience Through AccuWeather.com's RadarPlus™
Consumers And Businesses Can Access Street-Level Information And Receive Lightning Strike Alerts
(State College, PA - January 4, 2005) - AccuWeather, Inc. has partnered with Weather Decision Technologies, Inc.(WDT) to offer lightning strike information to consumers and businesses via AccuWeather.com's RadarPlus™ product. Through the United States Precision Lightning Network (USPLN™), a joint venture between WDT and TOA Systems, Inc., RadarPlus users can now see street-level lightning strikes for every location in the U.S., plus locations in southern Canada and northern Mexico. This new level of precision has never before been achieved, and AccuWeather's RadarPlus delivers this crucial information to a wider consumer and commercial audience by offering inexpensive access to lightning strike data for the first time ever. Users can choose to receive alerts for lightning strikes in selected areas, enabling them to make better decisions about work, travel and leisure plans. For example, a roofing contractor could use the alerts to avoid locations that are likely to receive lightning strikes; or a charity golf outing could be rescheduled if an alert indicates that there will be possible lightning strikes in the area.
The cutting-edge USPLN detection system used in RadarPlus Lightning Data allows clients to access data with over 95% detection efficiency. Cloud-to-cloud lightning flashes, as well as cloud-to-ground strokes, may be viewed at an accuracy of within 200 meters. PredictiveRadar bolsters the accuracy and efficiency of the information by showing the development and movement of precipitation areas. By combining lightning strike and radar data, RadarPlus can predict where lightning is most likely to strike.
RadarPlus also includes:
Interactivity to allow analysis of probable storm paths and evolution of precipitation, so users can determine the most likely area for a storm to strike. Ability to pinpoint locations with GIS maps, so users can see weather data precisely tailored to their needs with amazing geographic detail, including county roads and small towns. Integration of data that completes the picture of the weather situation, such as temperature information that can help users to determine where freezing rain may occur. Customization that gives the user complete control of whatever weather and geographic data are desired and how the data is displayed---including the ability to change the colors of the data.
"We are very excited to be able to offer the first commercially available web-based lightning network, allowing weather watchers, golf courses, electrical utilities and other businesses access lightning data for their locations on a real-time basis", said AccuWeather.com's Jim Candor, Senior Vice President of New Media.
"WDT is thrilled to work with AccuWeather to integrate USPLN lightning data within the RadarPlus product. We believe that this combination provides a truly unique and valuable tool for weather-sensitive organizations and their personnel," said Michael Eilts, President and CEO of WDT.
RadarPlus with Lightning Data is available with a 30-day free trial at http://radarplus.accuweather.com.
About AccuWeather and AccuWeather.com
AccuWeather.com, The World's Weather Authority®, provides a portfolio of products and services through the airwaves, via the Internet, in print, and behind the scenes that benefit hundreds of millions of people worldwide. AccuWeather.com services more than 150,000 paying customers in media, business, government and institutions, and millions more through the website. AccuWeather.com also provides content onto more than 1200 Internet sites including CNN Interactiv, ABC's owned and operated stations, The Associated Press©, The Washington Post and The New York Times.
For more information about lightning data on AccuWeather.com's RadarPlus service, please visit http://radarplus.accuweather.com; email behe@accuweather.com or call 814-235-8756. To speak with an AccuWeather.com meteorologist about breaking weather news, contact 814-235-8650.
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