Weather alert system for schools

Earth Networks, the provider of WeatherBug® products and services and operator of the largest weather observing and lightning network, today announced the availability of its Outdoor Alerting System for schools, colleges and universities. Featuring an outdoor horn, indoor alerting beacons and mobile and desktop alerts, the WeatherBug Outdoor Alerting System is specifically designed for outdoor mass notification and can be easily added to any WeatherBug Weather Station equipped with lightning detection technology.

Schools of all types can now use the first commercially available mass notification solution to be integrated with in-cloud (IC) and cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning detection technology. High rates of in-cloud lightning serve as precursory indicators of the potential for severe weather activity, including cloud-to-ground lightning strikes, heavy rain, hail, strong winds and the increased threat of tornadic activity. This detection technology provides school officials, faculty and staff more information and advanced warning of approaching severe weather.

The solution suite includes the following components and benefits:

  • A Professional-grade WeatherBug Weather Station and Lightning Detection Sensor Provides the most advanced warning of lightning and severe weather, Detects in-cloud and cloud-to-ground lightning well beyond that of existing networks and single-node “prediction” or traditional detection systems, and Records, in real time, numerous other weather measurements and parameters, including wind speed and direction, temperature, humidity and rainfall.
  • Advanced Alerting Systems Sends alerts to school administrators and officials, faculty and staff where and when they are needed: Mobile devices, computers, indoor alerting beacons and outdoors with the new WeatherBug Outdoor Alerting System, Includes user-defined thresholds and proximity limits, and Provides all-weather, real-time visualization though a Web- and GIS-based solution.
  • Improved Access to Local Weather Benefits the school district and community by providing access to local weather from neighborhood schools Enables live weather, alerts and forecasts on mobile phones, computers and tablet devices.