WeatherBug Total Lightning Network™

Worldwide Lightning Detection and Severe Weather Prediction

The WeatherBug Total Lightning Network™ (WTLN) incorporates the most advanced lightning location technology available and is the first comprehensive in-cloud (IC) lightning and cloud-to-ground (CG) detection network deployed on a national basis. The ability to detect IC lightning at high efficiencies is critical for the advanced prediction of severe weather phenomena such as:

• Tornadoes
• Downburst winds
• Cloud-to-Ground lightning strikes

These potentially deadly weather events often occur within 5 to 30 minutes of IC flash initiation. Through efficient detection and monitoring of total lightning, significant improvements in severe storm lead times can be gained.

The Largest Lightning Sensor Network

The WeatherBug Total Lightning Network has been seamlessly integrated into the WeatherBug surface observation network of 8,000 live weather stations, making WeatherBug the largest single source of real-time lightning and weather information.

WTLN currently encompasses over 325 broadband high frequency lightning sensors covering the entire US including Alaska and Hawaii, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. WTLN is expanding to include sensor placements in strategic locations within 34 countries around the world including key areas throughout North and South America, the Caribbean, Europe, Australia, Africa and Asia. These additional locations will make WTLN the largest and most sophisticated lightning sensor network in the world.

By leveraging the existing infrastructure of the WeatherBug network, many industry partnerships, and a new modular sensor design, WTLN commands the dense sensor deployment needed to achieve high efficiency capture of total lightning activity. This comprehensive lightning sensor network also delivers industry leading and continuously increasing, detection efficiencies and location accuracies, as well as unparalleled system redundancies and reliability.

Comprehensive Cloud-to-Ground (CG) and Intracloud (IC) Lightning Detection

Detection of deadly cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning is critical in protecting people and property. However, CG lightning actually accounts for only a small percentage of the total lightning discharges that occur in the atmosphere. Intracloud (IC) lightning flashes, on the other hand, account for the vast majority of lightning activity and it is this activity that typically occurs well in advance of severe weather phenomena such as tornadoes, downburst winds, and CG lightning strikes. In this manner, IC lightning is a precursor of other severe weather events, and accurate detection of IC flashes can lead to issuance of earlier warnings, advanced lead times and more comprehensive weather management practices.

WTLN is the leader in this area, deploying a dense network of broadband frequency sensors on a national scale detecting both IC and CG lightning with high efficiencies and pinpoint accuracies – well beyond those of existing networks. This advancement in lightning detection enables improved severe storm forecasting, hazard mitigation and asset protection.

The WeatherBug Total Lightning Network Difference

• High temporal resolution high frequency (HF) sensors enhance detection of IC flashes
• First broadband national total lightning network
• A state-of-the-art high performance network system enabling scale and data flow efficiencies
• Unmatched network density and redundancy provides higher reliability and enhanced lightning detection efficiency and location accuracy
• High radio frequency (HF) sees fast cloud pulses

Providing Critical Safety and Operational Support

The WeatherBug Total Lightning Network provides data crucial for comprehensive weather management and emergency planning for:

• First Responders and Emergency Managers
• Aviation
• Utilities
• Sports and Recreation
• Schools
• Mobile Alerting

"WeatherBug is uniquely positioned to quickly integrate thousands of lightning sensors throughout our existing US nationwide network. We are very excited to again pioneer a breakthrough in observational technology and associated business models for our partners and customers."

Robert S. Marshall, CEO & Founder, AWS Convergence Technologies, owner of the WeatherBug brand.