Weather Defender Blog

New Hail Tracking Software gives Contractors the Edge

Rory Groves — Tue, 22 May 2012 11:43:00 -0500

We are proud to announce our latest software product, designed specifically for construction, restoration, insurance, agriculture or any industry that relies on real-time storm damage information. LiveHailReports.com is web-based hail tracking software that allows users to pinpoint areas of hail damage on an interactive map. Tabular data is also provided with detailed information including:

Up-to-the-minute Hail Damage Reports anywhere in the United States
Nearest street address, hail size, and remarks about damage
Interactive map with aerial photography of homes, businesses
Export data to Microsoft Excel or Google Earth
Web-based: works on any computer or mobile device with full browser

See the video below for an overview of the product and its features.

Live Hail Reports also offers historical hail data going back several years, starting at $19.95 for a year's worth of data for an individual state.

If you know anyone who could use this hail locator service, please send them our way!

"...On the frontline getting information..."

Rory Groves — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 10:08:00 -0500

"During the outbreak of the tornados this week-end. I decided to buy it. I live in Joplin, Missouri area. Last year we were devastated in the F-5 tonrado. Weather Defender this week-end gave me the comfort and knowledge to know that I was on the frontline getting information first hand as it happened. I did not have to wait on delayed weather reports of what was coming our way. I knew what was happening NOW. I could look in ever direction and receive firsthand radar reports of ongoing storms miles and hours away from me. After last years May 22 tornado in Joplin and losing so much. Weather Defender has made our lives less stressful just knowing we are in control of our safety firsthand. Thank You."

Will Y.
Joplin, MO

Crazy Spring(?) Winter(?) Weather is Upon Us!

Jamie Robinson — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 19:33:00 -0500

The weather in the central U.S. has turned crazy! There are winter storm warnings in the northern tier of states, there are wind advisories on the map and then there's severe weather in Nebraska and Kansas. This map shows just how crazy it's getting. In this view, there's hardly a spot that isn't either currently affected or will be soon.

The winter weather is expected to continue across the Great Lakes and up into New England Wednesday afternoon through Thursday morning. Parts of Wisconsin could see 8-12 inches, New York state could see 3-6 inches and up around Concord, New Hampshire is likely to see nearly a foot of snow.

The severe weather is expected to march through Missouri, Illinois and Kentucky through the overnight hours tonight and up through the Ohio Valley on Wednesday. This will push eventually into the mid-Atlantic region bringing a chance for severe weather into the nation's capital.

Winter Making an Appearance

Jamie Robinson — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 18:27:00 -0500

In a year where winter has been hard to find, it's finally making itself known across the northern United States. The Northwest is seeing a multi-day winter storm that has over 200,000 without power on Puget Sound. The good news for Seattle and surrounding area is that temperatures are forecast to rise this weekend. This will keep any upcoming precipitation in the form of rain.

Cold air has settled in across the northern quarter of the U.S. Current temperatures in North Central Minnesota are currently below zero.

This, along with the winds, are creating dangerous wind chills across parts of the Dakotas, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

There are already Winter Weather Advisories out across the Upper Midwest through Friday evening.

Most areas are expecting around 2-4" of snow through Friday evening. Chicago's expecting 4-6" of snow and Milwaukee is expecting 3-5".

The storm should then move into the Northeast for Saturday. Again, most areas are expecting 1-3", however, Pittsburgh is in a narrow band that is expecting 3-5" of snow from Friday night through Saturday.

Most of the Country Feels Like Fall (Finally!)

Jamie Robinson — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 12:35:00 -0500

After a sweltering summer for many, much of the country finally feels like fall. Temperatures in the majority of the nation aren't getting out of the 60s.

In addition, with the wind factored in, many are dealing with very cool wind chills.

The upcoming week shows promise for some very interesting weather. There is currently a low pressure system coming into the Northweat part of the U.S. that will begin to affect much of the western and central U.S. over the weekend and into the middle of next week.

As you can see, winter weather advisories are already out for parts of the Rockies. As the system moves into the plains and midwest, there will be a chance for heavy rain and even some thunderstorms in the southern half of the region. The northern half looks to see a chance for snow (Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska and Wisconsin) as the system moves through Tuesday into Wednesday.

As always, stay on top of the weather with Weather Defender. It can handle all your weather needs.

More Rain Likely for the Northeast

Jamie Robinson — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 12:25:00 -0500

Looks like more rain is likely the next few days for an area of the country that's had more than its fair share this year already. Take a look at how much has already fallen in some locations this year:

Location 2011 Total (in.) Avg. Annual (in.) Excess Already in 2011 (in.)

Cleveland, OH 51.62 39.10 12.52

Harrisburg, PA 62.82 41.58 21.24

Binghamton, NY 58.67 39.24 19.43

Source: weather.com

These areas could end up seeing another 1-4 inches of rain through Friday this week. Another system coming through the area this weekend will likely be more wind than rain but with the wind comes an increased chance of lake effect precipitation in places like northern Ohio, northwest Pennsylvania and Upstate New York.

As you can see from the current surface map, there are 3 systems that will impact the Northeast. The low currently off the coast, the low pressure currently in Wisconsin and the low pressure system(s) currently north of Minnesota in southwestern Ontario, Canada.

For those in areas prone to flooding or who haven't dried out from recent floods, you can use Weather Defender to track total storm precipitation. Here's a screenshot from Indianapolis to show how Weather Defender plots rainfall totals. The darkest green areas shown have received between 1.5 - 2 inches of rain.

Weather Defender offers virtually endless layering options that allow the casual weather observer all the way to the hard core storm chaser the ability to track the weather that's important to them.

Free Hurricane Tracking Upgrade

Rory Groves — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 07:20:00 -0500

Hurricane Irene projected to impact major east coast cities. Those in the path can expect to experience:

Power outages
Extreme, damaging winds
Heavy rainfall & considerable flooding

Don't be caught unprepared.

Weather Defender will track storms with absolute precision. Sign up today and receive our Hurricane Tracking Upgrade absolutely FREE for the next 30 days:

Accurate Weather Conditions down to the Street Level
Live Weather Radar, Satellite Feeds, Forecasts & More
Automatic Weather Alerts to Desktop, Email, or Cell
Worldwide Hurricane Positions
5-Day Forecast Track and Wind Speeds
Flood Outlook, Coastal Warnings, and many more!

See Details and Pricing
Limited time offer, don't delay!

Hurricane Irene Heading for Northeast U.S.

Jamie Robinson — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 12:26:00 -0500

As Hurricane Irene works its way up the east coast, some of the most densely populated areas of the northeast are bracing for the worst hurricane landfall since Hurricane Bertha in 1996. At the time, Bertha caused over $350 million (2008 US$) in damages and was responsible for 12 deaths.

Hurricane Irene is currently projected to impact many of the major east coast cities including Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and New York. Boston likely won't escape unscathed either.

Those in the path can expect to experience power outages from the high winds. There will be large amounts of rain deposited that will cause considerable flooding both along the coast and inland. The coasts will also have a major problem with beach erosion.

Weather Defender's hurricane tracking features can show you where the storm has been, where it's heading, wind probabilities, hurricane watches and warnings and everything else you need to stay ahead of the storm. You can see many of these in the image below.

For those on the east coast, be sure to stay safe and heed all public advisories.

Severe Weather Possible in Upper Midwest & Ongoing Heat Wave

Jamie Robinson — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 12:27:00 -0500

While a large portion of the country struggles with a heat wave, the upper midwest will be dealing with the possibility of strong storms later today and tomorrow. While tornadoes are possible, the main threat looks to be strong winds and hail.

Day 1 Convective Outlook (also showing current temperatures)

Day 2 Convective Outlook

With any luck, the storms won't do any damage and may provide a brief respite for the upper midwest from the oppressive heat.

Some recent heat related records/stats:

Bowling Green, KY (new high for 7/27) of 109°F (old record of 108°F had stood since 1930)
Dallas, TX (new high minimum temperature all time) of 86°F on 7/26
Speaking of Dallas, they are currently in the middle of their 3rd longest streak (ever) of 100+ days - currently at 25 (record 42)
New York City used 1 Trillion Watt Hours of electricity over a 4 day heat wave last week (equals Vermont's total for 2 normal months)

Wichita Falls, TX (new high minimum temperature all time) of 88°F (old record was 83°F in 1952) on 7/26

Heat Wave Setting Records

Rory Groves — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 12:12:00 -0500

Residents as far north as Minneapolis are experiencing heat indexes of 115°F for the third day in a row.

Weather Defender basemap with Heat Index Contours enabled

The rest of the country is experiencing significant above-average heat:

Remember that extreme temperatures are the #1 weather killer, more than tornadoes, hurricanes and lightning combined. If you must be outside, look for shade and avoid unnecessary physical exertion during peak heat hours (noon-5PM). Infants and elderly are especially at risk during extreme heat, and should be monitored closely. Finally, drinking lots of water (16-32oz per hour) is a must to avoid dehydration.

Read more weather survival tips at SurvivalCache.com.