MADISON, Wis.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–MyWeather.com, the consumer-facing division of Weather Central, announced today the release of PinPoint Lightning 2011, an iPhone app using patented technology to display the time and distance of the latest “cloud to ground” lightning strikes — warning users of nearby lightning based on their precise location. MyWeather.com and its parent company, Weather Central, are well known for highly accurate, location specific, and personalized forecasting technology that powers a unique suite of science-driven weather information products for businesses and consumers. As part of the company’s MyWeather brand, MyWeather.com apps are a central component of the company’s suite of digital consumer products.
“As the second-leading cause of weather-related deaths in the U.S., lightning causes more fatalities than tornadoes and hurricanes combined. Knowing when lightning is approaching or is nearby will help users make informed safety decisions; priceless information for anyone who spends time outdoors.”
PinPoint Lightning 2011, one of a set of personalized consumer-facing digital products to be released by Weather Central in the next few months, comes at a time when many states are preparing for an active severe weather season. MyWeather.com is promoting weather safety by donating 10% of 2011 PinPoint Lightning iPhone app net sales to the Lightning Protection Institute through March 15, 2011.
“Lightning can happen any time of year, as demonstrated by the thundersnow in Chicago during the near-nationwide blizzard on February 2,” said Terry Kelly, CEO of Weather Central. “As the second-leading cause of weather-related deaths in the U.S., lightning causes more fatalities than tornadoes and hurricanes combined. Knowing when lightning is approaching or is nearby will help users make informed safety decisions; priceless information for anyone who spends time outdoors.”
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With user configurable settings, the app pushes alerts displaying the street-level location of the latest lightning strike compared to the user’s exact location, or can remain on standby in the background. Users will also have the ability to set the app to show real-time lightning strikes within 15, 20 or 30 miles of their geo-located position. Zooming out to national view shows active radar in the U.S., while rotating the phone horizontally displays full-screen radar maps. The app takes full advantage of the capabilities of the iPhone to give users a high-performance stream of relevant information. In addition, users can save up to 10 locations for quick viewing. (Note: PinPoint Lightning 2011 is operational through March 31, 2012 in the Continental U.S. and Canada where a data connection is available, and sells for $5.99)
To learn more about 2011 PinPoint Lightning, see http://www.pinpointlightning.com.
About Weather Central, LP
MyWeather.com is a division of Weather Central, LP. Weather Central, LP was founded in 1974 by Terry Kelly. The company today has an outstanding team of meteorologists, scientists, industry specialists, and creative staff. Based in Madison, Wisconsin, the company is a leading provider of professional on-air, online, print, mobile, and enterprise weather solutions and forecasting in North America and to major customers worldwide. Utilizing the company’s dynamic weather graphics, proprietary precise forecast models and data, and patented technology, more than 1,000 partners and hundreds of millions of consumers worldwide benefit from Weather Central’s attention to superb weather presentation, forecast accuracy and personalization, and continuous customer support.
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