WXSpots

[Joey Ketcham]

I came across a piece of software while visiting ICT's Skywarn Page called WXSpots, I installed it and it's a pretty cool little program and looks like quite a few people - including some NWS offices - are using it.

The site to download it is http://www.wxspots.com

Here is the details from their site:

WXSpots, a new tool in the tool chest for SkyWarn operations and weather enthusiasts is now available! WXSpots is a free, Internet based system designed to quickly disseminate observed reports of severe weather.

WXSpots is not intended to replace Amateur Radio. By its very nature of dependence on the Internet, WXSpots can't provide data from a severely affected area. On the other hand, WXSpots can quickly communicate data from those observers just outside it. It also provides the means to help monitor local severe weather as it unfolds with many more observers able to communicate what they are seeing.

WXSpots features include

• The ability to disseminate observations quickly and efficiently anywhere.
• The ability to add the eyes of SkyWarn enthusiasts who aren't Amateur Radio Operators.
• An automated, historical record of recent observations.
• The ability to keep tabs on current observations without necessarily being near a radio.

I don't know if or how many NWS offices will use this, I would assume that ICT does since it was acknowledged on their Skywarn page... I installed it on my laptop and will definitely give it a shot next year while chasing.

 

[Brett Adair]

I know the NWS BMX does use it as our ALERT group has it installed on the computer there. It's a pretty nice program, but I still prefer spotter network over anything. Good for spotters that don't have a real way of communication out in the boonies.

 

[Joey Ketcham]

SpotterNetwork is the best... it's still a nice thing to have on hand as a backup

 

[Tyler Allison]

FYI...WXSpots and SpotterNetwork have agreed to work together on getting reports out of WXSpots and into SpotterNetwork and then directly into the NWS. Just have to figure out the details

 

[Joey Ketcham]

That's awesome to hear Tyler!

Will look forward to the details on that.

 

[Brett Adair]

Wow....that's sweet!!! I'm working on trying to get other southern region NWS offices interested in the spotter network so hopefully most offices will use one or the other before too much longer.