Six NBC stations have upgraded their current weather systems with WeatherData systems.
The SelectWarn and in-field StormHawk systems will be used to alert viewers about severe weather conditions from KNBC in Los Angeles, WMAQ in Chicago, WCAU in Philadelphia, KXAS in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, WNCN in Raleigh, N.C., and WJAR in Providence, R.I.
SelectWarn presents specific, geocoded (GIS) polygon warnings, adding more accuracy and greater radar and lightning data, presented on topographic maps to detailed streets and landmarks. Other features include lightning predictions, flood forecasts and animated flash flood graphics.
The StormHawk system displays real-time storm reports and plots GIS "local storm reports" (LSRs) provided by the National Weather Service. This system offers GPS and high-resolution GIS-based maps for PDAs, built-in camera with VGA 640 x480 pixel resolution and cellular and satellite telephone transmission capabilities.
