This is a list of recommended websites, phone apps, and other resources for severe weather. This is not an all-inclusive list, but those of us with Dayton Skywarn have found them to be the most useful to us over the years.
Please note that while most of the apps and programs work without having to have a paid subscription, we have paid to upgrade some of them for our personal use on our phones, tablets, and computers. The apps should be available in your device’s app store.
WEBSITES:
NWSFO Wilmington, OH: weather.gov/iln
NWSFO Northern Indiana: weather.gov/iwx
NWSFO Cleveland, OH: weather.gov/cle
NWSFO Pittsburgh, PA: weather.gov/pbz
NWSFO Charleston, WV: weather.gov/rlx
Storm Prediction Center: spc.noaa.gov
National Weather Radio: weather.gov/nwr
NWS Publications and Brochures: weather.gov/owlie/publication_brochures
APPS:
WeatherBug – access local weather cameras and use Spark, a lightning detection map, notifying you how close lightning is to your outdoor activity.
Clime – NOAA Weather Radar Live
Global Storms Pro – severe storm information from the SPC
mPING – Meteorological Phenomena Identification Near the Ground: real-time reporting of weather conditions
Field Guide to Clouds – a guide to cloud formation, different types of clouds, and more
PORTABLE EQUIPMENT
Midland Weather Radio: ensure you get one with the battery backup and SAME code programming. A battery powered weather radio should be available in your local area at Lowe’s/Home Depot/Menards, Target, Walmart, etc. Other types and styles of weather radios are available at Amazon. Portable, handheld scanners can also be used to monitor NOAA Weather Radio, but I do not know if any are SAME programmable.
Ambient Weather Handheld Heat Stress Index, Model WS-HE01: Available at Amazon.com, it’s a handheld heat index monitor, that comes with a lanyard so you can wear it around your neck. Ambient Weather also makes portable/handheld lightning detection equipment if you are in a location without a lightning detection system or just for extra peace of mind.