WDT and TOA Launch U.S. Precision Lightning Detection Network
Network Provides Accurate, Timely, and Cost Effective Detection Data

The launch of a new lightning network marks the first time businesses will not only have a choice in lightning services, but also the opportunity to improve their lightning notification process -- a boon in a weather sensitive economy where a single lightning strike can cost a company significant money and downtime, or worse, personal injury and/or property loss. TOA Systems Inc. (TOA), a leader in lightning detection technologies and Weather Decision Technologies, Inc. (WDT), a leader in weather prediction and forecast technologies have partnered to build a state-of- the-science U.S. Precision Lightning Network (USPLN) that provides lightning detections over the Continental United States.

“Previously businesses and individuals affected by severe weather had only one source for lightning data, ” said Mike Eilts, WDT’s president and chief executive officer. “ By employing the latest state-of-the-science design and communication technologies, WDT and TOA have minimized their investment and operating costs and are passing the savings to the customer while providing more accurate and timely lightning data and value added products.” Eilts said the cost effective nature of the pricing will meet the demands of a broader segment of businesses which need lightning detection information.

“TOA is excited about working with WDT to develop the USPLN”, stated Dr. Rodney Bent, president of TOA, “TOA’s state-of-the-science lightning detection capabilities along with WDT’s value-added capabilities will provide significant value to lightning sensitive industries and outdoor events.”

In addition, WDT and TOA are adding value to the USPLN by providing lightning prediction information, notification of lightning in your area, and providing the data in standard formats such as XML, GIS point shapefile, and in comma separated values (CSV). The lightning prediction information includes estimated time of arrival and departure of lightning events for every location within the United States out to 60 minutes in advance.

USPLN data are available via the Internet or by satellite communication. Clients can use WDT’s proprietary WxScope™ Web browser plug-in, TOA’s MIDS display software, or if desired, their own existing GIS or lightning display system.

USPLN’s real-time lightning stroke data is accurate to less than 250 meters. Lightning data are available within seconds after a strike is detected.

USPLN is being initiated in four phases. The first two phases, which covered the southern United States, have been installed and commissioned. The partners expect the network to be nationally operational by September 2004. Already, there are over 80 users of the USPLN data. Mark Faulkenberry, marketing manager for Western Farmers Electric Coop, states, “The USPLN data has exceeded our expectations as far as timeliness and accuracy of the data, and the value-added information is very important for our operations.”

During the introductory phase of USPLN, customers who execute a user contract for two years or more for USPLN lightning data and value-added products will receive a special discount. For more information about USPLN go to www.USPLN.com, contact Brandon Wilkes (405) 579-7675 x 232, bwilkes@wdtinc.com or Mike Edwards (321) 779-4256, medwards@wdtinc.com.