Vaisala's U.S. National Lightning Detection
Network®
Vaisala's U.S. NLDN® is the most
reliable lightning information system monitoring cloud-to-ground lightning
activity across the continental United States, 24 hours a day, 365 days a
year.
Key Applications for NLDN Lightning
Information
- Weather forecasting: Help predict severe weather for
public warning
- Electric power utilities: Pre-position field crews
for approaching storm threats and to improve engineering and design with
lightning analysis
- Air traffic control: Re-route aircraft around
hazardous thunderstorms
- Airports: Suspend high-risk activities like fueling
during lightning threats
- Insurance and arson: Investigate lightning as the
cause of property damage or fire
- Power-sensitive manufacturing and processing
operations: Prepare for storm-caused power outages by switching to back-up
power early
- Hazardous materials handling: Warn personnel working
near explosives and flammable materials to evacuate
- Forestry: Dispatch crews to suspected fire starts
for more successful initial attack
- Golf and outdoor recreation: Warn players to seek
safety from storms
- Launch facilities: Monitor for safest weather
conditions for shuttle and satellite launches
How the NLDN
works
| Step 1: Network of lightning
sensors
U.S. NLDN consists of more than 100
remote, ground-based Vaisala IMPACT ESP Lightning Sensors |
Step 2: Lightning
detection
Vaisala IMPACT ESP
sensors instantly detect the electromagnetic signals given off when
lightning strikes the earth's surface |
Step 3: Data collection from
sensors
Vaisala IMPACT ESP sensors send raw data
via satellite to the Network Control Center in Tucson,
Arizona |
Step 4: Lightning data
analysis
Within seconds, the
NCC's central
analyzers process information on location, time, polarity, and amplitude
of each stroke |
Step 5: Lightning information
delivery
Lightning information is sent to
customers across the country |