Lightning alert system replacement
Thor Guard markets a local electrostatic approach designed to assess lightning risk before a strike occurs. Weatherstem uses reported lightning-detection data to trigger your organization's configured alert workflow, alongside outdoor notification, on-site weather monitoring, and a managed platform.
Two approaches
Local electrostatic systems assess changes in atmospheric electric fields to estimate lightning risk. Detection-based systems use reports of lightning that has been observed. Organizations should choose the approach that best fits their site, policy, and response process.
More than lightning
Weatherstem Protect combines lightning alerting with the on-site conditions data your operation runs on every day, from a single managed platform.
The Practical Lightning Assistant sends automated alerts when lightning is detected near your site, with an all clear once your configured interval passes with no new strikes.
An outdoor warning siren with strobe for open outdoor environments, triggered automatically by the alert policy you configure.
Wind, temperature, rainfall, WBGT for heat safety, and air quality as an add on, all measured at your exact location.
A weatherproof HD camera and a full conditions history, so you can see your site in real time and review alerts and conditions after an event.
Weatherstem Monitor puts your site, your alerts, and your data on a custom dashboard and in the iOS and Android app.
On demand access to professional meteorologists through Operational Support when a decision needs a human in the loop.
Before you replace
A short checklist to compare any options on the same terms, whatever you are replacing.
Is an alert based on predicted risk, reported lightning detections, or both?
What alert thresholds and return-to-activity policies can be configured?
What local equipment, power, communications, testing, and maintenance are required?
What weather observations are included, and which are optional?
Can you review alert and conditions history after an event?
Can the system support multiple sites, users, and notification channels?
What happens if an internet, power, or data-source disruption occurs?
Who supports your team during a high-impact weather event?
Weatherstem is built around reported lightning detections, configurable policies, site weather observations, automated notifications, and a unified operational platform.
Why now
Many lightning warning systems were installed ten to fifteen years ago. As equipment approaches the end of its service life, teams are reviewing their options.
Hardware installed a decade or more ago may be nearing the end of its service life or vendor support, which makes a replacement review timely.
Teams want lightning alerts and all-clears that run automatically and leave a reviewable record, rather than relying on a manual judgment call in the moment.
Detection, siren, station data, and documentation come from a single source, installed and supported by one team.
Typical project timing: approximately six weeks after site review and approval, subject to permitting, product availability, site access, and installation requirements.
What clients say
"Weatherstem is an incredible tool with endless capabilities that we use daily in our Emergency Management operations. In 30 years of public safety I have never seen a weather service company with such high regard for their customers."
"The Practical Lightning Assistant ensures we can take immediate action to protect students and staff by providing precise lightning detection and alerts. The automated data recording lets us track conditions over time and improve our safety protocols. This level of precision and reliability has truly enhanced our ability to prioritize health and safety on campus."
"The Weatherstem system is a big step forward in assuring our students' health and wellbeing. The system is designed to alert our coaching staff of dangerous heat levels as well as nearby lightning so that practices and competitions can be altered."
Common questions
Prediction-based systems assess changes in the local atmospheric electric field to estimate lightning risk. Detection-based systems use reports of lightning that has been observed and measure it against the thresholds you configure. The National Severe Storms Laboratory notes that forecasting exactly where and when an individual strike will occur is not possible. Weatherstem alerts are based on reported lightning detections.
Weatherstem uses the National Lightning Detection Network as its primary lightning-data source, with AccuWeather as a secondary source intended to support continuity.
Yes. Weatherstem Blast is an outdoor warning siren for open outdoor environments. It pairs with automated detection so the alarm, the strobe, and the all clear follow the alert policy you configure.
Typical project timing is approximately six weeks after a site review and approval, subject to permitting, product availability, site access, and installation requirements.
Book a short demo and we will show you detection, automated alerts, and the siren working together, with real data from your area.
Book a Free Demo15-minute demo · No commitment · Installation included