XkyFire Lightning Detection and Alerting services are (soon) available for everyone. Well, almost everyone.
Since launching in 2013 XkyFire has provided Lightning services for commercial operators. Gondola Ropeways, airports, rail companies, outdoor adventure companies …. and so on. At the same time, the sensing coverage expanded across all of North America, throughout the Caribbean, Mexico, Eastern Pacific, North Atlantic … and that network continues to grow too. But for the first time since XkyFire was created there will be “Consumer” subscriptions available too. An account for the average “Joe”, or “Josie” that will not cost thousands of dollars.
Called “Trekker” subscriptions, Trekkers will be for anyone that works or plays outdoors. So, for example; Hikers, airport employees, climbers, construction workers, dog walkers, farmers, flag people, kayakers, landscapers, lifeguards, linesmen, loggers, mountain guides, painters, paramedics, people that go outside sometimes, police, postmen, railway workers, referees, tow truck drivers, window washers …. Pretty much everyone that ever goes outside when there is storm activity could use a XkyFire Trekker account to help keep themselves safe from lightning!
By December 1st 2022, these accounts will provide map access, and alert messaging to emails, cellular phones, or both, for lightning activity in real-time ….. Just like the commercial accounts, there is no delay in sharing the data with Trekker subscribers.
Initially, XkyFire Trekker accounts will be available for U.S. consumers only, but that will expand to other countries within the coverage area in the near future. Setting up an account can be done from any internet connected device (this is a web-based app) and only takes few minutes to activate. You will not need to install any app on your local devices, and activation is nearly instant after successful subscription.
Need personal alerts for dangerous lightning activity near you? Trekker will be perfect.
Go to https://xkyfire.com/Account/SignUp and select “Trekker” (as the account type) when setting up your own personal account.
We have done our best to keep the cost within reach too; $25.00 Cdn per year (for U.S. subscribers that will currently be somewhat less due to currency conversion … around $18.69 USD at the time this article was written).
Boaters, back-yard pool owners, golfers, and even storm chasers will all find this service useful for keeping safe from dangerous lightning.
Notes:
- XkyFire does not provide forecasting services … Alerts and Warnings are issued on the basis of observed lightning occurring in real-time.
- Dangerous Lightning is defined as Positive (+) Cloud-Ground strikes. These account for between four and eight percent of all lightning sensed and often carry dangerous and potentially damaging levels of energy. Cloud to cloud (inter-cloud), Intra-cloud (just inside the cloud only) and -CG (negative cloud to ground) sprites, sheet lightning and other types of lightning are all filtered from the data in order to provide users with just the information about what is most dangerous to them.
- Terms and conditions apply and must be accepted at the time of subscription.
- Delivery of alerts and warnings depends on your internet or cellular service provider. XkyFire provides no internet or cellular services.
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