Publications Details

Local lightning early warning system (LLEWS), Phase 1

Fisher, R.J.

Results are presented of a detailed survey of the present state of scientific understanding of cloud electrification processes and lightning warning technology. A review is given of the principles of operation and demonstrated performance factors of lightning strike location technologies and associated commercial products. Emphasis is given to the local lightning warning problem, which is divided into two categories: detection and tracking of active storms that originate outside of and move into the declared safety zone, and early detection of cloud electrification that initiates within the zone. A prototype single-station warning system design is presented that is intended to accumulate data simultaneously from a complement of different types of sensors during intervals immediately preceding the onset of lightning conditions within the area of coverage. The resultant data base will be analyzed statistically to identify the most promising combinations of early warning indicators and to quantify their reliability as a function of the warning intervals they provide.