Apps that warn about tornadoes
Tornado, provided by the American Red Cross – Free
This app can send push notifications when a tornado warning is declared and when a tornado warning expires. (Note: One of our staff members just downloaded this app, and it still shows a tornado warning for Newton County as of 9:15 a.m., which may mean that it doesn’t necessarily update when the National Weather Service cancels a previously announced tornado warning.)
NOAA Weather Radio - $3.99
While authorities recommended having an actual NOAA weather radio on hand in case of emergencies, the NOAA Weather Radio app can be another tool to get information if the power goes out but 3G/4G service remains intact. In addition to streaming NOAA broadcasts, this app can also send push notification and includes radar.
StormEye – Free (for Android only)
StormEye takes the radar data closest to your current location, overlays in onto Google Maps and adds animation to show the project path of the storm and when it’s expected to arrive at your destination.
TornadoSpy+ - $2.99 (there is a lite version for free) (for iPhone and iPads only)
TornadoSpy+ gathers reports from users as well as professionals to try to provide the most up-to-date information about potential tornados and hail activity. Anyone who downloads the app can report storm activity, though the reports are filtered to try to weed out false reports, the app manufacturer says in the description. The idea behind the app is the fact that tornado reports are occasionally first reported by regular residents as opposed to weather professionals. The app can send push notifications and email and text alerts.
Update, Tuesday morning: Newton County is one of dozens of Georgia counties under a “Hazardous Weather Outlook” that warns residents to be prepared for:
• Scattered severe thunderstorms throughout the day and night Tuesday and into Wednesday
• Possible flooding through tonight as the area is under a flood watch
Other potential weather hazards, which could also continue on into Wednesday, include:
• damaging wings
• large hail
• isolated tornadoes
• frequent lightning
• minor to possibly moderate river flooding (this could be an issue through Thursday)
Original story from 4:13 p.m. Monday: ATLANTA (AP) — Severe weather pushing toward Georgia could bring a threat of tornadoes to northern counties and some central regions of the state.
The National Weather Service says severe thunderstorms are possible Monday night across northern and central Georgia.
Forecasters say the storms could spawn isolated tornadoes, particularly in northwest Georgia in an area that includes the cities of Cedartown, Rome, Dalton and Blue Ridge. Damaging winds and large hail could be seen in some areas.
Forecasters say severe weather, including tornadoes, could continue Tuesday and Wednesday. Portions of north and central Georgia could see some flooding, with 3 to 5 inches of rainfall in this week's forecast.
Georgia Emergency Management Agency spokesman Ken Davis says the agency is expecting to activate its state operations center Monday night to monitor weather conditions.
