Weather forecasting service AccuWeather has purchased TOA Systems, a company specializing in technology for crowdsourced weather data.
AccuWeather, a leading provider of weather forecasting and warnings, has announced the acquisition of TOA Systems, a specialist in lightning detection technology. This move is set to significantly enhance global lightning detection capabilities and improve safety for both businesses and the public.
The integration of TOA’s advanced lightning detection systems with AccuWeather’s proprietary forecasting technology and machine learning expertise will create a comprehensive global lightning detection network. This network will provide real-time lightning alerts, detailed risk analysis, and safety recommendations tailored to specific locations, designed for enterprise and business clients.
One of the key impacts of this merger is improved real-time lightning alerts. With AccuWeather’s access to TOA Systems’ technology, the company can deliver more accurate and faster lightning warnings. This is crucial for businesses and the public as it allows them to take timely precautions to reduce the risk from lightning-related hazards.
The expanded data integration allows AccuWeather to incorporate high-resolution lightning data into its existing weather forecasting and hazard prediction systems. The integrated platform can better detect storm developments and lightning risks globally, enhancing situational awareness for safety planning.
The acquisition also benefits industries sensitive to weather disruptions, such as energy, manufacturing, sports, and outdoor events, by providing targeted warnings that minimize downtime and protect assets. Public safety is also enhanced, reducing lightning-related injuries and fatalities by enabling early warnings through mobile alerts, weather broadcasts, and safety advisories.
While the exact detailed effects of the acquisition are yet to be officially stated, AccuWeather’s recent strategic moves emphasize its commitment to strengthening real-time severe weather warning systems. The new global lightning detection network will be integrated into AccuWeather's suite of digital platforms, including AccuWeather.com and mobile apps.
The deal, which was closed in December, marks AccuWeather's 16th acquisition since its founding. AccuWeather Lightning Network data will be available via AccuWeather’s APIs and Data Marketplaces.
Lightning strikes cause an estimated $1 billion in total economic loss each year in the U.S. due to property damage, forest fire spread, and infrastructure disruptions. On average, lightning causes 20 to 30 fatalities and over 200 injuries annually in the U.S. Globally, the toll is even larger, with some estimates of more than 10,000 lives lost each year due to lightning.
AccuWeather CEO, Steven R. Smith, expressed excitement about the acquisition, stating it will advance lightning forecast expertise and provide a critical, life-saving dataset. The launch of the AccuWeather Lightning Network marks a significant step towards enhancing public safety through improved detection and forecasting technologies.
- The merged technology from AccuWeather and TOA Systems will create a comprehensive digital platform, offering real-time lightning alerts, detailed risk analysis, and safety recommendations for enterprise and business clients.
- The integration of high-resolution lightning data into AccuWeather's existing weather forecasting and hazard prediction systems will enable better detection of storm developments and lightning risks globally.
- The new global lightning detection network will be integrated into AccuWeather's suite of digital platforms, including AccuWeather.com and mobile apps, to provide accurate and faster lightning warnings.
- The acquisition will reduce lightning-related injuries and fatalities by enabling early warnings through mobile alerts, weather broadcasts, and safety advisories, leveraging advancements in science and technology.
