The safe room may not be so old, but weather prediction has been around for centuries. Even before Benjamin Franklin created the Old Farmer’s Almanac in 1792. While the data itself and the means for collecting it have changed rapidly over the last 100 years, its purpose is still the protection of lives and resources. From weather balloons to radars to satellites, the advancement of meteorological technology has matched the pace of popular electronics like cell phones and computers. In November of 2016, the technology of weather prediction and observation will take another great leap.
Eye in the Sky
The development and launch of the new GOES-R satellite will mark a significant new milestone in America’s preparation for hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods. According to the mission overview, the GOES-R (Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-R Series) will greatly improve the detection and observation of atmospheric weather and phenomena that may pose a threat to public safety and national prosperity. This collaborative program of the NOAA and NASA will provide vital data including improved visual, infrared, and solar imagery, real-time mapping of lightning activity, and improved monitoring of space weather. This new hardware should provide meteorologists with:
- Improved hurricane tracking and intensity forecasts.
- Increase thunderstorm and tornado warning lead time.
- Earlier warning of ground lightning strike hazards.
- Better detection of heavy rainfall and flash flooding risks.
- Improved aviation flight route planning.
- Improved air quality warnings and alerts.
- Better fire detection and intensity estimation.
- Improved solar flare warnings for communications and navigation disruptions.
- More accurate monitoring of radiation hazards to humans and spacecraft.
- Better monitoring of space weather to improve geomagnetic storm forecasting.
Along with these operational improvements, engineers have also optimized the way that data is observed, recorded, distributed, and interpreted by scientists and meteorologists. This allows alert systems to give citizens more comprehensive and accurate weather predictions in less time, saving lives.
What to Expect
After being placed in orbit, it will take about a year for the satellite to begin operating and transmitting accurate data. During this waiting period, the satellite will go through an extended checkout and validation phase to ensure that everything is operating as expected. Once ready, GOES-R will join a four-satellite constellation program assigned to observe the skies over the majority of the western hemisphere until 2036. These satellites are geostationary, meaning that their orbit keeps them over a specific location on the earth. This will allow them to constantly monitor a particular portion of the earth’s atmosphere to gather the best data possible.
Better predictive technology for severe weather events will undoubtedly save lives and property. While learning about these events as soon as possible is imperative, you should always have an emergency plan prepared. An adequate stock of supplies and safe shelter can make all the difference during a disaster. Buying any of our bunkers or safe rooms is the best way to protect your family from the unexpected.
U.S. Safe Room
Manufactured with 1/4″ American made steel, structures from U.S. Safe Room offer unrivaled protection from tornadoes, earthquakes, natural disasters, and home invasion. With an array of sizing and door options available, you are sure to find a unit perfect for your home. Strong and versatile, our safe rooms can even be secured to a concrete foundation outside of your home. Buying from U.S. Safe Room will ensure that you will know exactly what to do in an emergency. Take the next step and call today for a free consultation.
