If lightning strikes twice, new kit will measure it

| 08/10/2010

(CNS): A lightning detection system, donated to the Cayman Islands National Weather Service (CINWS) by the UK’s Meteorological Office, is expected to arrive in the Cayman Islands within the next few weeks. Officers from the UK MET Office are expected to install the components as well as provide technical and user training for the kit, which is expected to provide important information for the weather services and the airport. While they may say that lightening never strikes twice in the same place, from now on if it does here in Cayman, weather experts will be able to measure it. (Photo by Olga Davis)

“A lightning detection system is an invaluable tool for airport operations, in various areas of aircraft safety management,” said CINWS Director General Fred Sambula. “Lightning can negatively impact areas such as aircraft refuelling and deplaning or boarding passengers.”

He explained that the new system would provide weather forecasters with data on lightning intensity and frequency in several weather systems, including cold fronts, tropical waves and hurricanes. “This will afford us better analysis regarding intensity and development of such systems when they threaten the Cayman Islands,” added Sambula. “Overall, our early warning system will be further enhanced by providing the public with better information for protecting life and property.”
 
CINWS falls under the remit of Works Minister Juliana O’Connor-Connolly who said the equipment would enhance the capacity and efficiency of the National Weather Services.
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  1. Slugga says:
    11/10/2010 at 3:48 am

     Will, will Fred & the boys has a new toy!

  2. Hmmm........ says:
    08/10/2010 at 8:18 pm

    Lightning detector wow – EXTREMELY useful contraption!! You never know when you will need to uhhhh……. statically charge up your cell phone or something????……… Just check the stats and you will know where to hang out in the next storm……..

    • Anonymous says:
      09/10/2010 at 10:11 am

      you make jest, but it could save some drunken golfers life.  That drunken golfer could then go on to invent a new beer bottle that could make it possible to drink beer twice as fast which could change the world!  In a good way. 

    • Pauly Cicero says:
      10/10/2010 at 3:53 pm

      Maybe CUC could use the contraption to assist in taking measures to protect their infrastructure from lightning damage. Perhaps the air traffic officials. Don’t worry, they won’t share any information with you. You just stand over there under those trees and hold on to this pipe.

    • Night Flyer says:
      11/10/2010 at 4:40 pm

      To 15.18 10-10-2010

      Why the sarcastic remark? it’s very useful and not some "contraption" as you call it,also,it was a gift. Why the negative comment? its not a Toy ! Grow up.

       

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