Consider Lightning for Special Marine Warnings?

Currently, lightning is not considered for special marine warnings. However, lightning on the open waters can be deadly to boaters.

Here is an example (from the Texas coastline) of  5 minute cloud-to-ground lightning from the ENI Total Lightning Grid density at 5 km resolution:

lightningWith the addition of this data set into AWIPS2, the special marine warning criteria could be modified to use the density of cloud-to-ground lighting.  In the end, this will better meet the National Weather Service’s mission to protect life and property with regard to marine interests.

Polarimetric Researcher

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