Ascension Parish Public Schools are implementing lightning detection units in an effort to protect student-athletes from severe weather dangers.
Crews have installed the devices at high school practice and game facilities.
Colin Perry, Owner of Perry Weather, the company behind the technology, says when strikes are detected within an eight-mile radius, the devices will alert everyone to seek shelter.
“There will be a loud audible blast and a delay, then a large amber strobe flashes on top of the light until the delay is over and it is safe to resume activity,” said Perry.
At that point, there will be three intermittent blasts to let everyone know activities can resume.
Perry says the devices are solar power and connected via cellular data to a national lightning detection network.
“The network has lightning sensors gridded all across the country. That lightning data is accurate down to a 100-meter resolution with a 99% detections efficiency,” said Perry.
Perry says the units will also link to a web tool enabling the public to check on the status of outdoor activities.
“That will be able to see all the locations where our units are located and they’ll be able to see if there is current lightning going on and how much of delay time is left at each facility, if that may be the case,” said Perry.
The National Lightning Detection Network ranked Louisiana second in the nation for the highest density of lightning, reporting 1.1 million bolts statewide in 2017.