AccuWeather Lightning
Data Suite™
Historical, real-time, and forecast lightning intelligence powered by the AccuWeather Lightning Network™ — one of only three ground-based lightning detection networks in the world, providing proprietary strike data rather than repackaged third-party sources.
The AccuWeather Lightning Network™ is one of only three ground-based lightning detection networks in the world
Every strike is detected, geo-located, and delivered through infrastructure we own end-to-end. Proprietary strike data — not repackaged from third-party sources.
Enterprise-grade availability. Trillions of API calls served annually.
Precise enough to drive site-specific evacuations and asset-level alerts.
Sub-15-second strike-to-API delivery for real-time operational response.
Nanosecond-level timing fidelity for forensic and risk-modeling use.
Watch a strike-radius alert fire in real time
A configurable webhook fires the instant a strike enters your defined radius. Cooldown logic suppresses repeat alerts. This is the same payload that drives evacuations at venues, sites, and field operations using the suite today.
An advanced global lightning detection network
In December 2024, AccuWeather acquired TOA Systems, Inc. — a premier provider of lightning detection hardware and one of the few global lightning networks in existence. The new AccuWeather Lightning Network™ enhances global lightning detection capabilities by combining AccuWeather’s proven Superior Accuracy™ in weather forecasting with TOA’s state-of-the-art hardware network to keep people safer and businesses, property, and assets better protected.
The integration of TOA’s advanced lightning detection systems with AccuWeather’s proprietary forecasting technology and machine learning expertise will create a comprehensive, one-of-a-kind global lightning detection network to deliver superior value to businesses, governments, and the public — helping them better manage risks and better understand the impact of lightning.
“This is a significant advancement in the field of meteorology and lightning detection. Our integration with AccuWeather will expand the reach and accuracy of our lightning detection network, providing critical, life-saving information to a global audience.”
Tim Bent · formerly of TOA Systems
Seven ways to
consume the network
One source of truth, delivered through the channel your stack already speaks. Historical for risk modeling. Real-time for evacuation. Forecast for proactive planning. Mix and match — every endpoint is governed by the same SLA.
Historical Lightning API
All lightning strikes by day within a 60-mile radius of any point, going back to January 1, 2006 — globally.
Lightning API
Current lightning strikes within a 60-mile radius of point — or a bounding box — going back two hours.
Lightning Forecast API
Lightning probability forecast for the next 2 hours, refreshed every ten minutes, by location (lat/long).
Historical Lightning Dataset (coming soon)
All strikes within a time period and bounding box, going back to 2006. Native on Databricks & Snowflake.
Lightning Webhook (coming soon)
Current lightning strike within a radius with minor rules applied. Provides cooldown period.
Lightning Forecast Webhook (coming soon)
Threshold alert when forecast probability is met. Probability polygon delivered for your region of interest. Can trigger a WebSocket connection to begin a live feed.
Lightning WebSocket (coming soon)
Live feed of current lightning strikes by region — strikes streamed as they’re detected.
Wherever your data lives, that’s where it ships
Lightning data flows through every modern integration channel — including native availability on the data marketplaces enterprises actually use. No ETL pipeline to wire up. No competing lightning network offers this.
When seconds matter, industry leaders rely on it
From utility grids to outdoor venues, lightning is the trigger for some of the most consequential operational decisions companies make. Here’s where the Lightning Data Suite drives outcomes.
Automated evacuations the moment strikes enter a 10-mile radius.
Configurable webhooks fire into Slack, SMS, PA systems and safety platforms — triggering pre-defined evacuation protocols at construction sites, golf courses, sports venues, and event grounds. Cooldown logic suppresses noise so teams only act on threats that warrant action.
Historical strike data, geo-located to ~100m.
Historical lightning analysis improves risk pricing accuracy and claims validation — with coverage going back to January 1, 2006.
Grid protection and outage prediction.
Correlate live strikes with substation telemetry to predict outages, dispatch crews, and protect transmission assets before damage propagates.
Site assessment that prices lightning risk into the build.
Plan and engineer lightning risk response into turbine site selection and architectural plans — before steel goes in the ground.
Embed lightning into your product without standing up a network.
Integrate lightning into your software platform to provide weather integrations — field-service, logistics, agriculture, EHS — as a first-class feature, not a roadmap item.
Mission-critical detection at national scale.
Emergency management, range operations, and aviation weather services integrate the API into command-and-control systems with enterprise SLAs.
When seconds matter,
start with the source
Request a consultation with our enterprise team. We’ll walk through your use case, your stack, and the right channels — and get you connected to the AccuWeather Lightning Network™.