Mobile Apps for the Hurricane Season
The 2012 hurricane season is only a few weeks old, and already it’s claimed its first victims. When it comes to hurricanes, there’s no substitute for being prepared, and one of the best tools at your disposal happens to be your smartphone or tablet, equipped with a few of these essential mobile apps:
- Hurricane: At $3.99, the price point for this app by Kitty Code is perhaps higher than you’re willing to spend, but you definitely get your money’s worth. Launching the app immediately takes you to displays of all storms currently being tracked, in addition to providing loads of information about storms from years past. With constant updates through integrated Twitter feeds and push notifications, this is a top-of-the line app for updated hurricane tracking information, but there’s also plenty here for amateur meteorologists as well.
- iHurricaneHD: If you’re looking for a free app and don’t mind the ads, this hurricane tracking app might just be for you. It will also allow you to register your e-mail address for hurricane alerts.
- RadarScope: For the true enthusiast, this highly sophisticated (and at $9.99, somewhat pricey) app by Base Velocity that gives access to NEXRAD Level 3 radar data. Long-range Doppler radar is provided in real-time, in addition to severe weather updates that may be clicked on for more specific information on the target area.
- General Preparedness: Tracking hurricanes is useful, of course, but it helps to be prepared when one runs through your neighborhood, knocks out your power and floods your basement. Making sure you have a good flashlight app is a must, of course, but you also might want to consider apps like EdgeRift’s Emergency Radio, which allows you to tune into live radio streams from just about any emergency services organization you care to name.
Of course, with any luck, you won’t need any of these this year…and of course, if you have an idea for a great iOS hurricane app, don’t hesitate to give us a call!
