Weather Alert App 1.0

Weather Alert is a sophisticated mobile weather application that serves two primary functions: enhancing awareness during extreme weather events and aiding Kentucky farmers in making informed management and production decisions. Launched in 2023, Weather Alert received initial funding through a partnership involving the UK Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, the Southeast Center for Agricultural Health and Injury Prevention (SCAHIP), and the Central Appalachian Regional Education and Research Center (CARERC).

Developed and hosted by the University of Kentucky Ag Weather Center and the Center for Computational Sciences, this application prioritizes user safety. The increasing frequency of extreme weather events over recent decades underscores its importance. Data from the National Centers for Environmental Information highlights that Kentucky has experienced $85 billion in weather and climate-related disasters since 1980, with fifteen significant events occurring in the past five years alone. Notable incidents include severe flooding in Eastern Kentucky in July 2022 and one of the most extensive tornado outbreaks in the state's history on December 10, 2021. The necessity of this application is evident, as it provides timely severe weather alerts and essential updates, while also functioning as a vital resource for Kentucky Cooperative Extension regarding emergency preparedness and response.

From an agricultural perspective, Weather Alert integrates various tools and models from the University of Kentucky Ag Weather Center, which has been operational since 1978. The center's mission is to mitigate weather- and climate-related challenges faced by Kentucky residents, particularly in relation to agriculture, thereby fostering profitable and sustainable production practices.