GERMANTOWN, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Earth Networks™, the owner of WeatherBug® and operator of the largest weather observing and lightning network, releases today dramatic time-lapse footage of the Arizona Wallow Fire as it rages across hundreds of thousands of acres and more than 700 square miles. The time-lapse images from the camera at Molly Butler Lodge in Greer, Arizona, show the movement of smoke into the area. The sequence, available at http://bit.ly/GreerTimeLapse, includes the final footage taken from the camera before a power outage prevented further transmissions.
“The Wallow Fire is, unfortunately, going down in the record books as the largest wildfire in Arizona history, and all eyes are on the movement of the fire,” says Earth Networks Chief Meteorologist Mark Hoekzema. “Information and camera images from our station in Greer, Arizona, from June 5 serve as an example of how, in the western U.S., varied elevations and topography creates differential heating that will drive mesoscale patterns that could produce wind conditions in one valley that are totally different than another just a few miles away.”
The camera at Molly Butler Lodge is part of the Earth Networks weather mesonet, the largest global network of professional-grade weather stations, cameras and lightning sensors located at schools, sports stadiums and public safety facilities that integrates data from global weather sources.
Since the crisis began, partner station KTVK-TV Phoenix has been sharing images from another camera, located at Round Valley High School in Springerville, Arizona, on-air during regular broadcasts and on the station’s website at http://www.azfamily.com/.
In related news, emergency management authorities in the region are using Earth Network’s weather visualization and tracking application, StreamerRT, to augment their weather intelligence by viewing and monitoring weather data, images and maps at very localized levels for affected areas, and to receive continuous updates on key factors, such as wind speed, direction and humidity, that are contributing to the dangerous situation and the spread of the wildfire.
StreamerRT is being made available at no cost to state and county officials, first responders and agencies in Arizona and surrounding states. Officials requiring access to StreamerRT for critical decision support during the crisis should contact Randy Smith, rsmith@earthnetworks.com, for additional information and instructions.
About Earth Networks™
As the provider of advanced weather data for nearly 20 years, Earth Networks (formerly AWS) operates the world’s largest weather observation and lightning detection networks and is building what will become the largest greenhouse gas monitoring network. Observations from Earth Networks inform and alert consumers, enterprises and governments around the world, providing them with advanced environmental intelligence for decision making and safety. The company’s popular WeatherBug website, desktop application and mobile apps provide millions of consumers with real-time, local weather information and dangerous severe weather alerts. Enterprise solutions from Earth Networks enable organizations, including energy and utilities, agriculture, sports and recreation, emergency operations and government entities, to safeguard lives, prepare for weather events and improve business operations. Earth Networks (www.earthnetworks.com) is based in Germantown, Md.
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