Thorough training on lightning data will be a major component of the Fall 2005 re-certification courses. We strongly, strongly recommend attending these courses if you plan on using lightning data operationally. We also strongly, strongly encourage you to contact us if you have any questions about lightning data.

Critical Notes for Lightning Data:

1. Lightning data is viewable with OCS's WxScope plugin, version 10.6 or greater. Earlier versions of the plug-in will not display any lightning data. Please download version 10.6 before you continue with these pages. It is available here.
2. This is a limited deployment of lightning data. For now, lightning data is contained to two buttons in the "Radar" section of the OK-FIRST web pages. After the storm season, we will migrate lightning data to other parts of the site, based on its performance and your feedback.
3. Lightning data is updated on a 60-second cycle. In other words, the plug-in will check for new data every 60 seconds.
4. OK-FIRST CAN ONLY DISPLAY LIGHTNING THAT HAS ALREADY HAPPENED. THERE IS NO WAY TO PREDICT THE TIME AND LOCATION OF THE FIRST STRIKE! Do NOT assume that zero lightning strikes means your jurisdiction is safe. Keep your eyes and ears attuned to developing situations!

Okay, the next step is to make sure you have a lightning-compatible plug-in. You will need WxScope Plug-in 10.6 or greater to see lightning data. The next page will test your plug-in by displaying "canned" lightning data in a map similar to that which you'll see in OK-FIRST.

Next Step:

Ready for more? Great! Click here to test your plug-in.