The document summarizes how AccuWeather provided an earlier tornado warning than the National Weather Service for a tornado that struck Hattiesburg, Mississippi on February 10, 2013. AccuWeather issued a warning 18 minutes before the tornado arrived, allowing clients time to take shelter. In contrast, the NWS warning came 10 minutes later and did not specify the time of arrival. No lives were lost due to the advanced warning. The document promotes AccuWeather's enterprise weather warning services.

1. Photo: Dr. Beverly Smallwood, Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Tornado Strikes Town; No Lives Lost
When a violent tornado moved through the center of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, on February
10, 2013, a quiet Sunday afternoon, AccuWeather Enterprise Solutions (AES) provided its
clients with clear, actionable information well before the National Weather Service (NWS).
Our warning, issued at 4:47 for our clients in the City of AccuWeather was also able to provide instant notification
Hattiesburg, warned of a potential tornado from 5:05pm until that serious damage had occurred because of our use of the
5:45pm. The tornado reached the first client location at 5:17pm. new “dual-polarization” radar, which identifies debris lofted
by the tornado (see illustration).
The 18-minute lead time from 4:47 to 5:05pm – an exclusive
feature of the warnings issued by AES – provided our clients When extreme weather occurs, only AccuWeather provides
with an essential interval where they can prepare for the arrival precision storm warnings tailored to your enterprise’s exact
of the storm. The advanced warning allowed them to shelter needs and specifications. Call us today to learn how to use
their people, conduct an orderly shutdown of critical systems, weather to make your business more profitable and efficient.
and transfer operations to backup locations. No lives were lost, After all, the next storm may already be on the way.
despite widespread damage to property.
By contrast, the warning from the NWS wasn’t issued until ten
minutes after the AccuWeather warning. And the NWS warning
went into effect immediately, so users did not know how much
time they had until the tornado’s arrival.
Blue area on new
“dual-polarization” radar
shows lofted debris
Contact us today at: 814.235.8600 or sales@accuweather.com.
AES:HATTIESBURG ©2013 AccuWeather, Inc.
Visit us at: enterprisesolutions.accuweather.com.