Section 4: Weather Information
NWS Products and Services
While NWS offices cover larger areas and tend to be regional,
a good working relationship with their office and personnel can
be helpful. They have trained expert staff and will provide more
specific information upon request. The NWS Home Page is at
.
Forecasts, radar, satellite, and graphical forecasts are available
here. Caution should be taken when using any radar or satellite
picture, since training and education are required to know exactly
what is being shown.
Both the NWS and local news stations target a wide gamut of
weather users, from agricultural to marine and aviation interests.
As a consequence, they may not be specific enough for some maintenance
supervisors who have more advanced equipment available to use in
their snow and ice control efforts. Equipment such as Roadway Weather
Information System (RWIS) stations and de-icing and anti-icing capabilities
require more specific forecasts.
Internet Web Sites
Internet web sites are becoming more advanced as technology
becomes available. It is important to become familiar with what
is available for advance preparations as the winter months approach. Knowing
how and where to access these sites may be of benefit during other
times of the year, as well. Some of the more common sites and the
information they provide:
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Accuweather – Forecasts, radar & satellite
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Intellicast – Forecasts, radar & satellite
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Underground Weather – Forecasts, radar, satellite
–
Real-Time Weather Data – Forecasts, radar, satellite
–
Weather forecasts and data for West Texas.
These sites require Internet access and are free of charge.
Private Forecasting Services
There are also weather forecast services available through
private companies. While these services are used in other parts
of the country, generally they have not proven effective for TxDOT. If
private forecasting services are deemed necessary, they should be
contracted through established contracting procedures.
Roadway Weather Information System
A Roadway Weather Information System (RWIS) is a computerized
system that provides real-time weather information with specialized
equipment installed by private companies. A variety of gauges and
meters can be installed to record and monitor air and dew temperatures,
humidity, rainfall, wind speed and direction, pavement temperatures,
ground temperatures, visibility, etc. The type of equipment you
need is dependent upon what you are trying to accomplish. There
are a number of venders capable of providing this equipment.
RWIS is used in varying degrees to support specialized anti-icing
and de-icing equipment. RWIS may also be used as an individual,
stand-alone weather station in an effort to provide a safe travel way
during winter conditions while keeping traffic delays to a minimum. See
Chapter 9, Alternate Methods, for more information on the various
types of anti-icing and de-icing equipment.
Blackberries and Smart Phones have various weather apps available.
Check with your local district regarding any policies concerning
downloadable apps.