About Kattron

Kattron now operate a 21st Century Total Lightning Network which is part of the Earth Networks Global lightning detection network.

The Kattron WeatherBug Total Lightning Network is being deployed across Australia and incorporates a number of broad based sensors. The technology is state of the art with high sensitivity providing very long range performance. Flexibility is a feature of the design which enables additional sensors to be added to provide increased location accuracy and redundancy to selected areas of interest. Sensors are connected to the Earth Networks global system using Internet links. Data is provided to each client by Internet link. Additional sensors may be deployed which incorporate Climate Change Monitors, together with a lightning sensor0, to provide local weather

Intercloud lightning better than cloud-to-ground

Research studies show detection of both IC and CG flashes, or total lightning, improves lead time in severe weather predictions

Studies over the last few years have shown that the detection of total lightning, which includes both intracloud (IC) and cloud-to ground (CG) flashes, enables improvements in the lead time of severe weather prediction and alerting. Severe thunderstorms, which may generate lightning, high wind, hail and tornadoes have certain characteristics in the lightning flashes, such as high IC flash rates in the storm formation stage. Severe storms may have either exceptionally low negative CG flash rates, or have exceptionally high positive CG flash rates. The greater volume of strong updrafts during a severe thunderstorm results in more charging overall, leading to greater numbers of IC, and positive CG flashes.

Real time data is produced electronically and distributed to display computers in client operation centres. Major uses of the data service are Electrical Power Utilities, Mines, Rail operations, Fire & Emergency Services. By knowing the location, intensity, speed and direction of storms, a proactive response sequence is used to minimise the impact of the storm to the customers assets. These responses have enabled reduction in unplanned outages due to storms of up to 30%. Significant supply losses are avoided. Accuracy of the lightning stroke enables damage to be located quickly. In rural areas, cases of days to hours, have been noted. Cost savings and improvements to utility customer service make a lightning data stream a very important tool. All detected lightning stroke details have been archived. This provides a unique and most valuable resource. Analysis may be undertaken for particular areas over the time period for many purposes. Storms may be replayed in a time lapse mode to study paths and other characteristics.

Kattron first operated in N.S.W. in December 1991.