1. PGA Tour Delays & Suspensions
Overview (2011-2014)
#334
A Lightning and Inclement Weather Management System
for On-Site Event Meteorologists at Outdoor Venues
Brad Nelson
Schneider Electric – brad.nelson@telventdtn.com
Introduction
Strong winds from a thunderstorm outflow boundary led to a stage
collapse at the Indiana State Fair in 2011, killing 5 people and
injuring dozens. A fan was struck and killed by lightning at Pocono
Raceway in 2012. 68% of all PGA Tour tournament weeks had at
least one weather delay or suspension during the 2013 season; 46
of those delays due to thunderstorms or heavy rain.
As a result of these high-impact, publicized, and sometimes tragic
weather situations, many industries have found it beneficial to
contract on-site meteorologists for their larger outdoor events in
order to mitigate risks associated with lightning and inclement
weather to employees, players and patrons.
The unique nature and significant safety concerns associated with
managing high-profile outdoor events requires an advanced
system of instrumentation that provides clear and accurate
assessment of localized lightning threats and other weather
hazards. This poster provides an overview of a lightning and
severe weather management system that is put to use by
Schneider Electric on-site meteorologists at these outdoor venues.
Summary
Real-time lightning information being merged with other
meteorological data sets, as well as patented state-of-the-art
alerting technology, is successfully being implemented by
Schneider Electric on-site meteorologists at outdoor venues. This
lightning and inclement weather management system allows the
meteorologist and event personnel to make confident, accurate
decisions on player and spectator safety as well as event
coordination and planning. Significant threats to safety and
revenue loss have been averted as a result of this system.
Weather Decision Support Visualization Tool
References
[1] Jonas Blixt wins rain-delayed Greenbrier Classic by 2. (2014).
[image] Available at:
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=image
s&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CAYQjB0&url=http%3A%2F%2Fww
w.gazettenet.com%2Fhome%2F7362373-95%2Fjonas-blixt-wins-
rain-delayed-greenbrier-classic-by-
2&ei=1IdOVNGaPKaf8AGLtYCACQ&psig=AFQjCNH_cIH830Y2oe
6bujWxjybTe-R6Bw&ust=1414518999898537 [Accessed 27 Oct.
2014].
[2] Campbell Scientific, Inc. (2005-2012) CS110 Electric Field
Meter Instruction Manual. Logan, UT.
[3] Sznaider, Foerster and Block. (2006). Lightning Decision
Support for Public Safety. 19th International Lightning Detection
Conference.
The Campbell Scientific CS-110
The MxVision WeatherSentry
Online software as a service
package from Schneider
Electric features high
resolution layered mapping of
over 30 weather parameters,
including lightning. This
reliable, one-stop-shop for
weather information is crucial
to making important decisions
about safety, spectator
attendance, and revenue loss
during large outdoor events,
some of which can be with
short notice. This system is
sold to thousands of
customers in the sports/turf
industry to help aid in
decision-making and mitigate
inclement weather risks.
Alerting – The system’s Alert Manager® notifies
you of lightning and inclement weather changes
for your specific area. Set custom audio or visual
alarms for lightning and other critical parameters,
as well as All Clear settings. Additionally, key
weather alerts and warnings can be delivered
directly to an unlimited number of users via cell
phone with simple set up for critical weather
updates, anywhere.
On-Site Weather Support
Provide Daily
Weather Support
• Staff Meeting Briefings
• Event Scheduling & Logistics
• Course Set Up
Monitor
Developing
Weather
• Doppler Weather Radar
• Lightning Detection Systems
• Collaboration with Command Center
Real-Time
Safety Decision
Management
• Evacuation
• All Clear
On-Site
Meteorologist
The CS-110 is an integral part of the on-site
meteorologists suite of weather equipment. This
sensor measures the electric field directly at the
golf course or site in volts/meter, providing an
understanding of lightning potential before the first
strike. This allows the meteorologist to accurately
gauge the lightning threat in real-time and allow
spectators, patrons, and staff to seek shelter in a
timely manner. An anemometer is also attached
for direct measurement of wind speeds on-site.
E (measured electric field) = k∙∆V =
k∙[Vopen – (Voff1 + Voff2)/2]
* Where k is a constant determined by electrode
geometry and electronic gain.
Gibson Ridge Radar
Allows access to high resolution radar, as well as dual pol products, echo
tops, vertically integrated liquid, radar derived rainfall accumulation, and
others. Helps the on-site meteorologist with situational awareness and
nowcasting through inclement weather events.
397 total delays or
suspensions from January
2011 – December 1, 14.
o 68.0% due to Lightning (270)!
o 13.9% due to Heavy Rain (55)
o 7.8% due to Fog (31)
o 7.6% due to Frost (30)
o 1.8% due to Wind (7)
o 0.8% due to Snow (3)