Comprehensive Site-Specific
Written Report
A written report, signed by three meteorologists presenting our opinion,
to a reasonable degree of scientific certainty, as to the weather
conditions at a particular place during a given time frame. Our report
expresses our opinion of the weather conditions at the exact street
address where the incident took place, as opposed to the nearest
airport. The data used in preparation of a comprehensive site-specific
report come from all available sources of weather data. This is the most
detailed report available.
Site-Specific Verbal Briefing
A reconstruction of the weather conditions at a particular location
during a given time frame. After we have conducted our research, one of
our meteorologists will discuss our findings with the client and will be
available for consultation to determine the next step in the case. The
verbal briefing often leads to a written report. Data for preparation of
the verbal report comes from all available sources of weather data.
These briefings are detailed and more specific than the regional study
discussed below.
Trial Testimony
Our weather experts have the experience and skills to explain complex
weather conditions to a jury in a way that is easily understandable. We
have participated in more than 100 trials across the country for both
plaintiffs and defense. Video and audio conferencing is available.
Depositions
Sworn pre-trial testimony of our findings by one of the AccuWeather
forensic meteorologists. A deposition can be done at the AccuWeather
office or at a location of the client's choosing. Our experts combine a
Ph.D. in meteorology and the Certified Consulting Meteorologist
distinction to give you the best possible expert for your case. Video
and audio conferencing is available.
Courtroom Graphics and Animations
Graphs, tables, charts, maps, animations or other items requested by a
client that are used in court in conjunction with testimony. These items
are generally produced in house by the AccuWeather graphics department,
whose graphics are used by hundreds of television stations and
newspapers to explain the weather to the public each day.
Custom Weather-Based Business
Analysis
This weather analysis encompasses a wide range of options. Our team of
meteorologists study weather-based business trends every day making them
experts in this field. A custom weather-based business analysis can
study the effects of weather variables on product sales, power usage,
etc. Studies can also be performed to determine the site feasibility for
the location of a ski resort or a power plant. We can also perform
studies of climate trends. This analysis would be more detailed than a
comprehensive site-specific report and often will include charts, graphs
and tables.
Regional Report
A reconstruction of the weather conditions at a particular location
during a given time frame. After we have conducted our research, one of
our meteorologists will discuss our findings with the client and will be
available for consultation to determine the next step in the case. The
verbal briefing often leads to a written report. Data for preparation of
the verbal report comes from all available sources of weather data.
These briefings are detailed and more specific than the regional study
discussed below.
Hourly Surface Weather
Observations
Hourly weather data from any official National Weather Service reporting
station including any or all of the following: temperature, dew point,
relative humidity, cloudcover, precipitation, snow depth, visibility,
wind direction, and wind speed. These observations are decoded by a
meteorologist and put into an easy-to-read chart. Each set of hourly
surface weather observations is accompanied by a letter signed by one of
our meteorologists explaining what the data show. Hourly surface weather
observations are more detailed than any of the monthly products that are
available. They are useful in many cases. These hourly observations are
typically available for the airport nearest to the site in question and
can cover a range of 24-hours or longer.
Doppler Radar Data
Doppler radar products include wind velocity, precipitation intensity,
one-hour precipitation totals, and storm total precipitation. Our
experts will not just provide you with a Doppler radar image. They will
study the image and provide you with a letter explaining what we see in
the image to help you better understand the benefits of the Doppler
radar image. Doppler radar data are useful for cases involving
lightning, wind damage, motor vehicle accidents, and excessive rain,
just to name a few.
Lightning Strike Data
Several cloud-to-ground lightning strike products are available. The
most basic products are the United States maps and the Pennsylvania and
vicinity maps showing the location of cloud-to-ground lightning strikes
during a calendar day. Also available are three products that give
information on lightning strikes within a given radius of a site during
a specified time frame. The first just tells the number of strikes. The
second is a map showing the location of the strikes. The third is a
listing of the exact time and distances from the specified location of
each strike. Each lightning strike product is interpreted by a
meteorologist and is accompanied by a letter signed by a meteorologist
explaining the data. Lightning strike data is often utilized to help
insurance companies settle lightning damage claims.
Monthly Weather Summary
Climatological Report
A monthly compilation available from many locations nationally and
internationally of daily high, low, and average temperatures, normal
temperatures, liquid precipitation, snowfall, snow on the ground,
heating degree days, and cooling degree days. Also presented are monthly
totals and departures from normal for most of the listed weather
factors. This item is obtained from the AccuWeather database. Each
climatological report is examined by a meteorologist before it is sent
to a client. Climatological reports are a good first step product for
cases that occurred reasonably close to an observation site.
Local Climatological Data Monthly
Summary
A summary of the weather conditions during a month available from 300+
United States observation sites. The Local Climatological Data Monthy
summary includes daily averages, totals, and extremes for temperature,
precipitation and wind, 3-hour surface observations, and hourly
precipitation totals. These Local Climatological Data Monthly summaries
are examined by a meteorologist before being sent to a client. Slightly
more detailed than the climatological reports, the local climatological
data monthly summary is also a good first step for many cases.
Cooperative Observer Report
Observations from over 8,000 sites in the United States. Cooperative
observers are trained volunteer observers that fill in the gaps between
official airport hourly weather observation sites. Cooperative observers
take observations once a day and send their monthly observation forms to
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Observations can
include any or all of the following: high temperature, low temperature,
average temperature, observation time temperature, liquid precipitation,
snowfall, and snow on the ground. Cooperative observer reports help to
fill in the gaps between official National Weather Service reporting
stations. A meteorologist examines the cooperative observer reports for
consistency and accuracy and includes a letter interpreting the
information before they are sent to a client. Like climatological
reports and local climatological data monthly summaries, the cooperative
observer reports are a good first step in many cases.