City of Carbondale Office of Emergency Management now utilizing Perry Weather Automated Lightning Detection System

The City of Carbondale Office of Emergency Management has implemented the Perry Weather automated lightning detection system to enhance public safety at designated City facilities and event locations. The system provides accurate, real-time lightning detection using atmospheric data to identify hazardous conditions and deliver timely notifications when lightning threatens the area.

Below is information on where these detection systems are located and how they can be utilized.

Monitored Sites with Notification Hardware (“Hard Sites”):

The following City locations are equipped with Perry Weather notification hardware that provide automated alerts:

• Superblock
• Evergreen Park
• New Era Events Plaza (Robbie Stoke Memorial Stage)

These locations are equipped with:

• Audible warning sirens
• Voice public address (PA) announcements
• Visual warning strobes
• Informational signage with QR codes that provide real-time weather information, safety recommendations, and all-clear countdowns

“Soft Sites”:

The City also monitors designated "soft sites" that do not have installed notification hardware. The only soft site currently equipped with official signage is Poplar Camp Beach, while there are other locations being identified to be monitored and designated with signage with further project development. 

At soft sites:

• Site signage with a QR code that provides:
  • Site-specific weather conditions
  • Lightning information
  • Safety recommendations
  • A countdown to the all-clear
• City staff can receive real-time Perry Weather alerts.
• If City Staff are present, they are responsible for notifying the public when hazardous weather conditions exist.

Additional locations where City staff are not routinely present may also include QR code signage. These locations provide public access to site-specific weather information only and do not include audible or visual notifications.

All sites (excluding Poplar Camp Beach) detect lightning within a 10-mile radius. Poplar Camp Beach is set to detect lightning within a 15-mile radius.  

Public Safety

Lightning poses a significant risk of injury or death. All individuals are expected to comply immediately with warning notifications and seek appropriate shelter when lightning alerts are issued.

The City of Carbondale strongly encourages the public to use the QR code signage provided at monitored locations to stay informed of current weather conditions and lightning activity.

For further information on how Perry Weather Lightning Detection Alert System works and the policy and procedures to be followed by city staff or those who might be recreating or hosting private events at these sites, visit our Lightning Detection Notification System Policies and Procedures here: https://www.explorecarbondale.com/1023/Lightning-Detection-System-Policy

For media requests contact Public Relations Officer, Eva Fisher, at efisher@carbondaleil.gov or at 618-713-0711.