Snow Watch started in the Autumn of 2008 as a tumblr blog, which we'd update sporadically in the lead up to the low temperatures and snow of 28-30 October 2008, crowdsourcing information from a wide variety of sources. Nowadays, we help people plan their lives and protect their businesses by providing short term forecasts and severe weather updates during Autumn and Winter.
2008-2011
Snow Watch was one of the first services of it's kind to start aggregating information, offer short to medium range forecasts, tackle misinformation and, crowdsource winter-based disruption from members of the public, transportation businesses, traffic agencies and local government. The aim was to fill the gaps of traditional media which tended to focus on "worse affected areas". This proved handy during the 2008, 2009 and 2010 cold spells where we saw our busiest period to date.
Now
As time and technology developed, our focus shifted to nowcasting and short term forecasting while building tools, such as the Snow Watch Tracker to enhance data gathering and reporting during snow events.
We're now developing ways to open this project for contributors, enabling you to help run operations as your availability allows. Visit our blog post called Community Lead to find out more.
FAQ
Snow Watch give an up to date, accurate picture of the situation without the need for sacremongering.Susan WrightFollowing since 2013
I personally keep a close eye on the useful information you provide and I am very greatful for the excellent service you offer.Ian BarrettVolunteer Rescue Officer HM Coastguard