AccuWeather focuses on interaction for StormDirector+ upgrades

By Dak Dillon May 2, 2017

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As local stations tell more stories and provide greater coverage of weather across multiple platforms, AccuWeather looks to take its StormDirector+ weather system to the next level with more interactivity and available data.

“Weather gives you so many ways to connect with the viewer throughout the day, through social media, Facebook Live,” said Bill Boss of AccuWeather. “It presents a great opportunity for growth and audience development.”

Integrating some of the technology found in AccuWeather’s touchscreen solution, StoryTeller, the latest StormDirector+ update also focuses on workflow, making it easier to adapt quickly to any condition or coverage need, with a rethinking of the traditional weathercast. 

Enhanced Touch and Interaction

“We’ve been hearing from news directors that they are not using their weather system to its fullest potential. They are always showing the same thing each day.”

Built around the idea of fluid storytelling, especially during breaking or developing weather situations, the latest updates to StormDirector+ make it easier for forecasts to go on-the-fly, selecting maps, data and information in an interactive way without always having a pre-programmed playout.

“It’s the idea of putting at the weather presenters finger tips the data that they need, so we’re not telling the story in an A, B, C, D, way. You have the interactive tools now that allows you to build a better weather story each and every day.”

Along with this comes updated HD graphics, up to 6 simultaneous video inputs, template-driven scenes and better social integration.

“We recognize the roll that social media weather plays, especially in weather,” added Boss. “Having hte ability to go on the fly, to this or that dataset, for severe weather coverage or a Facebook Live session, you have the flexibility to do some interesting things.”

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New Data Available

On the data side, StormDirector+ now integrates the latest KML data, GOES-16 high-resolution satellite information, single-site radar, lightning data, severe weather velocity data, and severe weather watches and warnings.

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