Mobile devices have changed how we handle severe weather. Instead of
being isolated in our homes, reading books printed on paper by candle
light, we share constant updates and photos in real time on social
networks. We keep ourselves entertained with ebooks, games and videos on
smartphones and tablets.
With the severe winter weather pounding the East Coast
this weekend, we have a few suggestions for helpful apps apps to add to
your collection. They'll let you follow the weather in real-time, file
your own first person reports from the ground, handle any emergencies
and even stay cozy.
You should also double
check that you're stocked up on the essentials, such as Instagram,
Facebook, Twitter, Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Video and a few fresh games
(the canned goods and bottled water of storm apps).
A blizzard can result in a
power outage, so if you only have one mobile device it's wise to keep
app usage to a minimum. We've collected these other great tips on keeping your devices powered up.
DarkSky
The Dark Sky app is for
weather watchers craving instant information. Yes, the weather report
said it would snow this evening, but where exactly are those clouds and
flakes right now? The $3.99 iPhone and iPad app
taps into the free radar data available from the U.S. government to
predict rainfall and snow for your exact area by the hour. There's a
slick radar map that can show what the clouds will be up to at a
specific time. The app, which started as a Kickstarter campaign in 2011,
is great if you want to make a last minute run to the store for string
cheese and wine provisions.
WeatherMob
WeatherMob
mixes the social with the snow. Put on your amateur meteorologist hat
and file a weather report on the free iPhone app. Pick an icon to
describe what the weather is doing, how you're feeling, and what the
activities the weather is good for. You can add your own text
descriptions and attach photos or videos of the weather in action. Once
you've shared your hyperlocal weather report, check out what people
nearby or in different parts of the city are experiencing, maybe start
following your favorites. The app also has also a basic weather forecast
and Twitter and Facebook integration.
Track the storm with a timeline, map
mPING
Like WeatherMob, the mPING
Android and iOS apps want you to share information about weather around
you. But this is scientific tool, a joint project by the University of
Oklahoma and the National Sever Storms Laboratory (NOAA), and it is only
interested in precipitation. Use the free apps to pick a type of
precipitation, such as snow, sleet, or rain. If it's hailing, you can
include a photo and measurement of the hail. The research project sends
the data to NOAA where researchers compare the anonymous citizen-reports
to official radar images. The reports are also displayed on the official project website. The project will use the data to improve radar and weather forecasting technology.
Seamless
When it's miserable
outside, the last thing you want to do it go out to pick up food. If you
neglected to stock up on rations ahead of time, or are just really
craving Thai, you can use Seamless'
free iOS, Android or BlackBerry apps to order delivery or takeout.
Available in 40 cities, including New York, Philadelphia, Boston and
D.C., Seamless streamlines ordering out by letting you order and pay for
food from various restaurants from one mobile device. No phone calls
necessary. There is some bad weather etiquette you should follow if you
plan on using Seamless this weekend. The company gave some tips to East
Coasters ahead of the blizzard, reminding them to be patient and allow
extra time for deliveries and to tip their brave delivery people extra
well.
Flashlight apps
If the lights go out,
you'll find these practical little tools very helpful. There are no
shortage of flashlight apps in the Android and iOS app stores that use
the LED flash on your camera or the screen itself. iPhone users should
check out the free Flashlight by Rik
app, which lets you control the intensity of the light, turn on a
strobe or send out SOS signals. If you are worried about having to
communicate entirely by Morse code, the Morse-It iPhone app converts text to the proper flashes. Android users can download the free Tiny Flashlight + LED which is flashlight that also has text to Morse code support.
Survival Guide
Even if the snow doesn't plunge our cities into darkness and everyone-for-themselves chaos, the free Survival Guide
iOS app could come in handy. Based on the "U.S. Military Survival
Manual FM 21-76, it's basically a book in app form. Chapter 15 is
dedicated to cold weather survival, including first aid, shelter and
finding food. It has tips like not overheating when you're outside, as
the sweat can cool your body and make your clothing less insulated. The
guide also covers how to prepare yourself mentally for survival
situations, where to find water, fire-building instructions, signaling
techniques and traps for catching animals should your Seamless app stop
working.
Winter Survival Kit
If you have to travel at all during severe weather, install the practical and helpful Winter Survival Kit
app on your phone before you hit the road. It does things you can
probably already handle from your phone, such as call 911, tell you
where you are and send notifications to family and friends. It has some
unique features, like sending your location to emergency services and
calculating how long you can afford to run your car engine before you
run out of gas or are at risk of carbon monoxide poising. It can also
store all your emergency contacts for roadside assistance and insurance
policies. It's available for Android and iOS devices.
Fireplaces
Let's not end this list
on a gloomy note. Instead, how about snuggling up next a cracking fire
with some hot coco and a loved one. If you don't have a fireplace in
your house or apartment, try this chillier but still soothing
alternative, the $.99 FirePlace app
for the iPhone and iPad, which simulates a roaring fire on your screen.
You can even sync the flames up with your favorite cold weather songs.
Lucky Android users can enjoy a realistic fire while using their device
with the free FirePlace Live Wallpaper. And anyone with the Netflix app can relax with the hit film, "Fireplace for Your Home."
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