When I made the facebook post about this yesterday, I didn’t expect so many people to assume the big news was related to a chance for snow. But, I suppose it is pretty cold, so that is to be somewhat expected.
But this isn’t about snow…. directly.
The BIG NEWS! is that I inked a deal, officially, for weather data and bandwidth related to the app.
It is officially official: The app will be released before Christmas.
I’ve got a graphic artist updating my logo, I’ve got some advertisers on board, and the app looks to be a few weeks from being released. I was hoping to have all of this wrapped up in October for a Halloween release, but life happened. And it got delayed.
But, while it has been ‘in the works’ for a while now, things are getting official now that the ink is dry on paper with the data and bandwidth contract. And I estimate a post-Thanksgiving release.
What does this mean for you?
Merry Christmas, early, everyone! You’ll have access to an app that can give you…
Current Conditions
7 Day Forecast
Hourly Forecast out 24 hours
Alerts for:
– Lightning Proximity
– Storms In the area, rotating storms and dangerous storms
– When storms are approaching
– All NWS Watches, Warnings and Advisories
Plus, I can send personal weather-related push alerts right to your phone!
Who is covered?
I am currently working toward coverage for the areas highlighted on the map below. Each different color would have their own forecast, alerts, etc.
If there is enough of a need/desire for an expanded coverage area, I would look into expanding things in the future.
How much does it cost?
For you? Nothing. For me, this is not cheap.
I will be completely transparent here: Between the app, the website, and running some of the in-house modeling I do (Karrie Meter included) the necessary computer equipment, maintenance, digital tools, weather data, bandwidth, server space, and development I’m looking at a total cost between $2000 and $3500 per month (depending on a number of factors).
As well as about 1-3 hours per day to forecast and maintain things. And longer hours/higher expenses during storm coverage.
Plus however many Man Hours and money I’ve already pumped into this thing.
So, this isn’t exactly a T-shirt on the clearance rack at Walmart.
I don’t plan to offer any subscription services with the app directly, but there may be some things I add down the line for “Power Users” so to speak.
Instead, like before, I am hoping local businesses find enough value in the work I’m doing, the service I’m offering, and the platform I would provide them to help support this endeavor. This means logo/ad placement on the app, a spot for a bio, extra info and contact details, and the occasional “thank you” posts from me. I’ve worked with the developers a bit to see where we can put things to not be too intrusive but also allow for businesses to be seen.
If you’re interested in such a thing, contact me! here! Or just shoot me an email, info@nickelblock.com .
But Nick, I don’t have a business! Can I still help?
Sure! Like always, if you want to help me buy some bandwidth or just say ‘thanks’ you can always donate via Paypal
Why do this?
That’s a good question. One I get asked frequently. Am I crazy? Why spend “up to” $42,000 per year on a website, app and data?
I grew to know a lot of you guys during my time in South Mississippi. I lived there, in one spot, longer than I lived anywhere else in my life. I grew to love the area and the people. And I grew to know that weather coverage was very – very! – important to a lot of you.
And I care.
Since leaving I’ve heard from a lot of folks that the coverage I provided was helpful and they wished there was a way for me to keep doing it. I get that. Accuracy matters with weather. A lot of you guys may big decisions, every day, based on the weather. I was happy to help!
So I started with the occasional forecast for big events, that morphed into daily forecasts to keep on top of day-to-day weather, that turned live weather coverage from my desk, then I bought a green screen, that morphed into expanding the coverage area and getting interns. And now I’ve got an app!
Can you put a price limit on how much you care? Sure. Do I have $42,000 laying around? I wish! Am I crazy? Probably a little.
But the hope is that there will be folks eager to be as helpful as I am. If there is one thing I learned about the people of southern Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama it is they are just as helpful as I try to be. I’m confident there are businesses out there that will choose to help.
The Bottom Line
The app will be out in the next few weeks, definitely before Christmas. It will give you access to a ton of helpful information.
It won’t be 100-percent accurate 100-percent of the time. But it will have the data and foundation to offer you the most accurate up-to-the-minute data to help you make the best weather-related decisions you can – whether that be to take shelter from a storm or just leave for work a few minutes early.
Or, it might be the first place you turn to know if it is really, actually, going to snow…
Not often do awesome people come into our lives, giving a living example of how to serve others unselfishly. You’re one!
Thank you!!!
Thank you. You are doing a great service for us in Jones and surrounding are
Contact Ms Power Company for add/ donations. I’m retiree!
Thank You