PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE CITIZEN Real-time weather data is generated from a WeatherBug weather system mounted to the roof of ECWCD’s administrative building in Lehigh Acres.

As hurricane season approaches, it is important to be both prepared and aware.

The National Weather System web site notes hurricane hazards come in many forms, including storm surge, heavy rainfall, inland flooding, high winds, tornadoes, etc. Being aware of daily weather conditions is crucial to preparedness.

Locally, Waterman Broadcasting NBC2 and ABC7; East County Water Control District; and WeatherBug by Earth Networks have joined in an exclusive partnership to bring live, local weather conditions from Lehigh Acres via a WeatherBug weather system at ECWCD’s campus; this is Lehigh Acres’ first weather camera and the project was provided by Waterman Broadcasting NBC2 and ABC7.

“The weather in Florida is always changing, especially in the summer. We are proud to partner with the East County Water Control District and Waterman Broadcasting to provide a real-time weather station and camera to keep the Lehigh Acres community safer,” said Jacob Wycoff, meteorologist, WeatherBug by Earth Networks.

WeatherBug notes weather stations help to keep communities safer by providing real-time alerts and forecasts to first responders, local officials, and residents while also providing more accurate local weather information to help predict and prepare for severe storms.

“We rely on our partners to host these live weather stations because having live information makes our weathercasts the most reliable in Southwest Florida,” said Darrel Lieze-Adams, executive news director at Waterman Broadcasting.

The weather system, which was installed in December 2014, provides up-to-the-minute, real-time weather data as generated from a WeatherBug weather system mounted to the roof of ECWCD’s administrative building. It rises several feet into the air and includes a weather vane, temperature and pressure sensor and liquid gauge to measure rainfall, and a high-definition camera. The system captures views of Able Canal, Williams Bridge and the Lehigh Acres Community Park.

“Making localized weather data available for Lehigh Acres can help residents and the district make better decisions in storm events. Through this partnership, the district is able to provide a service to our residents at no cost to the taxpayers,” said Nathan Stout, chairman of ECWCD’s Board of Commissioners.

The data is made available during weather broadcasts on both Waterman Broadcasting’s NBC2 and ABC7 stations as well as their web sites. The community has constant access to the camera through the WeatherBug app or WeatherBug website; and on ECWCD’s web site.

The National Weather Service is responsible for protecting life and property through issuance of timely watches and warnings, but it is essential that your family be ready before a storm approaches. For information on weather watches and warnings, visit: www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare/wwa.php. For more information on hurricane preparedness, refer to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Ready.gov/hurricanes.