The University of Tampa uses a campus-wide lightning prediction and warning system to help alert the campus community about impending inclement weather and lightning on or around the UTampa campus. Tampa, along with the surrounding west central Florida area, experiences more lightning than anywhere else in the United States with more than 100 days of thunderstorms annually. To maximize the safety of the campus community, The University of Tampa utilizes a lightning prediction system called THOR GUARD.

THOR GUARD is a computerized system that can predict the probability of a lightning strike within 8-20 minutes before it will strike. The system is 97% accurate within a 2-mile radius. The UTampa system provides audible and visual warnings in the event that lightning is likely to strike. The rooftop system, which consists of four base units on the roof of the Macdonald-Kelce Library, R.K. Bailey Arts Studios building, Martinez Athletic Complex, and Southard Family Building emit an audible horn blast (see examples below) when atmospheric weather conditions are imminently likely to produce dangerous lightning strikes on or around the UTampa campus. In these cases, the system will emit a 15-second warning blast and the strobe lights on the units will illuminate as long as there is danger of a potential strike. Once the lightning threat passes, three 5-second horn blasts will indicate an “all clear,” and the strobe lights will turn off. The UTampa community is reminded that individuals must use their own best judgment in inclement weather conditions, and not rely solely on the THOR GUARD system for their personal safety.

ThorAlert is a mobile app for both Apple and Android devices that provides notifications from the TG360 Lightning Prediction and Warning System. ThorAlert gives users the flexibility to customize notifications for lightning, heat, wind, and emergency alert levels.

Users access the app with their system ID (UTampa ID: 381), select their desired alert levels, and can quickly navigate to their ThorMobile/ThorTV website for live viewing from the app’s splash page.

Available for free on Google Play Store and Apple Store.