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Radar image of total rainfall: Orange = 3”+. The Story On December 25, 2003 tragic mudslides took the lives of 16 campers at Saint Sophia Camp and the KOA Campground, as heavy rain deluged the mountains of San Bernardino County, CA. WeatherData SkyGuard® Client Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) received proactive warning from WeatherData nearly four hours before a mudslide at Devore, CA covered their track. • 2:04 pm (PST): WeatherData issues a customized track-specific flash flood warning for BNSF from San Bernardino to 3.4 mi northeast of Lugo, CA. The warning includes track passing through Devore. • 4:47 pm: WeatherData updates BNSF, specifically mentioning the threat of mudslides and that three inches of rain has fallen in Devore. • 6:00 pm (approximate): BNSF confirms that a mudslide has flowed over their track as a result of the heavy rain. WeatherData provides a special forecast for the benefit of BNSF repair crews. WeatherData gave BNSF nearly four hours of lead-time, from the time we issued our warning until the time of the mudslide. Results • WeatherData gave 3 hours 56 minutes of lead-time to BNSF, from the time we issued our warning until the time of the mudslide. Lead-time could be used to protect lives and property from the dangerous weather. • Though WeatherData does not have the power to prevent a mudslide, we can help BNSF prepare for adverse weather. BNSF can mitigate unnecessary risks. • WeatherData meteorologists have the talent and experience to protect you and your business with accurate warnings and comfortable lead-times. The SkyGuard® Promise We will provide our clients with timely, site-specific warnings based on their unique business operational needs. We are available to consult with our clients 24/7/365. Our Storm Intelligence™ Center, comprised of the nation’s top meteorologists, has more than 123 years of combined experience with severe weather. We are the leader in weather risk management because we believe in blending human skill and state-of-the-art technology. Our team uses proven scientific methods and techniques, strengthened by: • Commitment to understand business operations of our clients. • 22 years of saving lives and tens of millions of dollars for our clients. Tragic Mudslide Strikes California – WeatherData® Clients Forewarned
