SaskLightning runs a companion program called TSentry in addition to the NexStorm software.  When thunderstorms are detected within a pre-set distance from the SaskLightning detector in Saskatoon, NexStorm initializes alarms.  This triggers the TSentry program to send out email alerts of the approaching thunderstorm.  One of these alert emails is to SaskLightning's Yahoo group at http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/sasklightning/.

The email alert would appear like this:

SaskLightning THUNDERSTORM ALERT Sun Sep 21 19:44:19 2008

- CLOSE STORM WARNING

ID:T-3785 BNG:190 RNG:66km CAT:WK SR:5 PR:15 TR:WKN

The last line of the warning gives information in short form:

ID: This is the number assigned by NexStorm for a thunderstorm being tracked.  It will be the same as shown in the TRAC report.
BNG:  This is the direction to the thunderstorm in degrees from the SaskLightning detector.  0 is North, 90 is East, 180 is South and 270 is West.
RNG:  This is the range or distance to the centre of the thunderstorm in kilometres.
CAT:  This is the storms catagory, in this case weak.
SR:  The lightning Strike Rate/minute when the alert was issued.
PR:  The lighting Peak Rate/minute since NexStorm first began tracking the thunderstorm.
TR:  This is the trend for the storm.  In this case, it is weakening.

The alert email is sent out in this format to allow as much information as possible within the 160 character limit for most text messages.

If you would like email alerts sent to you, simply join this group and submit an email where you would like your alerts sent.  This could include alerts sent directly to your cell phone!  Always keep in mind, the SaskLightning detector is not precise and should not be used for the protection of life and property.