1. Data Attribution
This website uses the following data sources:
- Watch/Warning Data: NWS Watch and Warning polygons from the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center (SPC) and local Weather Forecast Offices (WFO).
- Iowa Environmental Mesonet (IEM): Watch data is retrieved via the Iowa State University Iowa Environmental Mesonet API. We gratefully acknowledge their service in archiving and providing access to SPC watch products. mesonet.agron.iastate.edu
- Map Tiles: Map imagery provided by various third-party basemap providers (OpenStreetMap, ESRI, USGS, CartoDB). See basemap attribution on the map.
DATA QUALITY: Historical watch and warning data represents archived NWS products. Polygons and timing are as originally issued and may have been updated or cancelled. This is archival data only, not for current severe weather decisions.
2. Disclaimers
NO WARRANTY: This website and all data, maps, and visualizations are provided "AS IS" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement.
ACCURACY: While we strive to present data accurately, we make no guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or reliability of any data displayed on this website. Data may contain errors, omissions, or be out of date.
NOT FOR OPERATIONAL USE: This website is for educational, research, and informational purposes only. DO NOT use this data for operational weather forecasting, emergency management, or safety-critical decisions. Always consult official sources (NOAA, NWS, local emergency management) for current weather information and warnings.
3. Limitation of Liability
IN NO EVENT SHALL THIS WEBPAGE, its operators, contributors, or data providers be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising out of or related to your use of this website or reliance on any data provided, even if advised of the possibility of such damages.
You assume all risks associated with the use of this website and its data.
4. Terms of Use
By using this website, you agree to the following:
- You will not use this website or its data for any unlawful purpose
- You will not attempt to compromise the security or integrity of this website
- You will not misrepresent data from this website as official, verified, or endorsed by NOAA, NWS, or any government agency
- You acknowledge that this website may be modified, suspended, or discontinued at any time without notice
- You will credit this website and original data sources when sharing or republishing data or visualizations
5. Bugs, Errors, and Feedback
This website may contain bugs, errors, or inaccuracies. If you encounter issues or have feedback, please contact us at historicalweatherhwx@gmail.com. While we appreciate reports, we make no guarantee of response times or fixes.
6. Copyright and Licensing
Data: Government weather data (NOAA, NWS, SPC) is public domain. Other data sources may have their own terms - please refer to the original data provider.
Website: © 2024 Historical Weather (hwx). Website design, code, and original content are proprietary unless otherwise noted.
Map Tiles: Map imagery is subject to the licensing terms of the respective providers (see attribution on map).
7. Contact Information
For questions, comments, data errors, or accessibility issues, please contact:
Name: Micheal Simpson
Email: historicalweatherhwx@gmail.com
8. About This Website
Purpose: This website provides interactive visualizations of historical NWS watches and warnings for educational and research purposes.
Data Coverage: NWS Tornado Watches, Severe Thunderstorm Watches, and related warning products. Coverage varies by time period.
Limitations:
- Historical data only - not for current severe weather
- Products are as originally issued and may have been updated
- Polygon boundaries are approximate
- Not validated or quality-controlled for operational use
Acknowledgments: Special thanks to NOAA/National Weather Service, Storm Prediction Center, and local Weather Forecast Offices for collecting this data, and to the Iowa State University Iowa Environmental Mesonet (IEM) for archiving and providing API access to SPC watch products.
Version: 1.0 | Last Updated: 12/21/2024