Case Study: U.S. Government achieves 14-minute advanced tornado lead time and improved public safety with AccuWeather For Business SkyGuard

One Storm, Two Outcomes SkyGuard® Delivers Maximum Safety and Maximum Savings

During a nighttime tornadic event near Charleston, SC, the U.S. Government issued broad area warnings that left critical operators uncertain about whether to shelter or continue operations. AccuWeather For Business stepped in with its SkyGuard service to deliver targeted, actionable guidance to affected infrastructure — specifically CSX’s railroad and a nearby aircraft manufacturer — where the generic government warning lacked the precision needed for operational decisions.

AccuWeather For Business’ SkyGuard alert reached CSX four minutes before the U.S. Government’s area warning and provided 14 minutes of lead time before the tornado crossed the track, allowing trains to be kept out of harm’s way. Simultaneously, an AccuWeather meteorologist confirmed to the aircraft manufacturer that they were outside the tornado’s path, preventing an unnecessary shutdown and saving the company tens of thousands of dollars—demonstrating clear safety improvements and measurable cost savings.

U.S. Government