AccuWeather announces that it has bought the TOA Systems, lightning network, and technology. TOA Systems is known for its lightning detection hardware and has one of the few global lightning networks. The acquisition announcement was made at the American Meteorological Society’s Annual Meeting 2025 in New Orleans.
The acquisition, which was finalized in December 2024, is AccuWeather’s 16th since it was founded 63 years ago. By merging TOA’s technology with AccuWeather’s forecasting skills and machine learning, they aim to create a unique global lightning detection network.
“We are genuinely thrilled about this meaningful and powerful opportunity to not only advance our lightning forecast expertise but also to provide a critical, life-saving dataset and cutting-edge lightning sensing technology to AccuWeather clients and users worldwide,” said Steven R. Smith, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and member of the Board of Directors of AccuWeather. “The integration of AccuWeather’s expertise in machine learning and weather forecasting with TOA’s advanced hardware will dramatically enhance decision-making processes for industries and individuals at risk from lightning strikes.”
“TOA Systems has been at the forefront of lightning detection technology, providing reliable and precise data to various sectors, including aviation, energy, and outdoor event management,” said Chris Patti, Chief Data and Science Officer at AccuWeather. “By leveraging AccuWeather’s advanced forecasting algorithms, innovative machine learning models and deploying sensors across North America, and then the rest of the world the new AccuWeather Lightning Network will deliver enhanced predictive insights and lightning risk assessments.”
Tim Bent, formerly of TOA Systems said, “This is a significant advancement in the field of meteorology and lightning detection. Our integration with AccuWeather will expand the reach and accuracy of our lightning detection network, providing critical, life-saving information to a global audience.”
SOURCE AccuWeather
