WSI Responds to Customer's Needs During Hurricane Charley

Hurricane Charley's most destructive core was concentrated in a 10-mile-wide path that stretched from Punta Gorda to Daytona Beach.

Roaring at 145 mph at landfall, the winds around a small, compact eye maintained their power during the storm's seven-hour trip over Florida. Gusts in the most intense part of Charley were recorded at a devastating 160 mph.

WSI’s Media Service and Meteorological Operations center was on high alert as Hurricane Charley approached Florida. During this catastrophic weather event WSI mobilized to offer unique services to all customers. The WSI Storm Center was fully operational and provided a variety of free services that included: 24-hour staffing for the duration of the storm. Because of Charley’s enormous impact we experienced a 57% increase in customer service call volume – but saw no loss in response time. In addition, emergency Internet data back-up was offered to more than a dozen customers in the storm’s path.

During the storms most critical hours 66 different media outlets accessed WSI’s FTP site to obtain 5441 animated graphics. These animations accurately depicted the storm’s track as well as indicated areas of traffic congestion due to the large area affected by evacuation orders. National media outlets featuring WSI’s work included The Weather Channel; Fox News Channel and CNN.

What Our Customers Had to Say

A special thanks from everyone on the CNN Weather Team to everyone at WSI who helped in producing the great graphics, and information that you sent us in helping us cover Hurricane Charley. Your hard work was greatly appreciated! Dave Hennen Senior Weather Producer

I just wanted to send my heartfelt thanks to everyone at WSI. I could not have gotten through this weekend without them. You guys knew before the National Hurricane service did that this thing was going to hit south of Tampa and that made us look like we were on top of our game. I truly felt as if I was getting personalized service, and I know you have a long list of other clients you also have to provide services for. Janice Dean Weather Presenter

Just want to let you know the graphics were great. Mark Schnackenberg KWWL, Waterloo IA

The graphics were great! Mark Reynolds WJHL1, Tri Cities

Hi guys - this rocks! Spencer Adkins WOWK, Charleston WV

Your graphics ROCK! Thanks. They'll look great on air. Todd Demers WREG, Memphis TN

Things getting back to normal. Our ratings were incredible. We were #2 for the day and #1 at times. We had a 30 share at 6:45 am Friday. Mike Clay Bay News 9, Tampa