North Fayette Elementary School will soon participate in a study of lightning in partnership with the Severe Storms Research Center at the Georgia Tech Research Institute.
The SSRC is placing tripod-mounted antenna sensors at locations across north Georgia to collect real-time data that will improve the lead time for safety warnings issued by the National Weather Service and other emergency agencies. North Fayette was chosen because it is located away from VHF radio waves that can interfere with the sensors. Students will get regular project updates from the Tech researchers during the school year to learn more about weather science.
Board of Education Chairman Scott Hollowell assured attendees at the Aug. 26 board meeting that the sensor device does not actually attract lightning.
