When rain starts pouring, the thought of wading through floods or getting stuck in traffic worry people the most as they make their way home. But there’s help with near real-time data that anybody can access for free to avoid being stuck in traffic caused by floods.
In a project called Metro Weather, Caltex is helping people survive severe weather conditions by hosting Automated Weather Stations (photo shown above) in 18 Caltex stations out of 30 sites spread throughout Metro Manila. Accurate weather data from the AWS can be accessed free at www.metroweather.com.ph or www.weatherlink.com/map.php. Smartphone users can also download the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) application at www.mmda.gov.ph to get the twin benefits of traffic and weather data.
The AWS, located in flood-prone areas identified by the MMDA, collects and stores weather data that show, among others, intensity of rainfall that can indicate flooding. “The 18 Caltex-hosted AWS units, all maintained by the Caltex stations, are part of Chevron’s commitment to public safety and environmental awareness,” said Raissa Bautista, manager of Policy, Gov’t and Public Affairs, Chevron Philippines Inc., the marketer of high quality Caltex brand of fuels and lubricants.
This project is being implemented in collaboration with the other Metro Weather project partners namely the Manila Observatory, Globe Telecom, MMDA, and the Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU).