tech2 News Staff

Google has introduced new features for users to inform them about major storms in their vicinity. As the US enters the hurricane season, and also marks 10 years since Hurricane Katrina took place, the company wants to be prepared and helpful and is currently working to improve the Crisis Response efforts to help people stay safe and informed during these events.

According to Google's Blog, after rescue efforts began in the immediate aftermath of Katrina, some Googlers wondered how they could connect people with useful information and resources related to the storm. With that thought in mind, Google has launched some improvements to weather forecasts and Public Alerts in Google Search to track storms during this year's US hurricane season.

Now, if one is looking for information about particular storm or tornado, they will see a map showing the location in relation to the oncoming storm along with visualizations of its forecasted track, wind severity and arrival time, courtesy of NOAA. Google has also added concise instructions for preparing and staying safe, customized for the estimated intensity of the storm and its arrival time relative to one's location, from FEMA and ready.gov respectively.

Reportedly, Google has been focused on using its resources to help web users from natural disasters. In the past, After Hurricane Katrina, Google had also prepared satellite imagery of the affected areas, and built searchable databases that allowed people to check on the safety of their loved ones.

As of now, the new storm related information is rolling out now in the US.