The coming winter storm: There’s an app for that. But how reliable is it and what’s inside?

Associated Press (AP)CenterEN 5 min read 100% complete by By SETH BORENSTEIN and TAMMY WEBBERJanuary 23, 2026 at 05:53 PM

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During complex winter storms, meteorologists advise relying on human expertise from local TV, radio, or websites rather than solely depending on smartphone weather apps. While convenient for mild weather, apps often struggle with the nuances of multi-faceted storms involving snow, ice, and freezing rain. Experts emphasize that local forecasters can better interpret rapidly changing data and provide accurate, localized predictions, especially since a few miles can drastically change precipitation types. Some apps, like The Weather Channel app, integrate National Weather Service data with meteorologists' analysis, offering more reliable information. However, many apps use AI, which can introduce errors, making human interpretation crucial for extreme weather events.

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weather apps 100% winter storm 90% meteorologists 80% weather forecasts 70% extreme weather 60% national weather service 60% local expertise 50% data interpretation 50% precipitation types 40%

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