What is Longitude?

Longitude is a measurement used to determine a location’s position east or west of the Prime Meridian, an imaginary vertical line that runs through Greenwich, England. It is expressed in degrees, ranging from 0° at the Prime Meridian to 180° eastward and -180° westward.

In the context of severe weather and storm preparedness, longitude is crucial for tracking storms, tornadoes, and other extreme weather events. Meteorologists use longitude, along with latitude, to pinpoint storm paths and issue warnings. Accurate longitude measurements help emergency responders and residents prepare for severe weather by providing precise locations for shelters, evacuation routes, and affected areas.

For homeowners and businesses investing in storm shelters or safe rooms, understanding longitude is essential when installing GPS-based alert systems. These systems rely on longitude and latitude coordinates to deliver location-specific weather warnings, ensuring timely alerts and improved safety during emergencies.