QUESTIONS, ANSWERED
Frequently Asked Questions.
Everything you need to know about Central Feed, credentials, and getting StormSync running.
Getting Started
NWWS-OI (NOAA Weather Wire Service, Open Interface) is an authenticated XMPP feed run by the National Weather Service. It carries every NWS text product in real time, the same data stream used by TV stations and emergency management agencies.
You don't need them. Starting with v0.0.4, Central Feed lets you receive live NWWS-OI alerts without any credentials at all. If you prefer a fully private direct connection, you can still apply for your own account by emailing [email protected] — free, but processing typically takes 10 to 30 days.
No. As of v0.0.4 there is no key and no account required. Just download and go.
Central Feed uses the developer's own NWWS-OI account to pull the raw alert data stream, then forwards that raw data to your app where it is parsed entirely on your machine. Your credentials are never involved at any point. No user credentials are collected, stored, or transmitted.
No. StormSync is an independent project. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with NOAA, the NWS, or any government agency.
Installation
A Windows 10 or 11 machine and Python 3.10 or newer from python.org (make sure to check "Add Python to PATH" during install). The installer takes care of the rest. No credentials or account required.
Close the app and run the installer again. If it still fails, email [email protected] with your log file and a short description of where it stopped, and we'll get you sorted.
Select the Private Feed tab in the app's connection settings and enter your NWS-issued NWWS-OI username and password. They are saved locally on your machine and never sent anywhere else.
Windows only for now. Mac and Linux are both on the plan. Check the Roadmap for details.
Usage
NWWS-OI gets alerts to you within seconds of issuance. The public REST API typically adds 60 to 120 seconds of delay. Mobile push notifications can be 3 to 10 minutes behind.
If you're on Central connection, double check that it is currently active. If you are on private connection, double check that your credentials are correct.
No. Everything is stored locally in SQLite on your machine. Nothing is shared with us or anyone else.
It's a 1 to 115 priority score used to sort alerts and trigger audio at the right level. Tornado Emergency sits at 115. This is a StormSync-internal scale and has no official meaning with the NWS.
StormSync is provided as-is with no warranty. It's not a substitute for official systems. Please don't rely on it alone for any life-safety decisions.