Central Appalachia Weather Authority
Central Appalachia Weather Authority (CAWA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to accurate forecasts, real-time severe weather information, community preparedness, and coordinated disaster support across the Appalachian region.
We work to bridge the gap between meteorological information and community readiness so people across Central Appalachia have access to timely, practical, and locally relevant weather support.
Our Mission
Our mission is to strengthen resilience in Central Appalachia through reliable weather communication, education, preparedness, and response. From mountain communities to river valleys, CAWA delivers localized forecasts, practical safety information, and mission-driven support before, during, and after high-impact weather.
What We Do
Hyperlocal Forecasts
Plain-language forecasts built around the complexity of Appalachian terrain, elevation changes, and microclimates.
Severe Weather Tracking
Continuous monitoring and real-time situational updates during active weather threats across the region.
Alert Amplification
Translating official weather alerts into accessible, actionable updates that help people make decisions faster.
Preparedness & Education
Community outreach, weather awareness, and practical safety resources that strengthen preparedness at every level.
Relief & Recovery Support
Supporting coordination, volunteers, and community-focused recovery efforts following destructive weather events.
Technology & Tools
Building dashboards, reporting systems, and data-driven tools that support local weather awareness and response.
Where We Work
CAWA serves communities across Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, and Maryland within the Appalachian region. We are focused on localized impact across the National Weather Service forecast areas of Pittsburgh (PBZ), State College (CTP), Charleston (RLX), and Cleveland (CLE), with room to expand as partnerships and volunteer networks continue to grow.
Our Story
CAWA was founded out of the need to close the gap between official forecasts and real-time, ground-level information in Appalachia. With rugged terrain, scattered valleys, and highly localized weather impacts, the region presents challenges that often require more community-centered communication and awareness.
What began as a grassroots effort has grown into a mission-driven regional nonprofit built on accuracy, integrity, service, and a commitment to helping communities better prepare for and respond to severe weather.
Leadership
Operations, coordination, and community engagement across CAWA’s service area.
Financial oversight, forecasting expertise, and strategic development for CAWA operations.
Administrative coordination, documentation, and organizational support.
Providing governance, oversight, and strategic guidance in support of CAWA’s mission.
Get Involved
Volunteer or Affiliate
Join our growing network of weather supporters, volunteers, and community-focused partners who make CAWA’s work possible.
Sponsor & Support
Help sustain operations, outreach, reporting tools, and long-term mission growth through financial or organizational support.
Report Severe Weather
Share accurate observations, measurements, and photos to improve situational awareness and help strengthen community response.
Accountability
Governance
CAWA operates under nonprofit governance standards and is guided by organizational oversight, leadership accountability, and mission-focused decision-making.
Transparency
We are committed to communicating our work, partnerships, and stewardship clearly so the communities we serve can trust the mission they are supporting.