INO Technologies recently introduced the first handheld device that combines weather data with lightning detection, providing building pros with an all-in-one way to be prepared for rough weather on the jobsite.

Although most lightning detection technology relies on national weather data feeds and requires an Internet or cellular connection, the company's Weather Pro has its own sensor providing real-time local lightning detection and direction, the firm says. The device's data and alerts allow outdoor workers to make informed and educated decisions about what is going on outside and how long to stay outdoors.

“We’ve perfected the ‘Swiss Army Knife’ approach to personal weather intelligence by combining lightning, temperature, atmospheric pressure and humidity sensors in a single, handheld device,” says Michael Lands, INO Technologies founder. “The INO Weather Pro adds the missing link of lightning detection to these classic weather indicators, plus heat index, altitude and dewpoint for a total of seven full-service capabilities.”

The INO Weather Pro detects the distance of cloud-to-ground lightning strikes as far away as 40 miles, providing visual and auditory feedback of lightning strike distances. With an updatable software interface and a touch screen display, users are able to customize their dashboards with the information most important to them. The portable device is highly water resistant, runs on a USB charged lithium battery, and carries a suggested retail price of $497.