Patent US 6,310,554

A severe weather detection apparatus for detecting severe weather and method of detecting and warning of approaching severe weather conditions is provided. The severe weather detector apparatus includes a barometric pressure sensor and computerized means for calculating the rate of change in the barometric pressure. By monitoring and deriving a value representative of the rate of change in the barometric pressure over time, a threshold is established and compared to the current rate of change in the barometric pressure. The derived rate of change is compared to a value stored in the device which reflects approaching severe weather conditions. Rates of change which may indicate the approach of severe weather activate a voice-enunciated alarm that announces the potentially dangerous barometric activity. The severe weather detection apparatus is portable and suitable for battery power and installation in the same manner as a home smoke alarm or carbon monoxide detector. A reduced voltage `sleep-mode` is included to allow the device to operate for extended periods of time without maintenance or user intervention.