Local On The 8s
Since its inception, the Weather Channel has incorporated local forecasts using Weather Star computers installed at cable headends. Until 1995, the forecasts had been played at various times each hour, but are currently shown at times ending in "8", hence the title of the local forecasts is "Local on the 8s" (though local forecasts are reduced to once every half-hour when non-forecast programs are aired which is now a majority of the air day). With the introduction of the current IntelliSTAR system, traffic information is also incorporated alongside local weather information, in areas that traffic.com (via its TrafficPulse service) provides traffic data.
The Weather Star systems also utilize a Lower Display Line (LDL) on the bottom of the screen during local forecasts and national programming, providing current conditions for a specific location and two or three towns within 15 miles, almanac data, forecasts and (in select cities) traffic information on cable headends using the IntelliStar system and only current conditions, and forecasts on cable headends using WeatherStar XL and older models. WeatherStar units also allow the cable company to scroll a text message when in use, including the capability to broadcast severe weather advisories and warnings when severe weather occurs in a given area, displaying warnings for the county in which the WeatherStar system's cable headend is located and surrounding counties in the immediate area.
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