COLUMBIA, SC — If frozen precipitation hits the Midlands today, residents can help meteorologists track it through the PING project.

The National Severe Storms Laboratory set up the Precipitation Identification Near the Ground program to allow anyone to report winter weather on smart phones or computers. Just download the mPing app for iPhone or Android phones or go to http://www.nssl.noaa.gov/projects/ping and follow the simple instructions.

Meteorologists will compare data provided by the public with satellite data to get a better picture of where freezing rain, sleet and snow fall.

The National Weather Service forecast indicates a slight chance of freezing rain or sleet in the Columbia area this afternoon, with the frozen precipitation more likely in the state’s northern counties.

Joey Holleman