Columbia, Ala. (WDNews) — A Wiregrass developer is working to turn severe weather fear into calm, creating a new tool aimed at helping some of the region’s most vulnerable residents.
At just 21 years old, Katelin Selvage of Columbia, AL. has developed “Skye: Calm Through Every Storm,” an app designed to ease anxiety during tornado warnings and severe weather events.
Selvage, who has experienced storm anxiety herself, said the goal is simple — give people clear, calm information when they need it most.
“Weather apps tell you a storm is coming,” Selvage said. “They don’t tell you if you’re safe.”
The app pulls live alerts from the National Weather Service and translates them into easy-to-understand updates, helping users better understand where a storm is and what it means for them.
In the Wiregrass, where tornado warnings are common, storm-related anxiety can be especially difficult for elderly residents, those living in mobile homes, individuals with sensory sensitivities, and those on the autism spectrum, who may be more affected by loud alerts, uncertainty, and rapidly changing conditions.
Skye is being positioned as a resource for those groups, offering tools designed to help users stay calm while staying informed.
Features include real-time safety updates, a one-tap “Am I Safe?” check, breathing exercises to reduce panic, sensory grounding techniques, and a preparedness checklist tailored for severe weather conditions.
Selvage said those tools are intentionally free, ensuring access for anyone who may need them during a storm.
“Anxiety doesn’t check your bank account,” Selvage said. “The tools that matter most during a storm are free and always will be.”
Selvage has begun reaching out to organizations across Alabama to expand the app’s impact, including Wings Across Alabama, Mental Health America of Montgomery, as well as the Houston County and Henry County Emergency Management Agencies.
The app has already received feedback from an Alabama meteorologist and is expected to undergo further review to ensure its tools align with established mental health practices.
Despite having no formal tech background, Selvage built the prototype using her iPhone and plans to expand the platform ahead of a full launch later this year.
An early version of Skye is currently available for preview, with a full public release expected in 2026.
