WDSU is is gearing up for the heart of hurricane season in New Orleans by launching a new hurricane tracking app to provide smartphone users with comprehensive information on approaching storms.

The New Orleans NBC affiliate announced the launch of a free app, available for download on the Android or iPhone, called “Hurricane Central.” The software, created in partnership with Clio mobile, will give users the ability to track storms in real time, as well as providing a live stream of information from government agencies and area utilities. It will also include the Twitter feeds of WDSU meteorologists.

“We are proud to expand our suite of mobile apps to include a free application that allows our viewers and users to be well prepared for a hurricane and to manage an evacuation intelligently,” WDSU president and general manager Joel Vilmenay said.

WDSU also launched a “Parade Tracker” app for Carnival Season in New Orleans. Local stations are increasingly venturing into the app-creation world — last month, WESH’s Casey Anthony app was the second most popular download for the iPhone.