WHIO-TV is showing off its own hot wheels, meteorologists
Take a peek at Storm Tracker 7 vehicle at the Dayton Auto Show.
Folks who attend the 2020 Dayton Auto Show are in for a treat – during the Dayton Auto Show, they can take a look at WHIOTV’s Storm Tracker 7 vehicle in the lobby of the Dayton Convention Center to see the latest mobile technology in delivering critical weather information.
“WHIO-TV’s No. 1 responsibility is to keep the citizens of the Miami Valley informed about dangerous weather conditions that could impact their family’s safety,” said WHIO-TV News Director Caryn Golden. “WHIO-TV is committed to investing in the tools and knowledge needed to be able to accurately forecast and deliver that critical weather information to its viewers. This vehicle is a symbol of our continued commitment to complete coverage of weather 24-7 across the Miami Valley.
“That’s why we have our own Doppler 7 radar right here in the Dayton area. It enables our team of meteorologists to receive important weather data faster than waiting for National Weather Service radar data. Those minutes can mean lives,” she said.
The value of these two tools was proven last year.
“Without a doubt, Storm Center
7 Chief Meteorologist McCall Vrydaghs and her use of our live Doppler radar on Memorial Day evening, 2019, saved lives. She was able to give early warning for people to take shelter as multiple tornadoes descended on the area,” said Golden.
“The Storm Tracker 7 vehicle is a valuable tool also. It allows our team to go into the tornado ravaged areas and show you live pictures, minutes after the storm hits,” she continued.
“Storm Tracker 7 was a big investment for us but an important one in being able to send our meteorologists into the field for ground truth data, real-time conditions and the ability to show those conditions from a variety of vantage points, thanks to the vehicle’s multiple cameras,” Golden said.
The meteorologists have access to live radar, mobile weather station information and model data in the vehicle. They can accurately create forecasts and deliver them live from anywhere if needed from the Storm
Tracker 7 vehicle. The vehicle can deliver a live signal via Live U, which uses cell technology or a satellite dish.
“It’s a mobile weather and science lab, but honestly, it’s also just a really cool vehicle!” Golden enthused. “It hosts a landing pad for our fleet of Sky7 drones, which we take out to give a bird’seye view of the impact of storms or tornado damage in the region. It’s also equipped with a large display monitor to be able to share weather information.”
WHIO-TV meteorologists, including Vrydaghs, have been appearing at the show since it opened so viewers can meet them.
On Feb. 22, the schedule is:
■ 10 a.m. to noon, Chief Meteorologist McCall Vrydaghs
■ Noon to 2 p.m., Meteorologist Molly Coates
■ 2 to 4 p.m., Meteorologist Dontae Jones
On Feb. 23:
■ 10 a.m. to noon, Meteorologist Kirstie Zontini
■ 2 to 4 p.m., Meteorologist Jesse Maag