Threats For Heavy Rain and Severe Thunderstorms Continue in the Plains; Fire Weather Conditions Worsen in the Southwest

On Monday and Tuesday, the focus for heavy rain and severe thunderstorms will continue in the Plains and central Mississippi River Valley. Meanwhile, hot conditions and Critical Fire Weather looms over the Great Basin and Southwest U.S. through midweek. Read More >

On Monday, April 24, Jason Myers, Chief Meteorologist at WTVQ Channel 36 in Lexington, became the eleventh TV meteorologist to participate in our Partners Operational Weather Simulation (POWS) program on our Weather Event Simulator (WES) at NWS Louisville. The simulation is designed to give meteorologists a firsthand experience of what it is like to be responsible for issuing potentially life-saving warnings as the radar analyst. We archive significant weather events in our area so that we can train on the event later. This particular case was from a past winter when a line of severe thunderstorms affected a part of south-central Indiana and central Kentucky.

After a briefing to discuss the event environment and knobology of the WES, Jason was on his own to issue warnings for severe thunderstorms and tornadoes. The simulation included receiving reports from the public and trained spotters in real time, just as we did on the day of the event. Communication between the NWS, broadcast meteorologists, hazard mitigation officials, and first responders is critical during severe weather.

In the image below, Mr. Myers monitors radar and issues warnings on the WES. He is accompanied by Science and Operations Officer Ted Funk who guides Jason through the process. In Jason's words, "It's nice to get a first hand look at the challenges involved in making a severe warning decision including all the data that must be incorporated to do so. It was a good learning experience with the National Weather Service."

We look forward to many more of our TV friends from Lexington, Bowling Green, Evansville, and Louisville taking advantage of this exciting opportunity!

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Threats For Heavy Rain and Severe Thunderstorms Continue in the Plains; Fire Weather Conditions Worsen in the Southwest

Jason Myers of WTVQ-TV Participates in Our Partners Weather Simulation Program