Bill Meck Participates in NWS Partners Operational Weather Simulation (POWS) Program

Bill Meck, chief meteorologist at WLEX in Lexington, participated in our Partners Operational Weather Simulation (POWS) program at NWS Louisville on Tuesday, January 31. The training, conducted on our Weather Event Simulator (WES), is designed to give our partners a firsthand experience of what it is like to be responsible for issuing potentially life-saving warnings as the radar analyst for a past severe weather event. After each major hazardous weather event in our area, we archive the data so that we can train on the event later.

After a briefing to discuss the environmental setting, current radar trends, WES knobology, and how to issue a warning, Bill was on his own to analyze data and issue warnings for severe thunderstorms and/or tornadoes as needed. The simulation included receiving reports as thunderstorms raced through the area, similar to real time on the day of the event.

In the images below, Bill Meck analyzes radar data on the WES while NWS Louisville Science and Operations Officer Ted Funk monitors his progress. In Bill's words, “I have a whole new appreciation for the work and information that go into keeping people safe."

We hope more of our TV friends from Lexington, Bowling Green, Evansville, and Louisville, as well as other NWS partners, take advantage of this exciting opportunity!

Tiffany Savona and Ryan Sharp at the WES