Severe Thunderstorms from the Midwest to Mid-Atlantic Tonight; The Heat Continues in the Southern and Eastern U.S.

Strong to severe thunderstorms capable of producing large to very large hail, damaging wind gusts and a few strong tornadoes are likely from the Midwest to the Mid-Atlantic tonight. Moderate Risk (level 4 of 5) of severe thunderstorms is outlooked for the Midwest. A widespread heat wave will peak in the South and East on Friday, with many temperature records expected to be broken. Read More >

Jared Heil, meteorologist at WHAS in Louisville, became the 4th local TV meteorologist to try out the Broadcast Media Warning Simulation at the National Weather Service in Louisville. The simulation is designed to give area meteorologists a firsthand experience of what it is like to be responsible for issuing life-saving warnings as the radar forecaster. After each significant weather event in our area, we archive the data so that we can train on that event later.

After a quick briefing setting up the event and showing the software we use to issue a warning, Jared was on his own to issue warnings for severe thunderstorms and/or tornadoes. The simulation included receiving reports from the public and our trained spotters in real time, just as we did on the day of the event. It also included our interaction with our TV meteorologists and Emergency Managers via our internal chat room. Communication between the NWS, broadcast meteorologists, hazard mitigation officials, and first responders is critical during severe weather.

In the photograph below, Mr. Heil is monitoring the radar and issuing warnings on the WES, our Weather Event Simulator. He is accompanied by Science and Operations Officer Ted Funk who is guiding Jared through the process.

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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Severe Thunderstorms from the Midwest to Mid-Atlantic Tonight; The Heat Continues in the Southern and Eastern U.S.

Broadcast Media Warning Simulation with Jared Heil WHAS 11