WTVO/FOX 39 is StormReady!

It was a busy afternoon for our weather department.  This afternoon, we hosted the National Weather Service's annual fall meeting for all the local media outlets in here in Rockford.  We went over the Winter 2012/2013 Outlook focusing on the current weather patterns: La Nina/El Nino, previous winters and what they can tell us about this winter as well as other atmospheric patterns that could lead to a cold vs. warm winter season.  Also discussed was the importance of social media and how fast information can spread via twitter and facebook.  Perfect example of this was Hurricane Sandy.  The NWS also said as of right now, warnings will not be distributed through twitter.  This may change in the future but as of right now updates will remain just that, updates on the weather. 


NWS Chicago Presenting Us Our StormReady Designation

 It was a very important day for us at WTVO/WQRF because we became one of the first local television stations to be recognized as StormReady.  Brandon, Eric and myself felt very honored to be recognized for being ready in the event of severe weather but also being recognized as having a safety plan for the employees of the station should severe weather threaten the station.

Jamie Enderlen, General Forecaster with the Chicago NWS, says "WTVO/WQRF supports the spirit of the StormReady program by having redundant methods of receiving severe weather warnings and weather information from the National Weather Service".  We have several NOAA Midland weather radios, the use of the NWS Chat, trained storm spotters at the station, hold annual weather watcher meetings and will soon begin to conduct tornado drills for all staff.  These are all very important things when working to keep not only the public, but staff, safe during severe weather and we work very hard to make sure every employee knows what to do both inside the building but also while out in the field. 

If you would like to learn more about the StormReady program and how your business can get involved click here.