Oklahoma Severe Weather Coverage Part 1

Oklahoma Severe Weather Coverage Part 1

First of all, I have some very exciting news to share. News 9 severe weather coverage is now available on all mobile platforms and devices as well as on our website when we are providing wall-to-wall coverage. This includes Android devices, tablets, iPhones, iPads, and any device with a mobile browser on m.news9.com. This means that you can watch live severe weather and breaking news coverage when we are streaming it wherever you are. Here are two other terrific notes, you do not need to update your current app for the streaming to work, and the stream works on Wi-Fi, 4g, and even 3g connections!

Now,   On a personal note, I want to begin by saying that I am blessed beyond measure to be able to live out my dream of both working in broadcast meteorology in my home state and serving others simultaneously. I have had the privilege of working in every role possible in the News 9 weather department over the past 13 years. As a result, I think I can bring a fairly unique perspective that I hope you find both interesting and informative.

The decision to interrupt programming, commercials, live sporting events, award shows, cartoons, and anything else you can think of is often not as clear as we would like. Despite having tremendous resources, years of experience, and state of the art technology we can't be everywhere all the time. So, there are instances where we have to make judgment calls based on limited information regarding the threat to life and property the weather is posing. There are even times when we air live video of tornadoes moving toward populated areas, and we still get complaints about someone missing their favorite show. Fortunately News 9 owner David Griffin is an Oklahoman himself, and he recognizes the importance and benefits of great severe weather coverage to our state despite the costs.

I have also learned that the perceived threat is sometimes just as important as the actual threat. On one hand we have viewers that start calling if the skies even begin to darken slightly. Meanwhile, there are some people who could care less about the weather, and are terribly distraught the moment they hear the beeps and see our face. That is of course until trees start snapping and debris starts flying. Then, you will see them interviewed saying things like, "we had no warning."

The situation becomes further complicated by the coverage area of News 9 extending from Okemah to Woodward and from Ponca City to the Arbuckle Mountains. More often than not severe weather will be affecting one area of the state while another area is sunny and warm. Regardless, we believe that each and every person in our coverage area deserves to be warned of serious weather. We occasionally hear from areas outside of Oklahoma City complaining about not receiving as much attention. As I said earlier, we can't be everywhere all the time. So, the best recommendation I have for those that want more coverage is to connect with us through our website and social media. Send us your pictures and video rather than assuming that we know 100% what is happening at your location. You can help your neighbors and other Oklahomans simply by sharing with us what you are experiencing. Next week I will follow up with part 2.