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Central Indiana Gets VIPIR!!

Posted: Thu Dec 02, 2004 11:34 pm
by michaelwmoss
Wish-tv Channel 8 will be getting this awesome service! Bob, Mike I am contacting two of the meteologists there by email to see if they want to be on a future show.

Link:http://www.wishtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=2642010&nav=0Ra6TlpJ



Article is below:

The Forecast 8 VIPIR -- which stands for Volumetric Imaging and Processing of Integrated Radar -- is more than just a fancy name explains WISH-TV chief meteorologist, Steve Bray.

“Viewers will immediately notice the advanced real-time Doppler radar features and 3D displays. But what they’ll benefit from even more so, is what happens behind the scenes,” said Bray. “The Forecast 8 VIPIR gives our meteorologists the ability to get out even earlier warnings, more accurately track and pinpoint a storm’s direction and monitor severe weather conditions.”

Forecast 8 VIPIR is the most sophisticated forecasting tool developed to date and WISH-TV is the only television station in Indiana with this technology.

“Predicting weather will never be the same,” said WISH-TV Forecast 8 meteorologist Angela Buchman. “From a daily forecast to times of severe weather, this technology provides more in-depth details and earlier data giving us a virtual look into the future.”

Forecast 8 VIPIR gives the WISH-TV meteorologists the power to dissect storm clouds including rotating columns that could develop into a tornado. VIPIR’s Snow Machine also allows the Forecast 8 team to use real-time data to differentiate rain, ice and snow during winter weather coverage.

This advanced weather system recently made national news when it helped meteorologists in Florida forecast a last minute directional change in Hurricane Charley’s deadly path. The VIPIR allowed the television station’s meteorologists to get out life-saving information hours before the National Hurricane Center.

“Forecast 8 VIPIR puts 24 Hour News 8 in the vanguard of advanced warning, totally live and accurate weather coverage,” said Tom Cochrun WISH-TV news director. “Our ability to serve public safety just got elevated.”

Forecast 8 is Indiana’s largest team of award winning meteorologists equipped with an arsenal of the most advanced weather technology in the country, including Live Doppler, Storm Tracker, Futurecast, Neighborhood Weather Net and now Forecast 8 VIPIR.

WISH-TV is Indiana’s Weather Authority with the team and the tools to keep viewers ahead of threatening weather – keeping them informed and keeping them safe.

Posted: Fri Dec 03, 2004 1:43 am
by TazzyD
Saw that on the news tonight. This is fantastic!

Posted: Fri Dec 03, 2004 1:45 am
by michaelwmoss
I am trying to get Steve Bray And/Or Angela Buchman to be guests on Radio NHCWX

Posted: Fri Dec 03, 2004 2:05 am
by TazzyD
Hope it works out. I would definitely tune into that.

Posted: Fri Dec 03, 2004 2:07 am
by michaelwmoss
I am also excited because this is the very first installation of VIPIR in Indiana and it's right in the heart of the Indiana Severe weather alley.

Awesome call!

Posted: Fri Dec 03, 2004 3:24 am
by PurdueWx80
Actually, WLKY in Louisville has had it for quite a while, and it covers much of Southern IN.

Posted: Fri Dec 03, 2004 7:18 am
by michaelwmoss
I did not know that :) I hope every area someday can be close enough to a TV station that has one. Awesome tool!

Posted: Fri Dec 03, 2004 3:38 pm
by isobar
We weatherphiles are so fortunate to have such technology and information available today. It wasn't that long ago that WSR-57 was about all we had. Remember those green blobs?

Posted: Fri Dec 03, 2004 3:45 pm
by ohiostorm
Too bad tv stations dont give out the warnings! lol
Awesome service though.

Posted: Fri Dec 03, 2004 5:06 pm
by michaelwmoss
isobar wrote:We weatherphiles are so fortunate to have such technology and information available today. It wasn't that long ago that WSR-57 was about all we had. Remember those green blobs?


Boy do I ever :)

And the screen burns as well (Lack of Screensavers)

Posted: Fri Dec 03, 2004 5:07 pm
by michaelwmoss
ohiostorm wrote:Too bad tv stations dont give out the warnings! lol
Awesome service though.


I think as time goes on, they will do extra coordinations with the NWS. They should be doing that anyways to make it truly a team effort to help protect the public

Posted: Sat Dec 04, 2004 2:17 am
by ohiostorm
michaelwmoss wrote:
ohiostorm wrote:Too bad tv stations dont give out the warnings! lol
Awesome service though.


I think as time goes on, they will do extra coordinations with the NWS. They should be doing that anyways to make it truly a team effort to help protect the public


Definately. Especially when they are working so much with the public keeping them informed. When people call into tv stations, they could relay the info to the NWS to make it faster for warnings to get out.

Posted: Sat Dec 04, 2004 4:58 am
by michaelwmoss
ohiostorm wrote:
michaelwmoss wrote:
ohiostorm wrote:Too bad tv stations dont give out the warnings! lol
Awesome service though.


I think as time goes on, they will do extra coordinations with the NWS. They should be doing that anyways to make it truly a team effort to help protect the public


Definately. Especially when they are working so much with the public keeping them informed. When people call into tv stations, they could relay the info to the NWS to make it faster for warnings to get out.


Exactly. That is why I usually call the NWS direct when there is severe weather going on because I know the report may never get to the NWS if I call in on a media outlet. But I look for all that to change with time especially if we in the weather community speak up about it.

Posted: Mon Dec 06, 2004 12:04 pm
by therock1811
WCPO-TV 9 has this here in Cincinnati.

Posted: Mon Dec 06, 2004 12:53 pm
by michaelwmoss
therock1811 wrote:WCPO-TV 9 has this here in Cincinnati.


How has it helped with the storm prediction and response time there?

Posted: Mon Dec 06, 2004 2:47 pm
by vbhoutex
We've had vipir here in the Houston area for a few years now. I think it has helped with the prediction of possible severe weather in our area, at least by the local stations that have it. I'm not sure how many actually have it, but all of the local biggies have the same type of abilities you have described are available with the new VIPIR in your area. They never try to "out guess" the NWS with warnings, but do say "we have shear markers, etc. indicating the possibility of..." I definitely think it heps people be more aware of the possibilities, even if nothing happens.

Posted: Mon Dec 06, 2004 4:23 pm
by michaelwmoss
Always be better to be safe than sorry. I am sure many VIPIR systems are going to get a workout during the next 36 hrs.

Posted: Mon Dec 06, 2004 11:42 pm
by ohiostorm
Local TV station in Pittsburgh now has it. I might have to check it out.

Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2004 12:03 am
by tomboudreau
Ohiostorm...what Pittsburgh Station has this?

Thanks,

Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2004 9:45 am
by therock1811
So far it has been effective here. During the recent severe weather, the locals were well warned. So much so that there were no injuries. I believe this technology was directly responsible for some of that, but no one thing can take the credit here.