“We’re all kind of in it for the same cause there—to try and save lives and protect people during times of hazardous weather,” said Brandon Peloquin, Warning Coordination Meteorologist at the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wilmington. The NWS office in Wilmington covers 52 counties in southwestern Ohio, northern Kentucky, and southeastern Indiana. The building is occupied 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
The weather service has 122 offices across the United States. While the state is monitored by five offices, only two are located in Ohio. Prior to the modernization of the NWS in the 1990s, there were offices in Cincinnati, Columbus, and Dayton. However, due to technological advancements, the three offices closed and combined into the Wilmington office. According to Brandon, a NWS office should be in an open area with a clear view that is not obstructed by large buildings. This made Wilmington the ideal location, in addition to its central location for Southwest Ohio.
Brandon also discussed the “ensemble approach”. He stated, “The job has changed. Forecasting still exists but it’s different… The job of a NWS meteorologist is more about messaging, getting the message out to partners and to the public.” Brandon mentioned the importance of forecasting the weather to ensure that decision-makers have an time to warn the public of incoming severe weather.
In addition to other community involvement, the NWS has a SkyWarn program, where individuals may attend a training session to become volunteers for the weather service. These volunteers assist the NWS by providing reports and information on the weather occurring directly at their location.
Learn more about the NWS at weather.gov/iln
Listen to episode 63 of the Real Change Wilmington Podcast, 'Protecting Life & Property at the National Weather Service Office in Wilmington' with Brandon Peloquin, on your favorite podcast player below:
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