In Austin, we see volatile weather patterns and conditions with the potential to negatively impact our community. This new weather monitoring tool paired with our Campus Safety Incident Meteorologist, Troy Kimmel, equips us with another valuable resources to prepare for any type of severe Texas weather.
“This is truly a "win-win" for The University of Texas,” Kimmel stated. “We now have a fully functioning robust UT campus weather station as well as several environmental cameras that enable us to be able to continuously monitor weather conditions in our Emergency Operations Center when activated. In addition, the data gathered will also be available for academic study/research and, of course, available for anyone to see at any time.”
The WeatherSTEM station was installed at the south-west corner of the East Campus Garage roof. Sporting our iconic Burnt Orange and Longhorn silhouette, this essential weather monitoring device soars high above the Forty Acres for the soul purpose of aiding representatives in protecting critical infrastructure and ensure the safety of students, faculty, staff, and visitors from weather related emergencies.
“We are delighted to provide the first WeatherSTEM system to the University of Texas at Austin,” said Ed Mansouri, Founder and CEO of WeatherSTEM. “Being able to support the emergency management program as well as the general campus population with useful, real-time weather data and beautiful camera views of the University of Texas at Austin campus and City of Austin skyline has always been a goal of ours.”
WeatherSTEM stations provide real time weather data including temperature, heat index temperature readings, rainfall totals, rain rate intensity, 10-minute wind gust, and forecasted information as well. We can also utilize the live cloud camera feature to view current “on the ground” conditions in relation to approaching weather systems. All of the collected data is available to the public and local media outlets at: travis.weatherstem.com/utexas
Assistant Vice President for the Office of Campus Safety Jimmy Johnson said, “This partnership with WeatherSTEM enhances our real-time capabilities of forecasting weather patterns that impact the university. This tool is one of many in our arsenal that supports our efforts to be recognized by the National Weather Service as a Storm Ready University. Your safety is our priority one.”
