Getting accurate, up-to-the-minute weather information can be critical during a major weather event and Sumter County increased its ability with the installation of two new weather stations.
The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) received funds to purchase and install WeatherSTEM weather stations in counties to provide real-time weather information where there were gaps in coverage. Sumter County Board of County Commissioners entered into a Memorandum of Agreement to participate in FDEM’s Mesonet WeatherSTEM Project, which will benefit Florida and county emergency responders.
Sumter County utilized the official reporting weather station to the National Weather Service located at the Leesburg Airport in Lake County. After Hurricane Ian, Sumter County Emergency Management Division conducted an after-action/improvement plan, which deemed it necessary to acquire two new weather stations.
After installation last week, the two new weather stations are now reporting weather information. One is located at The Villages Sumter County Public Safety Center in Wildwood and the other is located in Bushnell at the Courthouse Complex near the health department.
“We are pleased to partner with the Florida Division of Emergency Management and WeatherSTEM as part of the Severe Weather MesoNET Program,” said David Casto, Director of Emergency Management, Sumter County. “These stations are capable of updating and broadcasting weather data and condition changes instantly. Public safety professionals and first responders can use the real-time weather information to make appropriate decisions on life safety and property protection. Additionally, residents, visitors and business owners have access to the same information.”
Sumter County residents can access WeatherSTEM’s weather stations in Sumter County at https://sumter.weatherstem.com.