Baron Critical Weather Institute Operational

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Other Communities Invited to Join the Institute’s Weather Network

April 26, 2019, Huntsville, AL – The Baron Critical Weather Institute is proud to announce the implementation of a comprehensive, statewide weather observation network. It’s being deployed in North Alabama first. The network includes high-resolution weather sensors and webcams placed in a high-density grid that will provide critical real-time weather data. This integrated network of weather monitoring stations is known as a mesonet. It will improve weather-related decisions by citizens, first responders,and governmental agencies in Alabama. The mesonet will enhance safety and increase business efficiencies. The Institute is working with the Alabama’s Emergency Management Agency, the Alabama Department of Transportation, the state climatologist, members of the Institute’s Science Council, and other interested parties in establishing the mesonet.

As the State approaches the anniversary of the super tornado outbreak, Bob Baron continues his personal commitment to improving the safety of citizens in Alabama. His efforts have led to the implementation of this first deployment in North Alabama. Baron’s goal for the Institute is to take the mesonet statewide. “There is a significant amount of
instrumentation already existing statewide, and in addition to new installations, part of the effort is to coordinate and integrate existing instrumentation,” said Baron.

The Institute has been focusing initial efforts in communities hardest hit by devastating storms in 2011: Cullman, Harvest, Hatton, Rogersville, and others. A low-cost, highly flexible sensor package, called Environmental Monitoring Economical Sensor Hubs (EMESH) has been developed by Professor Udaysankar Nair of the State Climatology
Department for this project. The Institute invites other communities to participate in the mesonet. Each participating community that installs the low-cost weather instrumentation will be provided its own community webpage and will become a vital partner in the overall network. The work conducted by the Institute is a continuation of efforts for the
state’s SAF-T-Net program. Data from the network will be integrated into the program to improve public safety.

A statewide mesonet will propel Alabama into a leading position nationally in weather data gathering and research. The mesonet will aid in the identification and tracking of severe weather, as well as heighten the accuracy of winter weather forecasting across the state. This first initiative is fully aligned with the Institute’s mission, “World class instrumentation in support of Public Safety, Educational Outreach, and Economic Development”.

Any community interested in participating can contact the Institute via Volunteer@BaronInstitute.com. Donations to the Institute are tax deductible.

About

The Critical Weather Institute, a 501c3non-profit organization, was established in 2018 to spearhead research on how weather impacts all aspects of the transportation industry. The Tennessee Valley and Alabama are home to numerous manufacturing powerhouses who produce transportation- related products. Additionally, Alabama experiences a broad range of climates and weather events alongside all modes of transportation. The Baron Critical Weather Institute will develop, coordinate and support worldclass instrumentation, and will provide major weather research and development. The Institute is founded by Mr. Baron, the CEO and Founder of Baron Services, a company known for innovation and scientific contributions to significant weather detection.

Mr. Baron will be available for interviews immediately after the 10:30 a.m. media conference at the Madison County Operations Center on Friday April 26th. In addition, he’ll be available at 1:30 p.m, Friday April 26. Also, available for interview: Madison County Commission Chair, Dale Strong, Morgan County Emergency Management Director,
Eddie Hicks, and Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle.