Spring storm season is upon us and the team at Butler County Emergency Management is wrapping up the installation of four new weather cameras around the county. Locations receiving cameras include Township Line, Harviell, White Oak and the old Hwy M area. Another camera installation is planned for the Qulin area in the near future.
According to Poplar Bluff Severe Weather Response Team Director, Craig Meador, the new equipment equals “full blown weather station(s)” in capabilities.
The high-definition Radar Omega brand cameras are tower mounted 60 feet in the air and have full pan, tilt and zoom features. 24/7 live data, graphics and video streaming can be publicly accessed by downloading the free Radar Omega app to any smartphone, tablet or computer. Meador notes that during inclement weather a live camera feed will be available on the Butler County Emergency Management and the Poplar Bluff Severe Weather Response Team’s Facebook pages and YouTube to help area residents stay safe. Meador says the cameras are currently in testing/setup mode but should be fully accessible and functional very soon.
The cameras were purchased through Butler County Emergency Management and Director, Robbie Myers in conjunction with the Butler County Commission. Crews from Ozark Border Electric Cooperative were instrumental in the camera and tower installations. Sponsors providing broadband and tower usage include Heartland Express, City of Poplar Bluff, Element Wireless, Boycom and Butler County Fire Chief Bobby Fredwell.