Emergency Management Directors across the west and central part of Minnesota have a powerful new tool at their disposal to track severe weather and winter storms in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. 

Thanks to a newly announced pilot project with Climavision, a Kentucky-based climate-tech data pioneer, almost a third of Minnesota’s counties which fall in a radar coverage gap will have access to the company’s recently installed radar in Wendell, about 50 miles northwest of Glenwood, and a second radar scheduled for installation soon. 

The partnership provides Emergency Management Directors critical real time weather data in an area that currently has limited low-altitude NEXRAD radar coverage. 

Since the 1990s, the National Weather Service has monitored developing weather across Minnesota with NEXRAD S-band radars located near Duluth, Minneapolis, and cities in neighboring states. Those radars provide excellent surveillance over the urban centers, but they leave many parts of rural Minnesota – where a full quarter of the state’s people live – without low altitude coverage.

Emergency Managers across Minnesota have formed a working group to address the need for more radar coverage. The pilot project with Climavision grew out of that effort.

Under the terms of the collaboration, emergency managers in a 24-county region had the opportunity to receive data from Climavision’s recently installed X-band radar in Wendell starting January 1st. While watches and warnings will still come only from the National Weather Service, EMS will use the Climavision data to monitor storms on the new radar during severe weather situations and to aid in their decisions about emergency response and resource deployment.

“This collaboration with Climavision is a significant step forward in addressing low-level radar coverage gaps that have been a concern for emergency managers across the state,” said Tina Lindquist, Emergency Management Director for Grant County. “The improved visibility will enhance our ability to respond safely and effectively to severe weather events, safeguarding the communities we serve.”

The project represents a proactive approach to leveraging technology for the benefit of public safety. Climavision, known for its commitment to advancing weather intelligence, is eager to contribute to the initiative. 

“We are proud to collaborate with the Emergency Management Directors and contribute our expertise to enhance radar coverage,” said Tara Goode, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Radar Operations for Climavision. “This project exemplifies the power of public-private partnerships in advancing emergency preparedness.”

Climavision will provide training and access to the radar data for at least a year, while both parties evaluate the effectiveness and potential for expanded partnerships. The collaboration also includes plans for the installation of a second Climavision radar in or near Kandiyohi County, enhancing radar coverage even further.

About Climavision

Climavision brings together the power of a proprietary, high resolution weather radar and satellite network, combined with advanced weather prediction modeling and decades of industry expertise, to close significant weather observation gaps and drastically improve forecast speed and accuracy. Climavision’s revolutionary new approach to climate technology is poised to help reduce the economic risks of volatile weather on companies, governments, and communities alike. Climavision is backed by The Rise Fund, the world’s largest global impact platform committed to achieving measurable, positive social and environmental outcomes alongside competitive financial returns. The company is headquartered in Louisville, KY, with research and development operations in Raleigh, NC. To learn more, visit www.Climavision.com.