(WKYT) – A new Kentucky Mesonet weather station in Powell County is set to add to a growing statewide network designed to observe and record weather data in real time.
The Kentucky Mesonet is a network of 87 advanced weather stations that record temperature, humidity, wind speed, and other data used by meteorologists across the state. Officials are preparing to ribbon-cut one of the latest additions to that network.
New station serves eastern Kentucky
Shane Holinde, a Kentucky Mesonet official, said the Powell County location fills a critical gap in the eastern part of the state.
“We’re very excited about being in Powell County,” Holinde said. “This gives us another important location in the eastern mountains that can provide crucial weather information, particularly in times of severe thunderstorms and flooding to those who live farther east of where that site is located along the Mountain Parkway.”
Data feeds warnings and advisories
The National Weather Service uses data and live camera feeds from Mesonet stations to issue warnings, watches, and advisories for heat, flooding, fog, and other weather events.
The Stanton addition moves Kentucky Mesonet closer to its stated goal of placing a station in all 120 Kentucky counties.