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Gary England, Pioneering Oklahoma Meteorologist, Dies at 85

He reshaped storm warnings with the first commercial Doppler radar to inspire real-time alert systems nationwide

KWTV meteorologist Gary England on June 20, 2007, describes being in the storm cellar in his grandmother's yard as a tornado passed over when he was a boy.
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Overview

  • England passed away peacefully on June 10 at age 85, surrounded by his wife of 63 years, Mary, and daughter Molly.
  • He began his broadcasting career at KTOK radio in 1971 and spent 41 years as chief meteorologist at KWTV before retiring in 2013.
  • In 1981 he became the first meteorologist to use commercial Doppler radar for public tornado warnings, later developing the First Warning and StormTracker systems.
  • Innovations such as corner-screen warning maps and storm arrival times set industry standards that have helped save countless lives during severe weather.
  • Tributes from colleagues, public officials and storm-chasing peers have highlighted his lasting impact on meteorology and his mentorship of future weather professionals.