The federal government is responding to concerns about weather radar coverage in Essex County following calls for a review from Essex MP Chris Lewis. Lewis is urging the federal government to examine severe weather warning procedures and radar coverage in the region, arguing Essex County relies too heavily on weather radar located outside the area. In a statement to CTV News, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) said it remains committed to providing accurate and timely weather information to Canadians. The department noted that the Exeter, Ont. weather radar, located nearly 200 kilometres from Windsor-Essex, is now fully operational after undergoing maintenance earlier this summer. During periods when the Exeter radar is unavailable, ECCC says meteorologists don’t rely on a single source of information. Instead, they use data from nearby radar installations, satellite imagery, lightning detection systems, and surface weather stations to monitor conditions and issue severe weather warnings. The agency says this combination of technologies allows forecasters to track developing storms and provide warnings when hazardous weather threatens the region. While the federal government addressed questions about how severe weather is monitored, it did not say whether it plans to conduct the review Lewis has requested. Lewis has argued a closer look at radar coverage is needed to ensure residents receive the most accurate and timely severe weather warnings possible.
