He Was The Dean of Weather in Oklahoma

Former KWTV Chief Meteorologist Gary England, a towering figure in broadcast meteorology, passed away Tuesday evening, his family confirmed. England, whose pioneering work revolutionized severe weather coverage, leaves behind a legacy of innovation that shaped how communities across the nation and around the globe receive critical storm warnings. A native of Seiling, Oklahoma, England's journey from a University of Oklahoma graduate with a degree in math and meteorology to a celebrated television personality began after three years of service in the Navy.

England's impact on meteorology is internationally recognized. In a groundbreaking move in 1981, he became the first to utilize Enterprise Electronics Doppler radar for direct public warnings, fundamentally altering severe weather communication. His ingenuity continued to shine with the development of "First Warning" in 1990, an automated system that displayed instant weather warning maps on television screens. A year later, he introduced "StormTracker," a program that projected storm paths and arrival times, a system now widely adopted across the country.

His significant contributions did not go unnoticed, earning him three Emmys and the prestigious National Edward R. Murrow Award for Best in the Nation in breaking news and weather, alongside numerous local and regional accolades. England's enduring influence on the field and his dedication to public safety were further cemented with his induction into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 2013, solidifying his place as a true pioneer in the world of broadcast meteorology.