The Ottawa County Volunteer Corps hosted a presentation by meteorologist Derek Witt on Sept. 16. (Submitted photo)

The Ottawa County Volunteer Corps hosted a local weather presentation by Derek Witt, 13abc First Alert Weather Team meteorologist, on Monday, Sept. 16, at the Ottawa County EOC. Witt is a native of Martin and a graduate of Genoa High School and The Ohio State University. He has been with the 13abc First Alert Weather Team since 2021.

Witt explained to the group of over twenty local emergency management responders how severe weather develops in Northwest Ohio and how those patterns were unusual last June 15 when an unexpected tornado outbreak struck the area. Between Ottawa County and several other nearby counties, there were at least twelve tornadoes that night, with potentially three striking some part of Ottawa County. A large dairy farm and several homes were struck, and damage was significant. Repairs are ongoing, with some not yet completed.

Attendees were able to ask questions about weather, changing storms, and how predictions are made. Witt explained that the First Alert Weather Team does extensive research and issues their own weather predictions. He emphasized how important input from local residents is to their research, and he encouraged people to be weatheraware at all times.

The Ottawa County Volunteer Corps is part of the Ottawa County Emergency Management Agency. The volunteers respond at the direction of the EMA and do various types of after-disaster work that is needed at the time. Assessing damages and assisting with response activities are frequently assigned to the corps. They meet eight times a year at the EMA office on the third Monday of the month. The group is open to the public, and guests or new volunteers are always welcome. More information is available by calling 419-734-6900.