26-03-2025
Snyder gains real-time weather updates with new system
SNYDER, Texas () – At Grant Teaff Tiger Stadium, the Snyder High School Tigers and the entire community are no strangers to Friday night lights. But it's not just the challenge of facing an opponent on the field — they also have to deal with unpredictable weather.
Snyder is known for its severe weather, which can be challenging to predict, especially in a rural town.
Snyder ISD Head Coach Anthony Gonzales tells us that if there was even a chance of lightning, practices and games were automatically canceled.
'So the days of having to worry about just lightning, those days are over with. And so there's a lot of factors that go into the weather, and that affects a lot of kids and a lot of sports that practice outside,' Gonzalez said
But now, with the new Perry Weather System installed on top of the press box, they've got real-time weather data at their fingertips. The system tracks temperature, wind, rain, and lightning detection and even provides customized forecasts. This means they can make decisions ahead of time or react quickly when conditions change.
Tracking severe weather in Snyder has historically been challenging due to its remote location and limited access to weather data. However, the community is now better prepared. This resource not only aids the high school but also benefits surrounding schools within a one-mile radius, serving as a reliable asset for the entire area.
It's not just the sports teams benefiting, either. Jeff McGinnis, Director of Technology and Safety, says first responders have already used the data during a recent wind event. This information allows them to predict how and where fires might spread, which is crucial in times of drought.
'So the fire department and the emergency management guys, they were really pumped that we were able to have the wind gust the wind. They've got some really accurate information right here in Snyder that they can pull from,' McGinnis said.
With this new system, they're heading into each sports season more confidently. They can make the right weather decisions and even adjust practice times to keep everyone safe.
Perry Weather, founded in 2013 by Colin Perry in Dallas, has already sent out over 50 million alerts and continues to expand its impact across the country. They're especially making a difference in rural areas that don't have easy access to weather data.
You can find weather data on the Snyder ISD website under the section 'Local Weather.'
Thanks to Perry Weather, the people of Snyder and Scurry County feel more prepared than ever for the spring and severe sports seasons.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
