COLUMBUS, Ohio — In an effort to enhance road safety, the Ohio Emergency Management Agency (Ohio EMA), National Weather Service Wilmington (NWS Wilmington) Forecast Office, and Lamar Advertising have unveiled the Ohio Traveler Alert System (OTAS). This system, officials said, will utilize digital billboards to broadcast real-time weather alerts, ensuring motorists are informed of potential severe weather conditions.
Initially, the OTAS program will feature 50 billboards placed throughout the Dayton and Columbus metro areas. These billboards are designed to provide real-time updates on a variety of severe weather events, including high winds, snow squalls, ice, and flooding.
Sima Merick, Executive Director of Ohio EMA, emphasized the system’s significance, stating, “The Ohio Traveler Alert System is a great way to keep Ohioans and visitors safe and aware on the roads. This potentially lifesaving project will provide critical weather updates to Ohio travelers.”
State officials say the deployment of these alerts via billboard is crucial, particularly for travelers unfamiliar with local weather hazards or those who may not be aware of imminent severe weather conditions.
Following a review of the system’s effectiveness in Dayton and Columbus, plans are in the works to extend the OTAS program to additional regions across Ohio.