Calhoun County Dispatch Partners with Michigan Storm Chasers to Enhance Real-Time Weather and Incident Monitoring

Press Release

January 7, 2026

The Calhoun County Consolidated Dispatch Authority (CCDA) is announcing a new partnership with Michigan Storm Chasers to strengthen severe weather monitoring, emergency response, and public safety through the installation of two live-feed cameras in Calhoun County.

The CCDA has funded the purchase of the cameras, which will be owned by the Authority. Michigan Storm Chasers contributed additional funding to upgrade the equipment to higher-quality cameras and will provide ongoing monitoring and live-feed broadcasting.

One camera is located on the B Drive North radio tower in Leroy Township. The second camera is installed on a CCDA tower in Albion and includes a view of Interstate 94. Together, the cameras offer expanded visibility across key areas of the county.

“This technology provides dispatchers, emergency management, and our public safety partners with real-time visual information during severe weather and other emergency situations,” said Michael Armitage, Executive Director of the Calhoun County Consolidated Dispatch Authority. “Having visual confirmation helps us right-size responses, improve responder safety, and share timely, accurate information with the community.”

The live camera feeds will support multiple uses, including:

• Real-time weather monitoring for dispatch and emergency management
• Improved situational awareness during severe storms and emergencies
• Assistance validating traffic conditions on I-94 and surrounding areas
• Enhanced public access to live weather conditions

Michigan Storm Chasers will have access to the camera feeds and will broadcast them on their YouTube channel, @MichiganWeatherNetwork, allowing residents and weather watchers to view live conditions as events unfold. The cameras will also be available for use during non-weather-related incidents where visual confirmation supports emergency operations.

“This partnership allows us to expand Calhoun County’s monitoring capabilities while leveraging the expertise and established network of Michigan Storm Chasers,” Armitage added. “It’s a practical example of collaboration that directly benefits public safety.”

These two cameras will join more than 90 live cameras currently operating as part of the Michigan Storm Chasers network across the state.

“Michigan Storm Chasers would like to extend our sincere thanks to Calhoun County Dispatch for sponsoring and providing two pan-tilt-zoom cameras within Calhoun County.” Stated Michigan Storm Chasers Founder, Ryan Harriott. “These cameras offer a valuable bird’s eye view of incoming severe weather, winter storms, and other atmospheric conditions, while also capturing scenic sunsets and daily sky conditions. This partnership enhances situational awareness for the public and strengthens our mission to deliver timely, accurate, and visually informative weather coverage to the community.”