Streaming network Fox Weather has unveiled a fleet of storm-chasing trucks that will help the service cover severe weather and other events where and when it occurs.
Each truck is called the “Fox Weather Beast” and sports satellite and cellular capabilities to help field crews report in a myriad of terrain and weather conditions, the network said on Tuesday.
The trucks are a modified version of the Ford F-250, with customizations provided by Accelerated Media Technologies, a Massachusetts-based company that specializes in modifying vehicles for broadcasters.
Computers and equipment inside the trucks allow roving meteorologists to monitor and report on weather conditions while mobile. The trucks also feature battery backup equipment and auxiliary lighting, the network said.
A quick response (QR) code placed on the side of the truck allows viewers to download the Fox Weather app when they scan the code using their mobile device. The app features current conditions, weather forecasts and a live stream of the free Fox Weather service.
It was not clear how much the trucks cost. The network said they would be put into use immediately in order to cover a line of severe storms that are expected to move from the Plains and southern states toward the East Coast over the next few days. The “Beast” branding for storm chasing vehicles has been adopted by several Fox stations and affiliates in the past, including Fox-owned station WJBK (Channel 2) in Detroit and affiliate KSTU (Channel 13) in Salt Lake City.
In addition to its website and mobile apps, Fox Weather is available to stream on the Roku Channel, Fubo TV, Vidgo TV, Comcast-owned Xumo TV and on the Fox-owned streaming service Tubi. Some Fox-owned local stations are also simulcasting the service during portions of the day, and a few have made a 24-hour feed available as a digital sub-channel on broadcast TV.
Fox Weather is operated by Fox News Media, a subsidiary of Fox Corporation.