Gary England, one of the most iconic and trusted figures in American weather broadcasting, passed away peacefully on June 10, 2025, at the age of 85. A beloved figure in Oklahoma, England was more than a meteorologist—he was a life-saver, a pioneer, and a symbol of safety in Tornado Alley. His voice guided millions through terrifying storms, and his work changed the field of weather reporting forever.
Early Life and Education
Gary England was born on October 3, 1939, in the small town of Seiling, Oklahoma, where severe weather was part of life. As a young boy, he was deeply impacted by the tragic Woodward tornadoes of 1947, which killed more than 100 people. This event ignited his lifelong interest in meteorology. At 17, he joined the U.S. Navy, where he began formal weather studies. Later, he pursued higher education at the University of Oklahoma, earning a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Meteorology in 1965.
Early Career in Weather
Gary started his professional journey as a consulting meteorologist and oceanographer in New Orleans, working with A.H. Glenn & Associates. But his real calling came when he entered the world of broadcast meteorology. In 1971, he began delivering forecasts on KTOK Radio in Oklahoma City. A year later, in 1972, he joined KWTV Channel 9 as chief meteorologist, marking the beginning of a revolutionary era in local weather coverage.
Pioneer of Weather Technology
Gary England became a household name because of his groundbreaking innovations in weather forecasting. In 1981, he helped install the first commercial Doppler radar on TV, allowing for real-time tornado detection. Just a year later, in 1982, he made history by becoming the first TV meteorologist in the U.S. to issue a tornado warning live on-air—even before the National Weather Service.
He continued leading the way with tools like First Warning in 1990, a screen graphic that alerted viewers to danger, and Storm Tracker in 1991, which estimated the arrival times of severe storms. These tools were later adopted across the nation and set the standard for storm coverage. England was also behind the development of W.A.R.N., mobile video storm coverage, and advanced alert systems, many of which are still used today.
A Trusted Voice in Every Home
Gary wasn’t just about technology—his on-air presence made him a comforting and trusted figure for decades. Known for his calm voice and Oklahoma drawl, he became part of the cultural fabric of the state. His signature phrase, “Jump back, throw me down, Loretta… it’s Friday night in the big town!”, was a fan favorite.
He made history again in 1973, when he led live coverage of an F4 tornado in Canadian County, one of the first-ever televised tornado chases. This moment was pivotal in developing modern storm-chasing journalism. Gary also appeared in the movie Twister (1996), where his real-life storm coverage was shown in the opening scene. He consulted on the film and was celebrated by storm chasers and fans alike.
Recognition and Honors
Over his remarkable career, Gary England earned numerous awards. He won three Emmy Awards, the Edward R. Murrow Award for breaking weather news, the National Headliner Award, and several regional and broadcast journalism honors. He was inducted into the Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2002 and the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 2013.
He also received the Governor’s Humanitarian Award and an honorary doctorate from the University of Oklahoma in 2014. These honors reflect his extraordinary contributions to weather forecasting and public safety.
Retirement and Later Years
In 2013, after more than four decades of service, Gary retired from daily on-air forecasting. He passed the baton to meteorologist David Payne and transitioned to a corporate role as Vice President of Corporate Relations & Weather Development for Griffin Communications. Even after retiring, he remained active behind the scenes, continuing to mentor new meteorologists and improve storm safety systems.
Personal Life
Gary England was married to his wife Mary for an inspiring 63 years. Together, they had one daughter, Molly, and two granddaughters, Cassidy and Chloe. In his spare time, Gary enjoyed fishing and being close to nature. Despite his fame, he remained a humble, hometown soul who never forgot his mission—to protect lives during dangerous storms.
A Lasting Legacy
Few meteorologists have had as deep an impact as Gary England. Through his early warnings, life-saving forecasts, and innovative tools, he saved countless lives in Oklahoma and beyond. He mentored the next generation of storm chasers and weather reporters and was admired by peers across the country. Fans even created a humorous “Gary England drinking game” based on his storm coverage, showing just how deeply embedded he was in Oklahoma’s culture.
When news broke of his passing, tributes poured in. He was called a “legend,” a “guardian angel,” and a “trailblazer in meteorology.” Gary wasn’t just a weatherman—he was a hero who stood at the frontlines when Oklahoma needed him most.
Family Statement and Farewell
In an emotional statement, his family said:
“Gary passed peacefully… surrounded by his wife of 63 years, Mary, and his loving daughter, Molly. He was proud to have protected Oklahoma from its deadliest storms. He will be deeply and forever missed.”The people of Oklahoma and the weather world at large are mourning this incredible loss. Gary England may no longer be on our screens, but his voice, his calm presence, and his deep care for public safety will echo through every siren, every weather alert, and every family that finds shelter from the storm.
