Val Castor

2019 Distinguished Alumni

B.S. Geography '85

Val Castor is a native Oklahoman. He was born in Ardmore and raised in Tulsa, where he graduated from Nathan Hale High School. He earned his bachelor’s degree in geography from OSU and later obtained a meteorology degree from the University of Oklahoma.

 

In the summer of 1991, Castor was hired by KWTV and became Channel 9’s first tornado chaser. Since then, Castor has chased and reported on close to 1,000 tornadoes including four EF5s and the largest tornado in recorded history, which occurred near El Reno in 2013.

 

In 1998, his wife, Amy, became his storm-chasing partner. Together they have covered some of the most extreme weather imaginable — floods, blizzards, wildfires, hurricanes, hail storms, wind stores and, of course, tornadoes. They have been featured on numerous weather specials and documentaries both national and international. They are humbled and honored to have the privilege to serve the people of the great state of Oklahoma.

 

Castor resides in Stillwater with his wife and six children. He is an active member of Bible Baptist Church.