Ahead Of The Storm: Chasing Brothers

News 9 has the largest team of storm trackers in the nation, and the team just keeps expanding. However, you can’t talk about this statewide team without talking about two brothers, Von and Val Castor.

Von said, “The very first time I went with Val was in 1986.”

Val interrupted, “Where was that?”

Von continued, “You were using my bag phone, and you promised you would pay me back for the minutes but I never did get paid back.”

Fast forward 35 years, and now both brothers are chasing Oklahoma storms as part of 10 teams of storm trackers.

Von, talking about Val, said, “He’s been in weather his whole life. Not me. I was scared to death of weather.”

Val interrupted again, “He’s not scared now though.”

Val, the oldest, chases mostly in the western part of the state while Von stays in the east.

It’s no surprise there would be some kind of brotherly rivalry.

Val said, “How many did you see that day?”

Von answered, “Two.”

Val quipped, “Well it’s 3 to 2.”

Von hesitated and then said, “Okay. Whatever you say.”

Val responded, “3 to 2.”

Von ended it with, “Yeah that will work.”

But they also look out of each other. Especially if one of them is home while the other is chasing.

Von said, “I called him when he does answer. Sometimes he doesn’t answer.”

Val interrupted, “I’m on the Gentner.”

Von continued, “I try to give him updated information.”

Val and Von also said their mom worries about them and is always calling to make sure they are okay.

Despite poking fun at each other, they know first-hand what Oklahoma weather can do. That’s why they work hard, along with our entire statewide staff, to keep Oklahomans safe and weather aware.