I've been a broadcast meteorologist on television since the early 1990's. Happy to answer any questions about the weather or local TV news. Yes, I often wear sneakers on set just out of view of the camera.
Hi. Thanks for the question. "Abnormal" or "normal" is a tricky question sometimes. I usually prefer to use "average" since that is a closer description of what is used in the climate data. Specific to your question, this year is one where the overall patter is favoring storm systems, developed and driven across the country by the jet stream, moving in to the desert southwest from the Pacific, and the cooler weather is caused by that same pattern favoring cooler air toward Yuma.
I think that is mostly perception, Billie. Great question. Tornadoes that hit cities will drive more news coverage and attention. Also, relative to a region, for example, a city is relatively small. I regularly drive the highways of Oklahoma and Texas and there is a lot of empty space in between cities. Region of the country matters as well. New York City is a relatively large area in a region that has fewer tornadoes. Dallas/Fort Worth is a large area in an area that sees more tornadoes, the odds of the city are higher because of the greater frequency of tornadoes in that part of the country. There really isn't any research I know of that points to cities being more or less likely to be hit relative to the atmosphere. If you really want to dive into some data you can visit this website. Thanks! https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/climate-information/extreme-events/us-tornado-climatology
Hi, Gina. Interesting question. Might be a little outside my area, perhaps an electrician or power company could weigh in. From personal experience, the house behind us was directly hit some years ago. Did damage their entire system but nothing to the houses on either side (in Texas they are often as close as 15ft. There are lightning protection systems (lightning rods) available for homes. If you are looking for help with a specific case there are “forensic meteorologists” who help with court and insurance cases.
Was very interested in the sky as a kid but never really thought it was a career until I was in my 20s. Always loved broadcasting and started in radio. Became friends with another television meteorologist who got me started in a college meteorology program and the more I learned the more I liked. So, broadcasting yes. Meteorology came later. Thank for asking, Caleb. Hope you're doing (or will do) something you love!
Birthday Party Clown
What's the meanest thing a kid ever said to you during a party?
Bouncer
What's the best way to "get in good" with the bouncer at the door?
Federal Lobbyist
What was the strangest lobbying request you've ever received?
A seasonal weather pattern across the area Indian Ocean area caused by the changing of the seasons.
Hi, Kevin. I'm thinking you mean the Storm Attributes Table, IDs assigned to radar products. Take a look here and see if this is helpful. Thanks. https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/data-access/radar-data/nexrad-products
I think only at the Christmas party. It was so long ago I can’t remember the blooper. Merry Christmas!
-OR-
Login with Facebook (max 20 characters - letters, numbers, and underscores only. Note that your username is private, and you have the option to choose an alias when asking questions or hosting a Q&A.)
(A valid e-mail address is required. Your e-mail will not be shared with anyone.)
(min 5 characters)
By checking this box, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to Jobstr.com’s Terms and Privacy Policy.
-OR-
Register with Facebook(Don't worry: you'll be able to choose an alias when asking questions or hosting a Q&A.)