WeatherBrains Episode 972 is now online (September 2nd, 2024). If you are crazy about weather, this is THE podcast for you!

This episode of WeatherBrains features a world-famous hurricane chaser known as iCyclone.  Josh Morgerman is the world’s top hurricane chaser.  To date, he’s penetrated the inner cores of 74 hurricanes and typhoons on the ground… a world record.  When he’s not prowling the globe for cyclones, appearing on TV, promoting products, or spreading the gospel of hurricane preparedness, he lives a quiet life in Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi – one block from the Gulf of Mexico, in his specially designed and fortified “Hurricane House”.  Josh, it’s great to you have on the show with us tonight!

Guest Panelist tonight is renowned storm chaser, entrepreneur and meteorologist Brett Adair.  It’s great to have you on the show tonight, Brett.

Our email officer Jen is continuing to handle the incoming messages from our listeners. Reach us here: email@weatherbrains.com.

• Fluctuating pressures in hurricanes (14:30)
• Chasing 2024’s Hurricane Debby (15:00)
• Processing of building the Hurricane House (23:00)
• How should insurance companies deal with fortified coastal homes?  (38:00)
• Protecting windows during tropical systems (44:15)
• Riding out Hurricane Dorian in 2019 (01:06:00)
• Expectations for rest of 2024 Atlantic hurricane season (01:34:30)
• The Astronomy Outlook with Tony Rice (01:40:25)
• This Week in Tornado History With Jen (01:42:15)
• E-Mail Segment (No segment this week)
• and more!

Web Sites from Episode 972:

The Story of a Storm Chaser and His Hurricane House

Live Storms Media

iCyclone on X

Picks of the Week:

Brett Adair – Real Time Tropical Cyclones – Tomer Burg

Josh Morgerman – Historical Hurricane Tracks

James Aydelott – Tornado Warning Event Count by WFO as of 9/2/24

Jen Narramore – Rip Currents – Alabama Living Magazine

Rick Smith – Out

Neil Jacobs – Out

Troy Kimmel – Foghorn

Kim Klockow-McClain – Out

Bill Murray – NWS Mobile on X: Hurricane Elena

James Spann – Sandblasted to Death – 1935 Labor Day Hurricane

The WeatherBrains crew includes your host, James Spann, plus other notable geeks like Troy Kimmel, Bill Murray, Rick Smith, James Aydelott, Jen Narramore, Dr. Neil Jacobs, and Dr. Kim Klockow-McClain. They bring together a wealth of weather knowledge and experience for another fascinating podcast about weather.

WeatherBrains Episode 971 is now online (August 26th, 2024). If you are crazy about weather, this is THE podcast for you!

This episode of WeatherBrains features multiple special guests for Show 971.

Tonight’s Guest WeatherBrain is a suggestion of Friend of the Podcast Ryan Stinnett.  This WeatherBrain has a rich background in meteorology, including a very profound childhood experience with 1992’s Hurricane Andrew in South Florida.  She earned her Bachelor’s Degree with a from the University of Miami.  She currently resides in Missouri at KQ2-TV in St. Joseph, Missouri.  She has previously worked at The Weather Channel and is an active member of the AMS and NWA.  Vanessa Alonso, it’s an honor to have you on with us tonight.

Guest WeatherBrain No. 2 is also a very special guest we are excited to chat with on episode 971.  She works in the NOAA Weather Program Office as an Observations Program Coordinator and is here to preview sessions at the NWA Annual Meeting 2024.  Sandy LaCorte, welcome to WeatherBrains.

Our email officer Jen is continuing to handle the incoming messages from our listeners. Reach us here: email@weatherbrains.com.

• NWA Annual Meeting 2024 (12:30)
• Looking back at 1992’s Hurricane Andrew (19:00)
• Importance of internships in college (40:45)
• What is astraphobia?  (46:30)
• Shared experiences in Double Majors in college (47:00)
• Experiences with 2011 Joplin tornado (01:02:30)
• AMS Digital Meteorologist Seal (01:17:30)
• Efforts to recruit Spanish speakers in CBM program (01:25:00)
• The Astronomy Outlook with Tony Rice (01:33:00)
• This Week in Tornado History With Jen (01:35:00)
• E-Mail Segment (01:36:00)
• and more!

Web Sites from Episode 971:

Meteorologist Vanessa Alonso on Facebook

NWA 2024 Annual Meeting

Picks of the Week:

Vanessa Alonso – How Texas chocolate maker survives the summer heat: WFAA TV Dallas on YouTube

James Aydelott – Microburst Footage from McConnell AFB Airshow

Jen Narramore – TornadoTalk Podcast On Spotify

Rick Smith – ChickFilA Cows Thunderstorm

Neil Jacobs – Out

Troy Kimmel – NOAA/NWS IDSS Prototype Forecast Points

Kim Klockow-McClain – “The Fifth Risk” by Michael Lewis

Bill Murray – Hurricane Carla Hits Texas AKA Hurricane Carla (1961)

James Spann – Weathernerds ECENS Data

The WeatherBrains crew includes your host, James Spann, plus other notable geeks like Troy Kimmel, Bill Murray, Rick Smith, James Aydelott, Jen Narramore, Dr. Neil Jacobs, and Dr. Kim Klockow-McClain. They bring together a wealth of weather knowledge and experience for another fascinating podcast about weather.

WeatherBrains Episode 970 is now online (August 19th, 2024). If you are crazy about weather, this is THE podcast for you!

Tonight’s Guest WeatherBrain is a highly respected figure in the world of meteorology.  He’s known for his extensive experience and expertise in forecasting, broadcasting, and educating the public about weather.  He has multiple degrees in meteorology, including a Bachelor’s Degree from Cornell University as well as a Master’s Degree from Florida State University.  Over the years, he’s been a trusted voice in weather reporting especially along the Gulf Coast.  He’s won multiple regional Emmys for his work and is an active member of the AMS and NWA.  Alan Sealls, it’s great to have you back on the show!

Our email officer Jen is continuing to handle the incoming messages from our listeners. Reach us here: email@weatherbrains.com.

• Looking back at 2004’s Hurricane Ivan (17:45)
•  History of African Americans in meteorology (25:00)
• “Weather Prophet” (35:00)
• Importance of the Jackson State and Howard University Meteorology Programs (45:20)
• STEM field statistical analysis (50:00)
• Dr. Charles Anderson – first African American to earn a PhD in Atmospheric Science (53:30)
• Current State of Broadcast Meteorology (01:07:00)
• Case Study of 2020’s Hurricane Sally (01:16:00)
• The Astronomy Outlook with Tony Rice (01:21:19)
• This Week in Tornado History With Jen (01:23:34)
• National Weather Round-Up
• E-Mail Segment (01:25:20)
• and more!

Web Sites from Episode 970:

“A Career in TV Meteorology: From the Best Weatherman Ever” by Alan Sealls

“Weather Things You Always Wanted to Know: The Inside Story on the Outside Story” by Alan Sealls

“Weather Things In Photos: The Art and Science of the Atmosphere” by Alan Sealls

Picks of the Week:

Dr. Alan Sealls – Weather To Bounce House Incidents

James Aydelott – Diversity and STEM: Women, Minorities, and Persons with Disabilities 2023 -NSF

Jen Narramore – Superyacht sinks latest: Daughter, 18, of British tycoon Mike Lynch missing; yacht ‘in wrong place at wrong time’

Rick Smith – 2024 Lightning Deaths – National Lighting Safety Council

Neil Jacobs – Atmospheric Modeling, Data Assimilation and Predictability

Troy Kimmel – Foghorn

Kim Klockow-McClain – HooDoo Heritage: A Brief History of American Folk Religion

Bill Murray – From Juneteenth to the Sky: African Americans in Meteorology by Alan Sealls

James Spann – Severe Thunderstorm footage of damaging winds in Hillsboro, AL

The WeatherBrains crew includes your host, James Spann, plus other notable geeks like Troy Kimmel, Bill Murray, Rick Smith, James Aydelott, Jen Narramore, Dr. Neil Jacobs, and Dr. Kim Klockow-McClain. They bring together a wealth of weather knowledge and experience for another fascinating podcast about weather.

WeatherBrains Episode 969 is now online (August 12th, 2024). If you are crazy about weather, this is THE podcast for you!

Tonight’s Guest WeatherBrain shares a name with our fearless leader.  He’s a Senior Scientist for the Space Weather Center at NOAA, bringing decades of experience from NASA to NOAA’s Office of Space Weather Observations.  We dive into the world of space weather on tonight’s episode.  Dr. James Spann, welcome to WeatherBrains!

Our email officer Jen is continuing to handle the incoming messages from our listeners. Reach us here: email@weatherbrains.com.

• Record for single day August rainfall shattered in Oklahoma (02:30)
• Tropical Storm Ernesto aimed for Bermuda (07:00)
• Model performance with Debby (10:00)
• Dr. Spann’s experiences growing up in Brazil shaping a career in science (18:00)
• Initiatives to enhance space weather observations (27:10)
• Difference in policy as it’s evolved over the years from NASA to NOAA (41:00)
• Sun observations (46:15)
• Solar activities increasing solar drag (01:02:00)
• Evolution and importance of partnerships in space weather (01:10:00)
• Intersection of science and faith (01:20:30)
• When is the next Carrington Event?  (01:23:30)
• The Astronomy Outlook with Tony Rice (01:29:23)
• This Week in Tornado History With Jen (01:31:03)
• National Weather Round-Up
• E-Mail Segment (01:32:18)
• and more!

Web Sites from Episode 969:

Dr. James F. Spann, Jr Bio

Picks of the Week:

Dr. James F. Spann – Aurorasaurus

James Aydelott – Paul Smith on X: Oklahoma Meteor Shower/Aurora photo

Jen Narramore – James Aydelott on X: Dad Joke on FOX23

Rick Smith – Out

Neil Jacobs – Full Protection Poncho

Troy Kimmel – May 9th, 2024 Large Hail and Damaging Wind Storms in Central Texas/Storyboard by NWS Austin-San Antonio

Kim Klockow-McClain – NWS SWPC on X

Bill Murray – Weatherwise Magainze – 2023 Hurricane/Tornado Season Issue

James Spann – James Spann on X: Aurora Photo from Blue Mounds, Wisconsin

The WeatherBrains crew includes your host, James Spann, plus other notable geeks like Troy Kimmel, Bill Murray, Rick Smith, James Aydelott, Jen Narramore, Dr. Neil Jacobs, and Dr. Kim Klockow-McClain. They bring together a wealth of weather knowledge and experience for another fascinating podcast about weather.

WeatherBrains Episode 968 is now online (August 5th, 2024). If you are crazy about weather, this is THE podcast for you!

It’s a Homegrown show tonight to kick off the month of August.

Our email officer Jen is continuing to handle the incoming messages from our listeners. Reach us here: email@weatherbrains.com.

• Rick Smith’s cameo in “Twisters” (02:30)
• What is the purpose of the college experience?  (11:30)
• Importance of being well-rounded outside of school in building your resume (31:00)
• How COVID pandemic impacted ability to write and communicate with others (41:00)
• Increasing relevance of internships as a precursor to employment (59:30)
• Advantages/Disadvantages of Graduate/Post Graduate school (01:06:00)
• Honing time management skills (01:20:30)
• The Astronomy Outlook with Tony Rice (01:30:11)
• This Week in Tornado History With Jen (01:32:23)
• National Weather Round-Up (01:34:31)
• E-Mail Segment
• and more!

Web Sites from Episode 968:

The Alabama Weather Blog

The Alabama Weather Blog on X 

Picks of the Week:

James Aydelott – Watch Duty Wildfire Map

Jen Narramore – Braxton Banks on X: Tornado near downtown Buffalo, NY

Rick Smith – No Heat Stroke

Neil Jacobs – Out

Troy Kimmel – NHC Website

Kim Klockow-McClain – Out

Bill Murray – Dr. Rick Progressive Insurance Commercial

James Spann – James Spann on X: Downtown Buffalo NY tornado video seen from Westin Hotel

The WeatherBrains crew includes your host, James Spann, plus other notable geeks like Troy Kimmel, Bill Murray, Rick Smith, James Aydelott, Jen Narramore, Dr. Neil Jacobs, and Dr. Kim Klockow-McClain. They bring together a wealth of weather knowledge and experience for another fascinating podcast about weather.

WeatherBrains Episode 967 is now online (July 29th, 2024). If you are crazy about weather, this is THE podcast for you!

Our First Guest WeatherBrain is a Forecast Team/Senior Software Engineer at DTN.  He has a Masters in Meteorology at OU and a PhD in Meteorology from OU.  Dr. Sam Lillo, welcome to WeatherBrains!

Our email officer Jen is continuing to handle the incoming messages from our listeners. Reach us here: email@weatherbrains.com.

• Current state of sub-seasonal and seasonal forecasting (10:00)
• Will AI eventually replace forecasters?  (14:15)
• Seasonal outlook verification (17:00)
• RadarScope and other DTN products (21:00)
• El Nino Weather Events Research (34:45)
• Problems with forecasting random airmass convection in the summertime (47:30)
• Hurricane season speculation (01:03:00)
• The Astronomy Outlook with Tony Rice (01:11:25)
• This Week in Tornado History With Jen (No segment this week)
• National Weather Round-Up
• E-Mail Segment (01:13:20)
• and more!

Web Sites from Episode 967:  

Dr. Sam Lillo on X

Picks of the Week:

Dr. Sam Lillo – Tropycal Python Package

James Aydelott – MAFFS4 Drops Fire Retardant on “Long Fire”

Jen Narramore – WX History on X: 07/25/2005 Sand Point, Alaska Tornado Photo

Rick Smith – Out

Neil Jacobs – Out

Troy Kimmel – Video of Wet Microburst at Fairview Peak/NWS Reno NV

Kim Klockow-McClain – Out

Bill Murray – Out

James Spann – How Jesse Owens’ Olympic Teammate Kept the Tuskegee Airmen Safe During World War II

The WeatherBrains crew includes your host, James Spann, plus other notable geeks like Troy Kimmel, Bill Murray, Rick Smith, James Aydelott, Jen Narramore, Dr. Neil Jacobs, and Dr. Kim Klockow-McClain. They bring together a wealth of weather knowledge and experience for another fascinating podcast about weather.

WeatherBrains Episode 966 is now online (July 22th, 2024). If you are crazy about weather, this is THE podcast for you!

This week’s episode is all about the long-awaited reboot to the 1996 classic “Twister”.  Released in movie theaters late last week, “Twisters” is finally here.

Our First Guest WeatherBrain for this very special episode is the Former Director of the Global Systems Laboratory (GSL).  He’s also the Former Deputy Director of the National Severe Storms Laboratory.  Kevin Kellehur, it’s good to see you.

The Second Guest WeatherBrain joining us is a meteorologist at NSSL, having been there since 2016.  He earned his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD at the University of Oklahoma.  Dr. Sean Waugh, thanks for stopping by to chat with us.

Our email officer Jen is continuing to handle the incoming messages from our listeners. Reach us here: email@weatherbrains.com.

• Twisters op ening weekend 07/19/24 (11:15)
• Discussions on where to shoot the movie (33:30)
• Real-life meteorological notes from college students used in the movie (41:00)
• Difficulty of recreating realistic-looking tornadoes in film (46:00)
• Fujiwhara effect/science behind dual tornadoes shown in the film (50:00)
• James Paxton’s role in the movie (55:30)
• Fostering relationships behind the scenes during filming (01:04:00)
• What to take away from movie for the younger generation of weather enthusiasts (01:16:00)
• When will “Twisters (2024)” be released on streaming services/DVD?  (01:29:30)
• The Astronomy Outlook with Tony Rice (01:36:06)
• This Week in Tornado History With Jen (01:38:23)
• National Weather Round-Up
• E-Mail Segment (01:39:20)
• and more!

Web Sites from Episode 966:  

Dr. Sean Waugh on X

Picks of the Week:

Kevin Kellehur – Leigh Orf’s Thunderstorm Research YouTube Channel

Dr. Sean Waugh – Girls Who Chase

James Aydelott – James Aydelott on X: 1950s Tornado Warning System

Jen Narramore – TornadoTalk: Fact-checking the 1996 film “Twister”

Rick Smith – ‘Twisters’ movie: NOAA tornado science and staff behind the scenes

Neil Jacobs – Out

Troy Kimmel – Foghorn

Kim Klockow-McClain – CNA: Mis- and Disinformation During Hurricane Season: Implications for Emergency Management

Bill Murray – Out

James Spann – The New Madrid Seismic Zone/USGS

The WeatherBrains crew includes your host, James Spann, plus other notable geeks like Troy Kimmel, Bill Murray, Rick Smith, James Aydelott, Jen Narramore, Dr. Neil Jacobs, and Dr. Kim Klockow-McClain. They bring together a wealth of weather knowledge and experience for another fascinating podcast about weather.

WeatherBrains Episode 965 is now online (July 15th, 2024). If you are crazy about weather, this is THE podcast for you!

Tonight’s Guest WeatherBrain is the Director of the Hydrologic Operations Division with the Harris County Flood Control District and is a Degreed Meteorologist in the Harris County/Houston area.  He implements a regular communication with multiple agencies, elected officials and media partners during episodes of severe weather and activations.  He oversees the operation of the District’s flood operations as well as the Flood Warning System and the flood forecasting efforts.  He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Meteorology from Texas A&M.  He’s also known for his constant reporting and calm demeanor during 2017’s Hurricane Harvey.  Jeff Lindner, welcome to WeatherBrains!

Our email officer Jen is continuing to handle the incoming messages from our listeners. Reach us here: email@weatherbrains.com.

• Dangerous squall line approaching Chicago area (02:00)
• Looking back at Houston derecho event Spring 2024 (08:00)
• Glimpse at ongoing Houston-area power outage issues following Hurricane Beryl (09:00)
• Preparing for extended power outages (15:00)
• Waning attention spans with the public when trying to distribute weather information (36:30)
• Forecasts vs post-event impacts (39:00)
• Revisiting 2017’s Hurricane Harvey (01:11:00)
• 183,000 still without power in Houston area as of 07/15/24 (01:36:00)
• The Astronomy Outlook with Tony Rice (01:22:15)
• This Week in Tornado History With Jen (No segment this week)
• National Weather Round-Up (01:24:36)
• E-Mail Segment
• and more!

Web Sites from Episode 965:  

Jeff Lindner on X

Picks of the Week:

Jeff Lindner – Weather Insights Podcast

James Aydelott – USA TODAY: Heat wave death count keeps growing, but true toll is higher

Jen Narramore – Out

Rick Smith – Out

Neil Jacobs – Out

Troy Kimmel – Foghorn

Kim Klockow-McClain – CNA National Security Analysis

Bill Murray – Out

James Spann – Barry Butler Photography on X: Triple Lightning Strike at 1221am

The WeatherBrains crew includes your host, James Spann, plus other notable geeks like Troy Kimmel, Bill Murray, Rick Smith, James Aydelott, Jen Narramore, Dr. Neil Jacobs, and Dr. Kim Klockow-McClain. They bring together a wealth of weather knowledge and experience for another fascinating podcast about weather.

WeatherBrains Episode 964 is now online (July 8th, 2024). If you are crazy about weather, this is THE podcast for you!

Tonight’s Guest WeatherBrain is a professional storm chaser and field weather reporter for The Weather Channel.  He’s known for his extensive use of drones and live-streaming technology to document severe weather events across the country.  He travels over 60,000 miles a year to provide impactful weather coverage and to support local communities and people with his expertise.  Charles Peek, it’s great to have you with us on tonight’s episode.

Our email officer Jen is continuing to handle the incoming messages from our listeners. Reach us here: email@weatherbrains.com.

• Hurricane Beryl makes landfall in Texas (20:30)
• Inland impacts/Houston area aftermath (25:00)
• Witnessing positive help as a photographer after weather disasters (42:20)
• Abnormally active tornado activity in ArkLaTex with remnants of Beryl (58:00)
• Comparing Beryl to 2005’s Rita in terms of post landfall tornado activity (01:00:00)
• Importance of empathy in weather forecasting (01:05:00)
• The Astronomy Outlook with Tony Rice (01:40:25)
• This Week in Tornado History With Jen (01:42:42)
• National Weather Round-Up (01:44:22)
• E-Mail Segment
• and more!

Web Sites from Episode 964:  

WeatherCall

Charles Peek Reporter/Weather Photography on Facebook

Charles Peek on X

Picks of the Week:

James Aydelott – 124F at Palm Springs, CA

Jen Narramore – Waterspout destroys family’s Citrus County fish camp but not the memories made there

Rick Smith – Out

Neil Jacobs – SARSAT

Troy Kimmel – Out

Kim Klockow-McClain – OFF THE GRID: U.S. Power Outage Tracker

Bill Murray – Tropical Tidbits

James Spann – NWS Shreveport on X: Photo of 63 Beryl-related tornado warnings issued

The WeatherBrains crew includes your host, James Spann, plus other notable geeks like Troy Kimmel, Bill Murray, Rick Smith, James Aydelott, Jen Narramore, Dr. Neil Jacobs, and Dr. Kim Klockow-McClain. They bring together a wealth of weather knowledge and experience for another fascinating podcast about weather.

WeatherBrains Episode 963 is now online (July 1st, 2024). If you are crazy about weather, this is THE podcast for you!

Tonight’s First Guest WeatherBrain is a NWS meteorologist at Rapid City, SD who turned a childhood fear of thunderstorms into a career focused on public safety, with experience in forecasting and research.  Keith Sherburn, welcome to the show.

Last but certainly not least, our Second Guest WeatherBrain on tonight’s episode is a NWS meteorologist focused on protecting lives and property by communicating severe weather risks, serving as the Severe Weather Program Coordinator and Lightning Safety Expert for the NWS.  He holds a BS in meteorology from the University of Oklahoma and an MS in Emergency Management from Jacksonville State.  Aaron Treadway, it’s great to see you on the show.

Senior Vice President of WeatherCall Services Bruce Thomas also drops by later in the episode to discuss WeatherCall’s products and services.

WeatherCall delivers polygonal warnings on your smartphone and works with many Fortune 500 companies including cruise lines and pharmaceutical companies.

Our email officer Jen is continuing to handle the incoming messages from our listeners. Reach us here: email@weatherbrains.com.

• Tulsa breaks June record with 118F Heat Index (01:00)
• NOAA Pathways Program (12:30)
• Ernest P Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship (14:45)
• Improving the severe weather warning process/Current warning paradigm issues (26:10)
• NWS Community-centric warnings (27:00)
• Convective Warning Mutual Aid (47:30)
• AI/automation and weather forecasting (52:00)
• Reducing number of SVR warnings/FAR (01:10:30)
• 6/25 Unwarned Nebraska tornado (01:32:00)
• Updated lightning death statistics (01:52:00)
• WeatherCall NexGen (01:53:45)
• The Astronomy Outlook with Tony Rice (01:44:45)
• This Week in Tornado History With Jen (Jen is out this week)
• National Weather Round-Up (02:03:00)
• E-Mail Segment (Jen is out this week)
• and more!

Web Sites from Episode 963:  

WeatherCall

Keith Sherburn on X

Picks of the Week:

Keith Sherburn  – AMS BOGM YouTube Page

Aaron Treadway – “Isaac’s Storm: A Man, A Time, and the Deadliest Hurricane in History” by Erik Larson

James Aydelott – NOAA Aircraft Operations Center on X: Into the eye of Hurricane Beryl

Jen Narramore – Out

Rick Smith – Out

Neil Jacobs – Out

Troy Kimmel – Aviation Weather Center

Kim Klockow-McClain – Hurricane Epsilon Discussion from December 2005

Bill Murray – Tropical Tidbits

James Spann – Phillip Klotzbach on X

The WeatherBrains crew includes your host, James Spann, plus other notable geeks like Troy Kimmel, Bill Murray, Rick Smith, James Aydelott, Jen Narramore, Dr. Neil Jacobs, and Dr. Kim Klockow-McClain. They bring together a wealth of weather knowledge and experience for another fascinating podcast about weather.