Severe weather communication focus of Rocket City Weather Fest
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If the recent ice storm here in North Alabama did not already remind us to become weather-aware, statewide meteorologists hammered that notion home recently at the 15th Annual Rocket City Weather Fest.
The focus this year, among multiple weather topics, was on communication leading up to and during severe weather.
Rocket City Weather Fest hot topics
The Rocket City Weather Fest was organized by the American Meteorology Society and hosted by the University of Alabama in Huntsville, and featured presentations from longtime meteorologist James Spann from Birmingham and WAAY meteorologist Grace Anello.
Spann, who has achieved celebrity status here in Alabama for his severe weather coverage, discussed tornado season in Alabama and how improvements need to be made in regard to communication surrounding severe weather — including tornadoes, winter storms and wind advisories.
Spann offered nearly 70 years of data to demonstrate Madison County sits squarely in the heart of the highest concentration of tornado outbreaks in the state (most occurring from November through May). He said a better solution is needed to prepare people for severe weather.
“We have to come up with better systems. An intermediate product between a watch and a warning. Only about eight percent of Americans have a weather radio. And everybody should wear a helmet during these events. Why do people die in tornadoes? It’s blunt force trauma above the shoulders.”
James Spann, meteorologist
The future of meteorology
Anello and Spann agreed that their profession is changing rapidly, and more innovative and improved communication to citizens is important.
“You all feel a lot more like neighbors rather than viewers. Weather can bring us together. I can’t look straight into the camera and tell you everything is going to be okay. What I can tell you is that I’m not going anywhere. I’m your neighbor and this is a call to action. How much is too much information? What is more important, to analyze the system before them or the two coming right after it? When we eliminate doubt, we effectively usher in peace.”
Grace Anello, meteorologist at WAAY 31
How does Spann see his profession changing?
“We still do some things like Ron Burgundy. We spend too much time on radar. When people see it on TV, they see a bucket of spilled paint. We need to innovate in order to survive. We have learned so much from structural engineers. We have to do better for people who live in manufactured housing. We have to go where the real people are.”
James Spann, meteorologist
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