Weather Heroes

Brigadier General Benjamin J. “Joe” Spraggins – Professional ProfileIn this episode of the Weather Heroes series, The Katrina Chronicles, we meet the man who oversaw the Harrison County, MS response and recovery efforts following Katrina’s devastating impact. Brigadier General Benjamin J. “Joe” Spraggins (Ret.) is a distinguished military and public service leader with over 34 years in the U.S. Air Force. He retired in 2006 as a Brigadier General. He commanded the Combat Readiness Training Center Gulfport, the 186th Air Refueling Wing in Meridian, MS, and served as Chief of Staff of the Tennessee Air National Guard. An aviator with more than 3,400 flight hours, his final assignment was Battle Commander for the Continental United States Region under NORAD, overseeing U.S. air sovereignty.Following his military career, Spraggins became the Harrison County, MS Emergency Management Director, coordinating recovery efforts after Hurricane Katrina, the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill (2010), the Haiti earthquake (2010), and the Nashville flood (2010).While recounting his Katrina experiences, the General describes the many challenges to recovery, shares some very moving stories, and provides insights into the long-term recovery efforts along the MS coast and what can be done to prepare for a worst-case scenario.In 2013, he joined the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (MDMR) and currently serves as the Executive Director. He leads programs in coastal restoration, resiliency, and marine fisheries.General Spraggins also serves on multiple regional and national boards, including the Gulf of Mexico Fisheries Management Council, Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission, and Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport Authority. Known for his dedication to coastal Mississippi, he is a respected leader in disaster recovery, marine resource management, and community service“Have a very good plan, practice it regularly, and be ready for what can happen; be prepared for war with nature. Never get complacent”

In this episode of our ongoing Katrina Chronicles, we discuss the recovery of coastal Mississippi schools in the aftermath of that devastating hurricane. The massive destruction of school buildings, the loss of facilities, faculty and staff presented unprecedented challenges. Almost everyone – teachers, parents and pupils were unhoused and had evacuated to places across the southeastern US. Today, Glen East, Gulfport School District Superintendent, talks us through the journey to normalize one of the major aspects of daily life – school. The decision to get the schools up and running as quickly as possible met a critical need for Katrina’s youngest victims. Studies later confirmed that school life, with its routine, safety, and sense of caring, was vital in helping the children cope with the daily challenges wrought by the aftermath of Katrina. Amazingly, the first schools were able to be reopened in 26 days!Resources were gathered from around the country, partnerships made with other districts, solutions found to the many, many challenges. The reopening of schools in Gulfport and other coastal communities was paramount to help begin healing the devastated city.So, join me in welcoming Mr. East as he recounts the post Katrina days and the rebuilding of a school district and community. 

When Hurricane Katrina tore through the Mississippi Gulf Coast on August 29, 2005, Gulfport Police Sergeant Andy Ratcliffe found himself at the heart of one of America’s most devastating natural disasters. A native Mississippian with an infectious enthusiasm for life, he helped maintain order and lead rescue efforts in the storm’s immediate aftermath. As a military pilot, he also took to the skies, flying FEMA and other officials over the wreckage and delivering lifesaving supplies by helicopter to stranded survivors.In this episode, Colonel Ratcliffe reflects on the chaos and courage of those days: neighborhoods erased overnight, airports operating without controllers, and military‑style drop sites becoming lifelines for desperate families. He shares vivid first‑hand accounts of the destruction, the resilience of Gulfport’s community spirit, and the rally points that kept responders united when everything else was falling apart.Commissioned as an aviation officer in 1998, his current command assignments include: Commander, A/1-185 AVN, Commander, I/1-185th AVN, Commander, HHC/1108th AVN GRP, and Commander of A/1108th AVN GRP. He has served as the Brigade AVN Officer for 155th ABCT, Executive Officer for 1-185 AVN Regiment, and Chief of Staff for 66th Troop Command. He has deployments to Iraq, Kuwait and Kosovo. He currently serves as the Facility Commander at the MS-AVCRAD and is also the Commander of the 1108th TASMG.Colonel Ratcliffe is the recipient of numerous military awards and decorations which include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal and Master Army Aviator Badge.He has seen Gulfport recover over the years as he continues his orientation towards service as a community leader.  He serves on the Board of Directors for Leadership Gulf Coast, the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, Gulf Coast Business Council, and the Gulf Coast Boys & Girls Club while also a Deacon of the First Baptist Church of Gulfport.Andy Ratcliffe’s story is more than a remembrance—it’s a testament to service, leadership, and the unbreakable will of a community recovering from a catastrophe. 

In this next episode we meet Ferrell Alman. When Hurricane Katrina unleashed its fury on Gulfport, Mississippi, it left behind a city in ruins - landmarks erased, homes shattered, lives forever altered. Among those caught in the storm’s path was Mr. Alman, a local business owner whose own home and family were affected. But Ferrell didn’t retreat from the devastation. He stepped forward.We'll hear Ferrell’s remarkable story of resilience and compassion. Rather than succumb to despair, he turned his home and his business into lifelines for those who had lost everything. His actions helped spark a wave of recovery and hope in a city struggling to find its footing.Ferrell shares how Katrina reshaped Gulfport, how neighbors became lifelines, and how a community found strength in unity. His story is a testament to the power of local leadership and the extraordinary good that can come when people choose to care.“You survive, you persevere... you just learn how to adapt, and your whole world kind of changes.” - Ferrell AlmanFerrell Alman isn’t just a business owner - he’s a cornerstone of Gulfport’s recovery and a shining example of what it means to show up when it matters most.

When Hurricane Katrina struck the Mississippi Gulf Coast, chaos reigned and communication was critical. At the heart of the storm’s coverage was Dave Vincent, a seasoned broadcaster and station manager of WLOX-TV, He delivered life-saving information to a community in crisis. As the disaster unfolded, Dave and his team provided award-winning coverage that kept residents informed, connected, and hopeful.A veteran of the news industry, Dave holds degrees from three colleges, including a master’s in public relations from the University of Southern Mississippi. He continues to serve on the university’s School of Mass Communication and Journalism Advisory Board and has been inducted into both the school’s Hall of Fame and the Mississippi Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame.Dave’s leadership and dedication during Katrina exemplify the vital role of local journalism in times of disaster. His tireless work—alongside the entire WLOX-TV team—ensured that the people of Gulfport and Biloxi had the information they needed to make life-or-death decisions.“I wish today we had that camaraderie we had back then. People really came together and helped each other.”  - Dave Vincent

As part of our ongoing Katrina Chronicles, today we meet Fire Chief Billy Kelley.When Hurricane Katrina slammed into Gulfport, Mississippi, it left behind a trail of destruction that reshaped the city - and the lives within it. Billy was on the front lines, firefighter extraordinaire. He faced the storm’s fury not only as a first responder, but as someone whose own home was ravaged.Now the department’s fire chief, he reflects on those harrowing days: the scramble to save lives, the coordination of a sprawling relief effort, and the unwavering spirit of a community that refused to be broken. His story is one of grit, leadership, and a resilience that defies descriptionWith over 20 years of service, Billy was appointed chief in 2021. He now oversees an operation that spans eleven stations and delivers critical services—from land and maritime fire suppression to emergency medical care, HAZMAT response, technical rescue, and fire prevention. Under his leadership, the Gulfport Fire Department remains a pillar of strength and preparedness.Mr. Kelley’s courage during Katrina—and his continued dedication—serve as a beacon for anyone facing disaster. His words capture the heart of Gulfport’s response:“Resiliency... it was happening everywhere around here. From coast to coast... this place just really stepped up and a lot of people just did what they had to do.” - Billy Kelley

August 2005—when Mississippi met its moment of truth.In this episode, we meet Billy Hewes, a lifelong Gulfport resident whose home was left battered by Hurricane Katrina. But Hewes was more than a survivor—he was a driving force in the recovery. Serving as a state congressional leader while also working as an insurance and real estate agent, he brought a rare, multifaceted perspective to the crisis. Hewes takes us inside those early days—navigating logistical chaos, political challenges, and personal loss.He recounts stories of resilience from the Gulf Coast. His voice carries the spirit of a community rising from devastation, sparking coordinated efforts at the city, county, and state level to not just rebuild—but rethink the future."We weren’t just rebuilding homes—we were rebuilding hope.” - Billy Hewes

Welcome to another powerful installment of the Katrina Chronicles, our continuing series marking the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. While most of the public focus after Katrina was on New Orleans due to the devastating levy breaks, this killer storm wrecked the coast of Mississippi in ways still being studied today. The citizens of Mississippi responded with heart, grit, and a steadfast belief that they would overcome the effects of the storm. Their resilience in the face of unimaginable loss, and the long, arduous path to recovery is a moving testament to courage and community strength.Today, we’re privileged to speak with Pat Sullivan, Fire Chief of Harrison County, Mississippi. Back in 2005, when Katrina roared ashore, Chief Sullivan was leading the fire department in Gulfport—a city squarely in the storm’s path along the Mississippi coast.In this episode, he takes us back to those harrowing days: the tense lead-up to landfall, the unprecedented challenges faced by first responders, and the deeply human moments that emerged amid the chaos. Through his firsthand accounts, Chief Sullivan paints a vivid picture of the courage, determination, and resilience that defined the response. His heartfelt reflections shine a light on the tireless efforts it took to safeguard lives and begin the long road to recovery—honoring the spirit of a community forever changed.Hurricane KatrinaHurricane Katrina (August 2005), a large and extremely powerful hurricane, caused enormous destruction and significant loss of life. It is the costliest hurricane to ever hit the United States, surpassing the record previously held by Hurricane Andrew from 1992. In addition, Katrina is one of the five deadliest hurricanes to ever strike the United States. In all, Hurricane Katrina was responsible for 1,833 fatalities and approximately $108 billion in damage (un-adjusted 2005 dollars).Hurricane Katrina - August 2005

I was super fortunate to get a chance to speak with Mike Boylan, the creator of Mike’s Weather Page. Many a time have I and my co-workers used the information there to help fine tune response plans. Found at spaghettimodels.com, Mike’s Weather Page offers a comprehensive collection of tools and data to track weather events. Mike’s Weather Hero journey is truly inspiring. What started as a side project in 2004 has grown into a trusted resource for weather enthusiasts, emergency responders, businesses, citizens, the military and many others.  Mike's dedication to providing accurate and accessible weather information earned him the prestigious Governor’s Hurricane Conference Tropical Meteorology Award in 2021. He is the first private citizen to have been awarded this honor making his achievement even more remarkable. Mike’s Weather Page helps countless individuals and organizations prepare for and respond to natural disasters. As you’ll hear, Mike’s humility and passion shine through as he tells his story. We get a little weather geeky towards the end as we discuss various hurricane modeling efforts. Mike is well versed in this subject.Join me, as we get to know Mike and hear his story. Let me know what aspect of Mike's story resonates with you the most?Mike’s Weather PageWeather HeroesIf you like what you hear, please leave us a positive rating or comment. Thanks

In the first of our Katrina Chronicles series, we have the privilege of speaking with EG Warren, a veteran insurance agent boasting over fifty years of invaluable experience. EG reflects on his early days in the insurance industry on the Mississippi coast and candidly shares the personal and professional hurdles he encountered in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. His story is a powerful testament to the resilience and fortitude of a community ravaged by one of the most destructive storms in history.Despite his humility, EG's narratives reveal the staggering challenges he faced. The interview kicks off with a brief history of EG's journey before diving into the chaotic aftermath of Katrina. EG’s office transformed into a vital hub for the exchange of information, offering essentials like water and clothes, and serving as a connection point for the entire community. EG is one of the many heroes that shined through during the dark days of Katrina’s aftermath. Tune in as EG chronicles the daily struggles he and the community endured.Hurricane Katrina - August 2005 (National Hurricane Center)Remember to rate the podcast and share with a friend!

Welcome to the introduction to Season Two of the Weather Heroes podcast. We’re starting a little late, but we are also starting off with a bang! This season we begin focusing on Hurricane Katrina, while still on the lookout for Weather Heroes, no matter where they might be. This August marks the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina—a storm of unparalleled devastation. As we approach this significant milestone, we will be dedicating a series of episodes to recounting the experiences surrounding this catastrophic event and its impact on the Gulf Coast and beyond. We’ll be calling these episodes the “Katrina Chronicles.”Hurricane Katrina unleashed widespread destruction and stands as the costliest hurricane in U.S. history. While much of the media coverage rightly focused on the devastation in New Orleans, the storm inflicted severe damage across large portions of southern Mississippi and the southeastern U.S. Its massive size resulted in prolonged exposure to wind damage, and its storm surge—reaching heights of twenty feet from Bay St. Louis, MS to the northern reaches of Mobile Bay—compounded the destruction.In Katrina's aftermath, chaos and disorder reigned. Essential services like electricity, water, gasoline, housing, and even food were scarce, with shortages lasting for days, and in some places, weeks. Amidst this turmoil, those who endured the storm faced the daunting task of rebuilding their lives.Yet, from the wreckage emerged stories of resilience. Weather Heroes will share the tales of these quiet heroes who led their communities through adversity, showcasing their strength and determination.

 Insurance policies help manage the costs of damage. This can be  from severe weather events, wildfires, earthquakes, lightning strikes, and so many other perils. Still, there are situations where insurance may not cover a loss or only part of it. Consider:Deductibles: A portion of the loss is paid by the policyholder.Underinsured losses: Losses where there is insufficient coverage.Uninsurable and/or unidentifiable risks: Think about COVID-19.The impacts of COVID-19, a peril not covered under many policies, was particularly impactful on businesses. Damages included loss of business income, potential worker compensation issues, extra costs for safety measures, and ongoing expenses with no corresponding benefits (such as rental costs for unused office space). By adopting a proactive and comprehensive approach to risk management, businesses can better navigate uncertainties and business risks. Van Carlson has built a company around helping businesses survive after disasters and thrive in some of the most challenging insurance markets seen in many years.Van is the founder and manager of SRA Admin, a company that focuses on risk assessment for businesses and utilizes Section 831(b) of the Internal Revenue Code to help businesses plan for the unexpected. An 831(b) plan can provide businesses with a financial buffer for many situations – think of kind of like a 401k plan where it’s okay to take some money out for emergencies, before you retire.So, come and explore some of the challenges business face in managing risks and some of the creative solution available. SRA 831(b) Micro Captives for Business Owners - SRA 831(b) ADMINVan Carlson Biography

Weather Heroes explores the world of planning for and responding to disasters. We visit with key weather players from a wide range of backgrounds and today, we have the pleasure of meeting Raya Maday, a dedicated meteorologist and a key figure in organizing emergency responses to natural disasters. Growing up in Florida, Raya’s fascination with weather and disasters began in 2004 when Hurricane Charley swept over her home. This event ignited a lifelong passion that has taken her on an incredible journey across various regions and weather phenomena.Throughout her career, Raya has worked as a meteorologist in multiple locations. Quickly realizing the critical importance of effectively communicating the potential impacts of weather forecasts she developed innovative communication protocols and guidelines that have significantly improved how meteorologists share their forecasts with the public.Recently, Raya played a crucial role in assisting with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which devastated western North Carolina and parts of eastern Tennessee. Her efforts in helping coordinate response strategies made a substantial difference in these affected communities.Raya Maday is a shining example of the new generation of Weather Heroes, paving the way for future meteorologists and emergency responders. Her dedication and expertise continue to inspire and lead the way.

 Every day, businesses and organizations face the potential for reputational damage. Severe weather events and other catastrophes can create a sudden onslaught of challenges that can significantly increase the likelihood of something going wrong. In addition to a disaster plan, potential threats to a business’s reputation and brand should be included in their business continuity plan.  After a catastrophe, the potential pitfalls from unexpected events are greatly magnified. With these challenges in mind, we speak with Stephanie Craig, President of Kith, an elite crisis management firm that works closely with business partners to ensure they are ready to respond to reputation and brand challenges. Kith’s approach is very similar to that of disaster planning and response organizations everywhere—it all begins with a plan.Join me as Stephanie shares her own disaster experiences and how they prepared her for her current role. Listen as she outlines both the macro and micro aspects of preparing for a reputational crisis, likening it to preparing for a natural disaster. She does an excellent job of detailing the challenges and responses. I think you’ll learn something. I certainly did. Give it a listen!Kith WebsiteStephanie Craig’s Biography

Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Jamie Rhome. He’s the Deputy Director of the National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami. Jamie plays a crucial role in developing long-term strategies as well as coordinating the organization’s planning and day-to-day operations.  The NHC, a division of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is essential in keeping us safe during hurricane season, June through November. It’s responsible for tracking and predicting tropical weather systems in the Atlantic and Eastern Pacific Oceans. From issuing advisories and warnings to providing critical information for emergency planning, it’s at the forefront of hurricane preparedness and response.  Jamie and the entire NHC team work tirelessly to ensure we have the information we need to stay safe when a storm is on the horizon. So, if you’re a weather enthusiast, a disaster preparedness professional, or simply someone interested in learning more about hurricane safety, this episode is for you. Give it a listen!Information Links! ·       Jamie Rhome biography January 2024 (noaa.gov) ·       National Hurricane Center (noaa.gov) ·       NHC Storm Surge Risk Maps (arcgis.com) ·       4-28-22-Find-Your-Evacuation-Zone-Final.pdf (hurricanestrong.org) ·       Hurricane Preparedness (weather.gov) ·       Develop an Evacuation Plan (Hurricane Preparedness) (weather.gov) 

In this episode, we delve into the high-stakes world of emergency management with Anna McRay. As the Assistant Director of Emergency Management for New Hanover County, Anna shoulders the responsibility of safeguarding lives and property during crises. Located in North Carolina, New Hanover’s coastal territory presents many challenges - experiencing hurricanes and floods over the years, and over 1,600 tornadoes since 1950. We explore how her team coordinates efforts across cities, counties, and state agencies, and even with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), when needed.Anna’s passion for protecting her community shines through. She discusses the rewards and hurdles of emergency management, emphasizing the importance of collaboration. From disaster planning to rapid response, her leadership exemplifies the spirit of “It takes a village.”Tune in as we unravel the intricate web of emergency preparedness, resilience, and community support. Whether you’re a seasoned emergency management professional or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes work, this episode promises valuable insights. Give it a listen!Emergency Management | New Hanover County, NC (nhcgov.com) https://[email protected]

Hurricanes, heavy storms, tornadoes, floods, and similar disasters can lead to problems with a variety of insects and other creepy crawlies. With two broods of cicadas emerging and bugs in the news we talk with Paul Bello -entomologist extraordinaire. Paul has been battling bugs and creepy crawlies for decades. As the rains and flood waters abate, these pests become unwelcome guests in and around our homes and disrupt the response and recovery to the event. It’s fascinating how nature’s smallest creatures can become such significant challenges.Paul’s insights are invaluable for dealing with these post event pest issues and his stories provide both practical advice and a touch of humor - some of these insects can be very persistent and invasive…but, hey, don’t let that “bug” you. Listen on!Paul J. Bello ACE, BCE, MBA Author, Consultant, Speaker, & Educator (pjbpestconsultant.com)Pest Problems After Storms and Other Disasters | NC State Extension (ncsu.edu)2024 cicada map: Emergence updates; where to find Brood XIII, XIX (usatoday.com)

Samaritan’s Purse is an international, nondenominational, evangelical Christian disaster relief organization. Founded in 1970, it provides aid to people in need across the globe. Following the example of the Good Samaritan as found in the Bible, the organization provides assistance in crisis areas throughout the world. After a disaster they help with immediate needs as well as long-term recovery assistance. This humble and dedicated group partners with local and state officials to get the right help in the right place. Today we are joined by Bruce Poss. Bruce is the Incident Response Manager for US Disaster Relief at Samaritan’s Purse discusses details about this non-profit organization’s response and recovery efforts as well as some of the international projects. Join me as Bruce shares some of the heart warming stories that make Bruce and all of Samaritan’s Purse Weather Heroes. Samaritan’s Purse Web Site 

As we enter the 2024 hurricane season, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) predicts an above-average year for named storms—somewhere between 17 and 25. Effective planning is crucial for successful disaster response, especially considering the likelihood of a named storm hitting the US coastline this year. One key partner in this process is the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). We recently had an insightful conversation with FEMA’s Hurricane Program Director, Brandon Bolinski. Brandon’s meteorology background, experience in emergency planning at the state level, and tenure at the National Weather Service make him a valuable resource. His expertise will undoubtedly contribute to effective disaster management this hurricane season as he coordinates with officials at all levels. Brandon shares a lot of valuable knowledge and insights, so, have a listen!As always, input welcome at Weather Heroes ([email protected]).NOAA predicts above-normal 2024 Atlantic hurricane season | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Plan Ahead for Disasters | Ready.govMeet Brandon Bolinski | FEMA.gov

I've been on a bit of a hiatus camping out, communing with nature. There was a lot of rain and mud involved! The good news is I did catch (and release) a couple of speckled king snakes!I try to get episodes out roughly every two weeks, so I’m a little behind…  but, no need to fear, there are several exciting episodes coming up in the next few weeks. We’ll be having a bug fest when we interview an entomologist on the challenges after disasters – what creepy crawlies and other pests are the biggest challenges and what can we do to reduce the impacts!We're also going to be talking with Samaritans Purse and the great work they do both nationally and internationally as they respond to disasters as well as their heavy involvement in rebuilding efforts. Finally, to kick off hurricane season we interview the hurricane coordinator for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). He shares a lot of great information around FEMAs role and there's also a lot of discussion around evacuations and disaster planning. Thanks for continuing to be part of the Weather Heroes team and keep a lookout for the next episode!Email: [email protected]

The episode starts with the trailer of the exciting 1996 film “Twister,” featuring Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton. It sets the stage for our interview today with Mark Fox. As the Meteorologist-in-Charge at the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Norman, Oklahoma—a notorious tornado hot-spot – Mark’s mission is the preservation of lives and property. As a seasoned tornado expert, he is the right person in the right place, putting the pieces of the weather puzzle together quickly so lives can be saved. Today he shares insights into a vast array of tornado-related topics and maybe a little insight into the sequel of Twister being released in July of 2024.  Mark Fox's BiographyMark Fox is the Meteorologist-in-Charge at the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Norman, Oklahoma  He earned his meteorology degree from the University of Oklahoma in 1989, after growing up fascinated by the weather in north central Oklahoma. Mark has experience across the entire integrated warning team, starting his career working for a private meteorology company in college. He then worked for ten years as a broadcast meteorologist, mostly at KFDX-TV in Wichita Falls, Texas before moving to the National Weather Service in 1999. Since moving to the NWS, he has worked in the Fort Worth, Amarillo, and Lubbock offices, and served four years at Southern Region Headquarters as the Regional Training Officer. In 2009, he became the Warning & Coordination Meteorologist at WFO Dallas/Fort Worth before serving as the Meteorologist-in-Charge of the Amarillo Weather Forecast office from Late 2018 through September 2021.

Each type of disaster presents unique challenges and in these critical moments, logistics plays a pivotal role.  Today we talk with Angela Ruth Corbett. She has extensive experience in disaster response logistics and can shed light on the many challenges involved in setting up and supplying disaster sites. She is widely recognized as a leader and innovator. I met Angela while she worked at a major insurance company. Today she is working for a major power company. In addition to comparing and contrasting the logistics needs for an insurance company versus a power company, Angela shares real-life experiences which help emphasize the need for planning, teamwork, and communications…and being creative doesn’t hurt either! She reminds us that there are great responsibilities in logistics, but also great rewards.So next time you see a power line being repaired or a claims adjuster assisting after a disaster, you’ll know about the intricate logistics web that supports them.  

Did you know that the National Weather Service has a SWAT Team? Well, not quite SWAT, but pretty close! Today we talk with Robert Rickey who is an IMET – an Incident Meteorologist. They are a group of about 100 forecasters who go to where the danger is, in harm’s way.  They primarily get deployed to wildfire events, but have worked at floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, and even oil spills. Their main goal is to provide weather information that keeps emergency responders, firefighters, and the public safe while adding valuable insight into the many pieces of the response puzzle. Robert and the other IMETs are invaluable part of our nations’ response operations and we are grateful for their dedication to our safety!Robert joined the Incident Meteorologists program in 2017 and when he is not deployed, he serves as the Information Technology Officer at the NWS Flagstaff Weather Forecast Office. He started at the NWS in 2011 and his military background well prepared him for his IMET assignments.A lesser known, but equally important duty IMETs have is to provide real-time forecasts for prescribed burns, also called beneficial fires. These burns help mitigate the potential for catastrophic wildfires. Finally, we’ll hear why Smokey the Bear is still right. Thank you for joining us today.National Weather Service Incident Meteorologists 

There have been many hurricanes before, but not like Andrew. It changed many things, not just for Miami, but across the US: how everyone prepares for hurricanes, building codes, insurance practices, mitigation efforts, the list is long. Andrew also ignited my passion for the excitement and reward of giving back to the community in times of disaster. That feeling carried me through decades of working in the catastrophe business. I’ve had the privilege of meeting many wonderful unsung heroes, the many people who help organize the chaos that is the disaster response and recovery world. These champions need to have their stories told and that’s why I do this…these are the Weather Heroes.Some "Andrew" voices you will hear:Bryan Norcross - TV Meteorologist Extraordinaire and kept everyone company during the storm.Bob Sheets - Director of the National Hurricane Center.Kate Hale - Director of Dade County’s Office of Emergency Management.Comments always welcome: [email protected]. If you have a story you'd like to hear or know of a weather hero, send it my way!

The National Weather Service (NWS) provides weather, water, and climate forecasts and warnings for the United States, its territories, adjacent waters and ocean areas. They play an indispensable role in the protection of life and property and the enhancement of the national economy by empowering us to prepare for and respond effectively to adverse weather conditions. As one of the cornerstones of American safety they are a key Weather Hero. They strive towards a “Weather-Ready Nation” where society is well-prepared for weather, water, and climate-dependent events.We speak with Brian LaMarre from the National Weather Service.  Brian discusses the NWS structure, El Nino, storm preparedness (have a plan), evacuations, Hurricane Ian, and a lot more!Brian LaMarre BiographyNational Weather ServiceNational Hurricane CenterFebruary 2024 ENSO OutlookAbout the NWS – National Weather Service

In 1983, the DynaTAC 8000X cellular telephone, affectionately known as “the brick,” entered the market. Those of us of a certain age, certainly remember it! Since then, cell phones have seamlessly woven themselves into our daily lives. These pocket-sized devices grant us access to seemingly endless information and provide countless ways to communicate with family, friends, and the world at large. In fact, many individuals have abandoned their landlines altogether, relying solely on their cell phones.When disaster strikes, a cell phone can transform into a virtual lifeline. Cellular communication can become critical for everyone impacted by a catastrophe, including first responders, survivors, and concerned loved ones. But what happens when this essential technology faces challenges?Communication infrastructure is often among the first casualties of natural disasters. Standard cell towers, and even landline networks, are susceptible to damage, leading to disruptions in telephone service, internet access, and potentially satellite-based communication devices. When citizens require rescue or urgent medical attention, effective communication becomes a matter of life and death. The inability to use a cell phone for its intended purpose can be both frustrating and unsafe. As days pass without cell service restoration, the challenges and frustrations mount. We have ample evidence of these disruptions.Hurricanes are generally the most common peril to create wide-spread impacts to cell service. Some notable examples include:·       Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005 and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) tallied more than one thousand cell sites lost. Weeks after the hurricane made landfall, there were still 350,000 people without phone service and three 911 call centers.·       When Hurricane Harvey hit Texas in 2017, flooding took out 70 percent of the cell service.·       When Hurricane Michael hit Florida in 2018, about 70% of wireless sites were still not operational one week later due to wind damage.·       And in 2021 Hurricane Ida damaged 28 percent of the cell sites.The Northridge earthquake of 1994 in Los Angeles remains a significant event in California’s seismic history. Back then, most of the general public didn’t own cell phones, and the internet was not as ubiquitous as it is today. However, more recent earthquakes provide valuable insights into how profoundly the next tremor could affect mobile services in the U.S. These incidents highlight the vulnerability of communication networks during seismic events.1.     A magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck Christchurch, New Zealand in 2011, and cell service was disrupted for approximately five days. 2.     In 2008, Sichuan, China had a magnitude 7.9 earthquake which caused over 2,300 cell phone towers to collapse. Cell service outages persisted for weeks. American officials took note of this experience because China’s cell tower building standards closely resemble those in the United States.At the height of California’s historic 2019 wildfire season 874 towers were down, primarily due to power challenges, but 60 had damage related to wind and fire. After the Maui wildfire, the Federal Communications Commission reported 20 of the 21 cell sites serving West Maui were down, some for an extended time.Questions or comments: [email protected] Cellular Recovery Vehicle AcronymsCells on Wheels (COWs)Cells on Light Trucks (COLTS)HVACs on Roadside Equipment (HORSEs)

Welcome to Weather Heroes.According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) since 1980, the U.S. has sustained over two and a half trillion dollars in weather related damage.  The cost of weather disasters can have a significant impact on the economy, environment, and people’s lives. Weather Heroes explores the world of planning for and responding to disasters. We visit with key “weather” players from a wide range of backgrounds and industries. We look at how they do their jobs before and after extreme weather strikes. These are the people that help put the communities back together after disaster strikes.

After Hurricane Andrew made landfall in 1992, plywood prices rose 45% and prices for Southern pine framing lumber increased 17%. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the wood products markets reacted strongly.Panic buying of lumber and structural panels went on for weeks. Lumber and plywood costs increased an average of 30% the four weeks after landfall, however decreased to normal over the next six to eight weeks. Hurricane Katrina destroyed or damaged timber worth about $2.4 billion in Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi, according to a report from the Forest Service's Southern Research Station. Close to 30 percent of the 16 million acres of timberland in the area was affected by the hurricane.Numerous sawmills and structural panel plants were knocked offline in Louisiana and Mississippi by the storm, and huge volumes of lumber and panels were destroyed at the ports along the Gulf of Mexico. Highways and rail lines faced extensive repairs adding to the challenges of shipping wood to the areas that needed it most. The Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University says that there is flexibility in the supply system and wood manufacturers are better able to predict volume from major storms. For example, there were no price fluctuations after Hurricane Ian in 2022.Listen as we talk with Patrick Schliesman about wood. He has been in the business for over 30 years. He talks about the supply chain, how lumber and plywood get made, and how it is rated.