Archive for June, 2012

WeatherBrains 333: Did I Flip You Off?

WeatherBrains Episode 333 is now online (June 12, 2012). If you are crazy about weather, this is THE netcast audio program for you!

Mike GerberTonight’s Guest WeatherBrain #1 is the Emerging Dissemination Technologies Program Lead for the NOAA’s NWS. He joined the NWS in 1992. Mike Gerber is leading efforts to bring about the integration of NWS alert information across the widest possible range of warning systems and consumer electronic devices to better save lives, protect property, and enhance the national economy.

He is a Senior Fellow of the Council for Excellence in Government. He made significant contributions to the land and fire management community as a former Fire Weather and Incident Meteorologist at the NWS Forecast Office in Boise, Idaho. Mr. Gerber spearheaded development of weather forecast guidance for hundreds of weather observation stations that improved prescribed fire planning and wildfire prediction throughout the western United States.

While working as a meteorologist at the NWS Forecast Office in Sterling, Virginia, Mr. Gerber co-anchored the PBS television show, AM Weather. He earned a Bachelor Degree in Atmospheric Science from the University of Arizona.

Wade WitmerJoining us as Guest WeatherBrain #2 is Wade Witmer, Deputy Director of FEMA IPAWS (Integrated Public Alert and Warning System). His division runs the alerts aggregator that feeds WEA. He’s also had extensive discussions with the wireless carriers and the FCC.

Other discussions in this weekly podcast include topics like:

  • Extremes today: 115 in Death Valley, CA, and 27 at Lake Yellowstone, WY
  • Derecho moved through the Southeast on Monday postponing WeatherBrains
  • Record Gulf Coast rainfall amounts over the past weekend
  • Heat in Texas
  • and more!

  • Our new email bag officer dives into our incoming mail bag. Some emails include topics such as radar scanning strategy and jobs.

    From The Weather Center:

    WeatherBrains 101: Continuing our discussion on storm surge, we look into the model used to provide critical information for decision making. The SLOSH model encompasses a number of parameters to give good information.

    TWIWH: Bill Murray looks back at the week of June 11th. Allison makes big headlines in this week as a costly storm.

    Listener SurveyListener Surveys: Okay, we continue to drive this topic into the ground, but we really do like to hear from you. Many thanks to everyone who has taken the time to fill out the Listener Survey. The survey takes just a minute or two to complete and provides us with an opportunity to learn where you are and hear your thoughts and comments on the show. Click here to take the survey.

    Web Sites from Episode 333:

    Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA)

    Emergency Management Blog on WEA

    SkyDaver Blog

    Picks of the Week:

    JB Elliott – Intense Spring Aurora over Northern Michigan

    Nate Johnson – Historical Hurricane Tracks

    Bill Murray – RFC Precipitation Map

    Brian Peters – Gets the Horn!

    James Spann – National Data Buoy Center

    JP Spann – Roger Hill photo of tornado

    The WeatherBrains crew includes your host, James Spann, plus other notable geeks like JB Elliott, Nate Johnson, Bill Murray, and Brian Peters. They bring together a wealth of weather knowledge and experience for another fascinating netcast about weather.

    WeatherBrains 332: Grease Covered Cardboard

    WeatherBrains Episode 332 is now online (June 4, 2012). If you are crazy about weather, this is THE netcast audio program for you!

    Our episode for June 4th features guest WeatherBrain Dr. Harold Brooks…. one of the leading severe weather researchers in the world. He works at the National Severe Storms Laboratory. He is also a recent alum fo the show, having appeared on show #312 on 1/16. He joins us tonight from his office in Norman, Oklahoma. Harold Brooks, welcome to WeatherBrains!

    Our guest panelist this week is KOAM Chief Meteorologist Doug Heady from Joplin, MO, and WeatherBrains is proud to announce new panelist Nate Johnson of WRAL Raleigh.

    This episode also marks the second video broadcast of the show via a Google Plus Hangout.

    Other discussions in this weekly podcast include topics like:

    • National extremes: 101 in Laredo, TX, and 25 at Stanley, ID
    • Kevin takes a hiatus from WeatherBrains
    • James vs. Facebook
    • Severe Thunderstorms in Mississippi and Tennessee
    • and more!

    We announce our new e-mail officer this week!

    From The Weather Center:

    WeatherBrains 101: What is storm surge? Also Professor Peters discusses coastal features and tides.

    TWIWH: Bill Murray looks back at the week of June 4th.

    Listener SurveyListener Surveys: Okay, we continue to drive this topic into the ground, but we really do like to hear from you. Many thanks to everyone who has taken the time to fill out the Listener Survey. The survey takes just a minute or two to complete and provides us with an opportunity to learn where you are and hear your thoughts and comments on the show. Click here to take the survey.

    Web Sites from Episode 332:

    FOX 14 Joplin

    Don’t forget about Audible.com

    Picks of the Week:

    JB Elliott – Supercell Photo

    Bill Murray – Venus transiting the Sun

    Brian Peters – off this week!

    James Spann – Earth Science Office

    JP Spann – Gets the horn!

    Nate Johnson – WDTB Storm of the Month Webinars

    The WeatherBrains crew includes your host, James Spann, plus other notable geeks like JB Elliott, Bill Murray, Nate Johnson, and Brian Peters. They bring together a wealth of weather knowledge and experience for another fascinating netcast about weather.