In The News / Blog

Some stories take years to recognize. Others you can trace back to a place that shaped you long before you understood how deeply it would matter. For me, so many chapters of my life — personally, professionally, and unexpectedly — keep leading back to Penn State.

As a powerful nor’easter continues its charge up the East Coast Sunday night into Monday, millions are preparing for what is shaping up to be one of the most disruptive winter storms in recent memory. From heavy snowfall and blizzard conditions to coastal flooding and damaging winds, this system is poised to leave a mark, with many locations measuring snow in feet!

As the nation continues to face severe winter storms, flood-producing atmospheric rivers, tornado outbreaks, and ongoing wildfire risks, it’s clear that emergencies can happen anytime. While you can’t control the weather, you can control your mindset and your level of preparedness. A calm, informed, and proactive mindset helps you protect your loved ones, reduce fear, and respond wisely when conditions change fast.

Here in Hampton Roads, the chill was so persistent that waterways I’ve lived near since 2007 actually started to freeze over — rivers, creeks, and little side channels that, in a typical winter, might get a skim of ice once in a blue moon ended up solid enough to stop onlookers in their tracks.

When winter storms bring snow, ice, and freezing rain, the impacts often last well beyond the forecast window. Preparation isn’t about panic — it’s about reducing risk, protecting your home and loved ones, and being ready to safely ride out extended power outages. Here is a practical, real-world checklist you can use before, during, and after a major winter storm.

If there’s one universal truth about travel and weather, it’s this: things don’t always move on our timeline. Flights get delayed. Storm systems stall. Roads close. Plans shift without warning. And yet, the world around us keeps moving — often in ways we can’t control.

The Thanksgiving holiday is one of the busiest travel periods of the year—with millions of people hitting the roads and crowding the airports. As a meteorologist and travel preparedness expert, I’m always reminding travelers that Mother Nature doesn’t take holidays. Whether you’re driving across town or flying across the country, having a plan—and a backup plan—can make all the difference. Here’s how to stay safe, comfortable, and weather-ready wherever Thanksgiving takes

If you’re in a low-lying or coastal area, get to higher ground immediately or move to a sturdy interior shelter on an upper floor. Once conditions deteriorate, it will be too dangerous to move. Power and communications are expected to fail in many areas — so now is the time to take life-saving precautions.

Visibility is also key after sunset. Carry flashlights or glow sticks to help trick-or-treaters stand out. Add reflective tape to costumes, treat bags, or even pumpkins.

Last weekend, coastal Virginia was reminded of the power of timing and atmospheric forces. On Sunday, the ingredients aligned for significant impact: A nor’easter moving up the East Coast combined with autumn king tides to produce major tidal flooding across Hampton Roads, Virginia, during Sunday afternoon’s high tide cycle. The strong winds from the nor'easter pushed extra water from the ocean into the bay, and then into local rivers, creeks and streams.

As someone who teaches preparedness, I often remind people that storms — whether literal or emotional — are part of life. It’s not about avoiding them; it’s about how we weather them. Emotional preparedness means managing disappointment, supporting others through setbacks, and responding with empathy instead of anger. This is one of those moments where we, as the Penn State family, can practice that kind of preparedness.

Rain is coming down, tides are running higher than normal, and gusty winds are rattling the coast of Virginia. With conditions like this, it’s easy to wonder if we’re dealing with a tropical storm. But here’s the key: this is not a tropical cyclone. Instead, it’s a regular mid-latitude storm system -- a coastal low with very different characteristics. While it may not carry the name “tropical storm” or “hurricane,” it can still bring serious impacts like flooding, erosion, an

If your eyes are itchy, your nose is running, and you’re sneezing like crazy this week—you’re not alone. Fall allergies (especially hay fever) are ramping up fast across the U.S. this September, and this year might be especially tough.

This September, in honor of National Preparedness Month, I had the privilege of joining nearly 30 TV stations across the country from the studios of A-1 Broadcast in Atlanta.   Through this Satellite Media Tour (SMT), I shared essential preparedness tips to help families, first responders, and communities stay safe before, during, and after disasters.

So, what exactly is the Spitting Cave? This natural phenomenon happens when powerful Pacific Ocean waves crash against Oahu’s rugged south shore cliffs and funnel into underwater lava tubes. The energy builds pressure inside these hollowed-out rock formations until—WHOOSH!—the water forcefully spits back out through the cave’s opening.

The Perseids happen when Earth passes through debris from comet Swift-Tuttle, creating bright streaks of light across the night sky. This year, the meteor shower peaks August 12th, into the early morning hours of August 13th.

As a meteorologist and preparedness expert, I want to help you understand why this weather pattern can be so dangerous—and share how you can protect yourself, your loved ones, and even your pets during these brutally hot days and warm nights.

Over the July 4th weekend, what should’ve been a joyful time in the Texas Hill Country turned into an unimaginable nightmare.

Recovering after a hurricane can feel overwhelming, but taking it step by step helps! Here are some tips to guide you through the process...

Witness the Spectacular Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS in the Night Sky: Tips and Tricks for Stargazers