Taban Sharifi grew up in Southern California between Los Angeles and San Diego. She is a Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) with the American Meteorological Society (AMS). She has a B.S. in Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Environmental Sciences with a minor in Environmental Systems and Society from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Go Bruins! While in school, Taban was a meteorology intern with NBC LA. There she helped forecast daily weather for the greater Los Angeles region and created a playbook to deploy weather sensors for NBC owned-and-operated stations across the country. Her first on-air job took her to San Angelo, Texas, where she was a morning meteorologist and co-anchor. Working in West Texas gave her knowledge and experience covering severe storms. From there, she moved to Palm Springs, California. People think forecasting in California is sunshine all the time, but with temperatures in the 120’s, wildfires, damaging winds, floodings, and earthquakes, the forecasting kept her very busy! She also worked there as a general assignment reporter and told community stories. Taban is excited for the challenge and opportunity to forecast nationally with WeatherNation. She also looks forward to exploring all that Colorado has to offer!

Taban Sharifi

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Hurricane Preparedness Week begins Monday, June 1, on WeatherNation. This is also the start of the Atlantic hurricane season. The Eastern Pacific hurricane season began on May 15.Right now, the National Hurricane Center is tracking two disturbances in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. One with a high chance of tropical development and one with a low chance (above). The names for the Eastern Pacific start with Amanda.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-31 074929-1780235388727.png">The Climate Prediction Center Outlook showcases a low chance for development through the middle of June.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-01 043759-1780310284743.png">Sea surface temperatures for the Pacific are already very warm for the start of the season. The El Niño pattern showcases the potential for higher activity across the Eastern Pacific. On the other hand, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/noaa-predictions-for-the-2026-hurricane-season">NOAA Predicts a Below Normal 2026 Season for the Atlantic</a> basin.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-31 074939-1780235440882.png">Stay tuned to WeatherNation for the latest during hurricane season. Join us through Hurricane Prep Week, June 1 - June 7.

Kevin Schneider

Tracking Two Disturbances in the Pacific Ocean

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Karissa is the Director of On-Air Operations at WeatherNation. Karissa grew up loving math and science, but really fell in love with Meteorology while attending the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. After two summers of storm chasing in the central plains, she knew that it was the career path for her. Standing in front of a thunderstorm and feeling the cool outflow knock her over was an experience she will never forget. After two years at COD, she transferred to Metropolitan State University of Denver. Karissa graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelors of Science in Meteorology. Her high school and college speech and meteorology professors were extremely supportive and pushed her to succeed. Before joining the WeatherNation team, she previously worked as the Morning Meteorologist at KCAU-TV in Sioux City, Iowa and at WMBD-TV in Peoria, IL. She recently was part of a National Edward R. Murrow award winning team for breaking news for their coverage of the EF-4 tornado in Washington, Illinois. In her free time, Karissa enjoys cooking and trying new foods. She is a self proclaimed 'TV Junkie' who can get into just about any show. She is a die hard Chicago sports fan who loves attending professional sporting events.

Karissa Klos

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<h1 style="text-align: center">HURRICANE SEASON IS HERE!</h1>The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1 to November 30. Join WeatherNation as we help you know your risk, get your plan together and better understand the science behind tropical systems.Whether you live on the coastline or inland, it is important to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes">know your risks</a> when it comes to tropical systems.&nbsp; Coastal communities are most at risk of destructive winds, dangerous storm surge, and may have to evacuate. But, even people hundreds of miles inland are still at risk, with the threat of high winds, flooding rainfall, severe weather &amp; tornadoes. Even after the storm passes, the lasting threat of flooding and power outages could occur days or weeks after a storm hits.Though Hurricane Melissa became one of the strongest hurricanes to ever make landfall in the basin, it was the first time in a decade that no hurricanes made landfall in the U.S. That doesn't mean we were without impacts. Let's take a look back:<div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/i3WsK0L2JP8" start="0"></iframe></div><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/noaa-predictions-for-the-2026-hurricane-season">WHAT'S THE FORECAST THIS SEASON?</a> NOAA has released <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.noaa.gov/news-release/noaa-predicts-below-normal-2026-atlantic-hurricane-season">their predictions for the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season</a>. They are calling for a below normal season with 8-14 named storms, 3-6 hurricanes, and 1-3 major hurricanes. For probability, they predict a 35% chance of a near-normal season, a 10% chance of an above-normal season, and a 55% chance of a below-normal season.<div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2rztDcYFRbM" start="0"></iframe></div>NOAA sites several factors in their forecast, including the burgeoning El Ni­­ño, and possible Super Ni­­ño, shaping up in the tropical Pacific. The expectation for an El Ni­­ño event during the peak of the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane season is a big factor in keeping numbers lower than previous years, along with near normal sea surface temperatures, which have been much above average in recent seasons.Why does El Ni­­ño typically reduce hurricane activity in the Atlantic Basin? The warmer water in the equatorial pacific often leads to a more energetic sub-tropical jet, leading to stronger winds in the upper-atmosphere over the Caribbean. Surface winds in the Caribbean most often comes from the east, known as the trade winds. When these winds lay under strong winds from the opposite (or even the same direction), it leads to strong wind shear which tears hurricanes apart.Forecasters at Colorado State University also predicted a below average season. Hear their reasoning:<div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PrEEwxSK5tU" start="0"></iframe></div>While seasonal outlooks give us some idea of what to expect, there is no way to know for certain just what the season will have in store for YOUR area.&nbsp; Seasonal outlooks cannot forecast exactly when, where, or if storm will strike. Even below average seasons can have major impacts. All it takes is one storm making landfall for it to be a devastating season in the U.S.In preparation for the upcoming season, NOAA's National Hurricane Center is incorporating new tools and processes to keep the public better informed. Here's what's new this season:<div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ep7nsPYWyFw" start="0"></iframe></div><h1>PREPARE AT HOME</h1>GET YOUR SUPPLY KIT READY Once your know your risks, you should put together an essential hurricane supply kit. There are two types of "kits" you should put together: one if you're sheltering at your home during a storm, and one that you can grab and go should you need to evacuate. Get your supplies ready to shelter at home <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/1e04d512b273e2133cb865833cc0e32d/FEMA_checklist_parent_508_071513.pdf">Click here for a full list of essentials from FEMA</a>&nbsp;Additional Helpful Tips:&nbsp;<ul><li>Learn much more and get storm ready by visiting<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes"> Ready.Gov/Hurricanes</a></li><li>Make sure your home is <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://ibhs.org/hurricanereadyhome/">Hurricane Ready with IBHS</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.floodsmart.gov/">Check your insurance coverage</a>. If you are uninsured, apply BEFORE a storm threatens, as it may be too late if you wait</li><li>Sign up for emergency alerts with your local county, city, or town to ensure you are receiving the most up to date information before and during a storm.</li><li>Talk through your emergency plan with your family ahead of hurricane season</li><li>Understand<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutgloss.shtml"> tropical weather terminology</a></li></ul><h1>ABOUT THE SCIENCE</h1>We get it. There's A LOT of jargon, phrases, and information that can make understanding tropical cyclones difficult. Understanding the basics may help when a storm threatens.WATCHES VS. WARNINGS Do you know the difference between a watch and a warning? What about all of the alerts issued during tropical season? Whenever a tropical cyclone (a tropical depression, tropical storm, or hurricane) or a subtropical storm has formed in the Atlantic or eastern North Pacific, the NOAA National Hurricane Center (NHC) issues tropical cyclone advisory products&nbsp;at least every 6 hours at 5 am, 11 am, 5 pm, and 11 pm EDT. A WATCH is issued when hurricane, tropical storm or storm surge conditions are expected within 48 hours. A WARNING is issued when life-threatening conditions are expected within 36 hours.WHAT IS THE SAFFIR-SIMPSON SCALE? The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is a 1 to 5 rating based on a hurricane's sustained wind speed, with 5 being the highest. This scale estimates potential property damage. Hurricanes reaching Category 3 and higher are considered major hurricanes because of their potential for significant loss of life and damage. Category 1 and 2 storms are still dangerous, however, and require preventative measures.&nbsp; (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutsshws.php">Source: NHC</a>)When a tropical system reaches winds of 39mph or greater, it's given a name to better track and communicate its risks. The 2026 name list may look a little familiar. Here's why:<div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cLoG9Qce7C8" start="0"></iframe></div>UNDERSTANDING THE FORECAST "CONE" Listening to forecast details can mean the difference between being prepared and caught off guard. Before a storm strikes, you'll often see a forecast "cone" to represent the expected forecast track of a system. The forecast cone <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutcone.shtml">represents the probable track of the center of a tropical cyclone</a>. The width of the cone is based on historical forecast error percentage and uncertainty in the forecast. In 2024, NHC released an experimental version of the cone to not just communicate the center track, but to also show the widespread nature of potential impacts. They plan to fine tune and continue to use this concurrently until it becomes the primary forecast.WHAT PART OF A HURRICANE IS THE MOST POWERFUL? When a hurricane threatens landfall, most often the most impacts will be felt on the "front right quadrant" in relation to the direction of movement. Impacts can and will be felt on all "sides" of a storm, but the threat of highest winds, storm surge, and indirect impacts, such as tornadoes, are often increased in the front right quadrant.LIVE INLAND? YOU AREN'T IMMUNE TO HURRICANES! Even if you live nowhere near a coastline, impacts from tropical systems can still occur. This lesson was learned during Hurricane Helene with historic, catastrophic flooding as far north as North Carolina. Inland rain and water are the deadliest parts of Tropical Storms and the impacts can spread far away from the immediate coastline.UNDERSTANDING STORM SURGE Along the coast, storm surge is often the greatest threat to life and property from a hurricane.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/surge/">Storm surge</a> has come along with some of the most powerful storms in history.Still have questions? Be sure to watch Hurricane Prep Week on WeatherNation, or get in touch with us on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/WeatherNation/">Facebook</a> or<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/WeatherNation"> X</a>. Or, as always, you can watch LIVE on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/@weathernation">YouTube</a>!<div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/a1C9h87MYTY" start="0"></iframe></div>

Administrator

Hurricane Prep Week 2026

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Alana Cameron was born and raised in Canada in the city of Mississauga, just outside of Toronto. Alana is the oldest of 4 siblings, all close in age, and grew up playing outside with them in all types of weather. After graduating high school, Alana moved to study at the University of British Columbia in Kelowna for a year before transferring to Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia where she completed a Bachelor of Science in Physics and Atmospheric Science. Upon completion, Alana moved back to Toronto where she completed a post-grad degree in Meteorology at York University. After her post-grad, she went on to complete another post-grad in Broadcast Journalism - TV News at Fanshawe College in London, Ontario. During her final year of studies she had the privilege of interning with the best in the business in Canada at The Weather Network. Once she finished her internship, she got the call from small-town Denison, Texas where she accepted a job as an on-air meteorologist at KTEN-TV, right in tornado alley, covering severe weather from Sherman/Denison (North Texas) to Ada (Southern Oklahoma). After the most active tornado season Oklahoma had seen in May 2019 (105 tornadoes!) Alana is excited to join WeatherNation to cover weather all across the nation. If you're interested in following her on social media she can be found @alanacameronwx!

Alana Cameron

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MAY 2026: Meteorological spring officially ends on May 31st before giving way to meteorological summer (June-July-August). As we wrap up the season, we're taking a look back at May, typically the most active tornado month of the year in th United States, to see how this year compared to average.First, it's important to understand the baseline. April, May, and June, account for more than half (54%) of the average annual tornado totals in the U.S. May alone averages 268 tornadoes nationwide.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-31 142144-1780258994499.png"><h3>2026 vs. Average</h3>According to the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.spc.noaa.gov/climo/summary/">SPC</a> this year we've had 162 tornadoes reported this May, pending data from May 31st.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-01 043633-1780310200076.png">That doesn't mean the month has been without impact. Several notable tornadoes occurred across the country:<ul><li>May 6 - Mississippi: An EF3 tornado tracked from Sibley to Monticello, injuring 23 people and destroying numerous homes, mobile homes, and vehicles. <div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2052569172065042760" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2052569172065042760"></div></li><li>May 17 - Nebraska: An EF3 tornado struck near St. Libory, damaging or destroying homes and a rural housing development.<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2056185501854650512" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2056185501854650512"></div></li><li>May 19 - Texas: An EF3 tornado impacted Mineral Wells, damaging homes and businesses throughout the community.</li></ul>While May 2026 was less active than average by the numbers, a few statistics stand out: Oklahoma recorded just 2 tornado reports this month, compared to its May average of 32. States that had an above average May were: Nebraska, Iowa, Wyoming, Florida, and Mississippi.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-01 043613-1780310181678.png"> <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-31 141202-1780260236683.png">Looking at the past four years, Oklahoma has been below average in three of them. The exception was 2024, when the state recorded 54 tornadoes. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-31 140939-1780259933980.png">For more on what to expect for the rest of this severe weather season, be sure to join us on WeatherNation, we stream 24/7.

May 2026 Tornado Recap: Below Average, But Not Without Impact

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PLAINS - Renewed rounds of severe weather are expected to unfold across the High Plains to the Ozarks, to the Deep South. Hot temperatures, high moisture, and an upper-level low-pressure system are creating an environment conducive to severe weather.<h2>SPC - Severe Outlooks</h2>Storms producing damaging winds and hail developed this afternoon across portions of the plains. The Storm Prediction Center has issued a SLIGHT (level 2 out of 5) risk for severe storms centered around Kansas City into the overnight hours. The severe threat will continue over the next few days.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/OVERNIGHTSSSS-1780279516709.png">On Monday, there is a SLIGHT risk again for severe storms across eastern Colorado and into Kansas, and a marginal risk extending all the way to the Lower Mississippi and Tennessee Valleys. Thunderstorms capable of producing severe wind gusts and large hail are likely, with the hail threat higher for Colorado and Kansas.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-31 121015-1780251036786.png"><h2>Timing</h2>Tonight, into the overnight hours, you'll see some isolated to scattered strong storms push through, and then on Monday, new storms will form into the afternoon from the Plains to the lower MS Valley.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/overnight hoursss-1780279639819.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>For more on the severe threat, tune into WeatherNation at :30 past the hour.

Jackie Brown

Nation's Heartland Expects Active Severe Forecast

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More rounds of heavy rain are expected to move across parts of the South over the next several days, increasing the risk for flash flooding in areas that have already seen significant rainfall. On top of the flash flooding, there is the chance for severe weather over the next few days. SEVERE THREATSevere weather is even possible across these areas by Monday. If you live in Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama, or Arkansas, the SPC has highlighted a MARGINAL (level 1 out of 5) risk for severe thunderstorms on Monday.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-31 163019-1780266624349.png">The persistent storm pattern is being driven by a slow-moving system interacting with deep tropical moisture from the Gulf. By Tuesday, the better ingredients for severe storms will settle into the Sunshine State.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/TUESDAY -1780279374269.png">While this rain is causing flash flooding, it is beneficial in many areas, as widespread drought conditions were introduced in this week's drought update, with Mississippi and Alabama having the greatest improvements.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/OVERNSSS-1780279356609.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Because the system is not moving quickly, repeated rounds of rain are possible through the coming days. Residents in flood-prone areas are encouraged to stay weather-aware and avoid driving through flooded roadways.&nbsp;<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-26 115148-1779817916121.png">Tune into WeatherNation for more details.

May 2026 Tornado Recap: Below Average, But Not Without Impact

Nation's Heartland Expects Active Severe Forecast

Heavy Rain and Flooding Threat Continues Across the South

Tracking Two Disturbances in the Pacific Ocean

Hurricane Prep Week 2026

May 2026 Tornado Recap: Below Average, But Not Without Impact

Nation's Heartland Expects Active Severe Forecast

Heavy Rain and Flooding Threat Continues Across the South

Tracking Two Disturbances in the Pacific Ocean

Hurricane Prep Week 2026

May 2026 Tornado Recap: Below Average, But Not Without Impact

Nation's Heartland Expects Active Severe Forecast

Heavy Rain and Flooding Threat Continues Across the South