Kara has always been passionate about weather and knew from an early age that she wanted to become a meteorologist. Living in different regions of the country and experiencing weather events ranging from ice storms to tornadoes drove her to pursue a bachelor's degree in meteorology from the University of Oklahoma. Throughout college, storm chasing became a regular event for Kara, where she saw first-hand the power of the atmosphere. Kara graduated cum laude from OU and decided to further her meteorology education with a Master's degree from Mississippi State University. The deadly April 27, 2011 tornado outbreak struck while Kara was studying at MSU; her first “Dixie Alley” tornado event and an up close glimpse into the destruction of the storms she so closely studied. Her broadcast career began in Elvis’ birthplace, Tupelo, Mississippi, where she earned her Certified Broadcast Meteorologist seal from the American Meteorological Society. Kara's career has included coverage of all types of severe weather including tornado events, flooding and tropical systems across multiple southern states. Recently she helped cover the 2020 Easter Sunday deadly tornado outbreak in southeast Mississippi. In her free time, you can find Kara outdoors exploring new areas with her mini poodle,Truffles. Kara is also an avid runner and frequently races in 5Ks, 10Ks and half marathons. Say hi to Kara on <a href="https://twitter.com/wxkara">Twitter</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/karajameswx">Facebook</a>!

Kara James

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<p>A stagnant pattern continues to produce severe thunderstorms through the western and central United States. Over the last two days, wind and hail reports have been common from South Dakota through Texas (ABOVE). Multiple days of severe weather continue for the High Plains thanks to a trough moving through the Four Corners, including the risk of tornadoes, damaging wind, and hail.</p><h2>Today</h2><p>Today the severe weather threat is much more focused compared to large risk area on Wednesday. The best environment for severe storms is in the Texas and Oklahoma panhandles, and eastern New Mexico. A brief tornado and very large hail (2"+ thick) are the primary threats, but damaging wind gusts of 60-70 mph cannot be ruled out either.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/06/spc today-1685638696837.jpg"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/06/6-1 RSC Tor-1685648259820.png"></p><p>Similar to Wednesday, more storms develop along the nearly stationary dryline today. These will push into central Oklahoma tonight and eventually into Kansas with a heavy rainfall threat.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/06/6-1 RSC Tor-1685648485587.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h1>Friday</h1><p>Another risk of severe storms returns to the Southern Plains on Friday, pushing into the I-35 corridor in Oklahoma and Kansas. An elevated risk for SIGNIFICANT HAIL (2" or larger) in the orange region is highlighted in western Texas. Hail is the primary severe weather concern, including the risk for giant hail in western Texas where hail stones could build to tennis ball size. </p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/06/enhanced-1685641941777.jpg">A few tornadoes are possible as well, especially between Lubbock and Fort Stockton. </p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/06/tor fri-1685641952018.jpg">A few showers could be around early, but the main event is likely to begin just after noon in the Panhandles. Complexes of strong storms are possible with enough energy to push through I-35 in the evening and overnight hours.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/06/2023-06-01 05-58-16-1685621606296.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>Rain totals will be around an inch areawide, but locally higher rain totals of 2-4" are possible through early Saturday morning. Soils are saturated especially in the Texas panhandle and eastern New Mexico, from the last month's worth of storms producing heavy rain. It will be easier here to get pockets of flash flooding, including ponding on the roads. Please be careful when driving and never drive into a flooded road!</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/06/6-1 RSC accum-1685648908766.png">Check back for updates, and tune in to continue to follow this developing story on WeatherNation!</p>

Severe Weather Continues Across the Great Plains

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Brittany Lockley

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<p>There will be Heavy rainfall over the Plains States for several days as a few factors come into play. An onshore flow in the upper atmosphere bringing in Pacific moisture will meet with a surface low transporting Gulf moisture north. These two sources of moisture aid in producing showers and thunderstorms that will bring significant rainfall, prompting flood alerts.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/06/1-1685620393377.jpg">Showers and storms fire off the higher terrain through the afternoon and evening hours over the next few days, moving from north to south. We will see storms carry into the overnight hours, especially in Montana and northern Idaho. While widespread severe weather is not likely, a few stronger storms are possible along the Wyoming/Nebraska border on Thursday.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/06/Futurecast Now-1685649264936.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>The bigger concern will be the risk of excessive rainfall, where the <span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26)">Weather Prediction Center has highlighted the risk Thursday and Friday. Upwards of 3" will be possible along the I-90 and I-25 corridors of the northern Rockies. A FLOOD WATCH has been issued for central Montana and eastern Wyoming due to heavy rainfall causing flooding. Watch out for rivers, creeks, and streams to be running high.</span></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/06/slot0-1685649171925.jpg"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/06/slot0-1685649313975.jpg"></p><p>As the potential for rain shifts to the east, we will see ridging move back into the Western U.S., increasing the temperatures through the beginning of June. High temperatures this weekend will be well into the 80s for the I-5 corridor and inland locations, and the longer-term pattern shows the above-average temperature trend continuing.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/06/1 temps-1685621490256.jpg">For more information and updates with this system, tune into WeatherNation for :50 past the hour for our Western Regional Forecast.</p>

Flood Threat for the Northern Rockies This Week

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<div>Lucy is originally from the Boston area but has spent the last four years forecasting and living in Colorado! She stayed in the northeast for her education, graduating Summa Cum Laude from SUNY Oswego with a B.S. in Meteorology. Just a few days after graduation, she made the cross country move to Colorado Springs, CO to begin her career at KKTV, the CBS affiliate. Lucy has covered historic blizzards, tornadoes, windstorms, the largest wildfires in Colorado state history and dust storms ... they truly "get it all" in Colorado! Lucy is excited to forecast on a national level and continue her passion of explaining the science behind the weather!</div>
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Lucy Bergemann

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<p>Today is the start of the Atlantic Hurricane Season and right on cue we have something churning in the Gulf waters. An area of disorganized showers and thunderstorms in the Gulf of Mexico has been deemed "Invest 91" by the National Hurricane Center (ABOVE). That means it is being investigated by NHC and weather models are now being run on this area of low pressure. This disturbance currently has a 70% chance of formation within the next 48 hours and a 70% chance in the next 7 days.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/gulf low-1685468779425.jpg">Spaghetti plots are starting to develop this system into the southern Gulf, with the center tracking towards Cuban by the weekend.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/06/spaghettis-1685641359315.jpg"></p><p>Showers and storms develop around the area of low pressure along with sea breeze fronts in Florida. We will see our heaviest and most widespread rainfall through central and southern Florida during the end of this week. Forecast models are taking this area of low pressure into the southern Gulf of Mexico, drawing moisture away from the I-10 corridor through the weekend. A secondary low could form in the Atlantic (around the Bahamas) this weekend, brining back shower development along the Atlantic coastline.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/06/2023-06-01 05-17-49-1685618291857.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>Over the next 3 days, the heaviest rainfall will favor southern Florida with the risk of over 5" in spots. Generally, Florida's soils can handle this amount of moisture, but given how saturated some areas are flooding could definitely take place.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/06/06-01FL Rain-1685618204170.jpg">As a result, the Weather Prediction Center (WPC) has highlighted the risk for excessive rainfall through southern and central Florida over the next 3 days. Additionally, a flood watch is in effect for southern Florida for 2-4" of rainfall with 6"+ possible.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/2-1685564511431.jpg">For more on the wet weather forecast in the Sunshine State and for eyes on the Gulf, stay with WeatherNation for the latest forecast information.</p>

HIGH Potential for Tropical Development in the Gulf of Mexico this Week

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<p>Fires in Nova Scotia, Canada, have been raging and producing thick smoke over the last few days. A ridge of high pressure (above) is bringing smoke from the fires in western Canada and eastern Canada into the U.S. East Coast this week. That same ridge is helping to boost temperatures for the start of meteorological summer with highs running about 10-15° above average Thursday and Friday. However, by the weekend we will see an upper level low dive south, clearing out the smoke but also drastically dropping temperatures.</p><h2>Smoke</h2><p>Many major cities are seeing air quality in the MODERATE category, meaning impacts could be felt to those with preexisting health conditions, but not expected to be severe. Likely you will just notice the haze on the horizon. The heaviest concentration of smoke will be through the day for the I-95 corridor of New York, Pennsylvania and down into Virginia. An incoming cold front Friday should help to scour away the smoke for the weekend too along with cooling down temperatures (more below).</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/06/slot0-1685648774679.jpg"></p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/06/Futurecast Now-1685648881394.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h2>Heat</h2><p>Many records could be set across the Northeast today and tomorrow. 90-degree heat will be possible well into northern New England, where we usually don't see the 90s until late June. For many the heat is only a few days early (like in NY, PA and MA). Daily record high temperatures could fall as well by the end of the week across the northern U.S.. Highs will be widespread in the 80s and 90s, peaking on Friday. The heat won't make it past the weekend here, thanks to the same front that will help to clear out the smoke.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/06/heat dots-1685627861454.jpg"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/06/3 day-1685637177369.jpg"></p><h2>Colder &amp; Wetter Weekend</h2><p>Get ready for a major change this weekend. We go from highs in the 80s and 90s to the 50s and 60s for the weekend ahead. Upper level cold air combined with a surface front work together to drop our temperatures drastically! We will also see a few storms on Friday afternoon in the Northeast, playing off those temperature differences. The same front then pushes into the Carolinas on Saturday, producing storms there too. Some of these thunderstorms could be on the stronger side with damaging winds possible. We need the rainfall though - many cities on the East Coast are experiencing some of their driest Springs in history.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/06/2023-06-01 10-32-15-1685637258029.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>For more on the heat and smoke impacting the U.S., join WeatherNation for your latest top weather headlines, always streaming 24/7.</p>

Smoke & Heat Today - Huge Changes for the Weekend in the Northeast

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<p>Welcome to the 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season as it begins on June 1. Hurricane season in the Atlantic basin runs from June 1 through November 30 every year as it is when climatologically, the most hurricanes form. Sometimes we can have tropical systems outside of the window, and did, as recently as January 2023, when a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/nhc-determines-sub-tropical-storm-formed-off-the-northeast-coast-in-january"><strong><em><u>subtropical low</u></em></strong></a> formed off the U.S. East Coast. Now, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) is watching an area of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/soggy-pattern-in-the-sunshine-state-watching-an-area-of-low-pressure-in-the-gulf"><strong><em><u>low pressure in the Gulf</u></em></strong></a> for potential development.</p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="1664326860925460480" src="https://twitter.com/WeatherNation/status/1664326860925460480"></div><p>This year the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is calling for a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/noaa-releases-2023-atlantic-hurricane-season-outlook"><strong><em>"near normal" season forecast</em></strong></a> in their range of storms. They balance the impact of El Nino and the warmer than average sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic basin for the reasoning behind their forecast. Colorado State University forecasters originally called for a "below average" season in their initial outlook on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/colorado-state-university-releases-2023-atlantic-hurricane-season-outlook"><strong><em><u>April 13</u></em></strong></a>. However, an update to their forecast on June 1 called for an increase in the number of named storms from 13 to 15 and the number of hurricanes and major hurricanes each increased by 1 to the forecast (new numbers below).</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/06/new numbers-1685636118824.jpg">This year looks to be a bit different than the previous three seasons, the reasoning being that we are now into an ENSO (El Nino Southern Oscillation) Neutral state, where there are no large scale interactions between waters in the equatorial pacific ocean and the atmosphere. The last three years we were in a La Nina, which contributes to an above average hurricane season. In 2020 and 2021 we saw above average (the #1 and #2 most active seasons on record) in the Atlantic Basin. In 2022, we have a near normal season with 14 named storms, 8 hurricanes and 2 major hurricanes (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/ian-and-fiona-officially-retired-from-hurricane-names-list"><strong><em>Fiona and Ian, both names have since been retired</em></strong></a>). If you remember the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/hurricane-prep-week-2023-ian-now-the-3rd-costliest-in-us-history"><strong><em><u>2022 season</u></em></strong></a>, we had quite the lull in activity during July and August, before the season reared its head in September. There is high confidence that we transition from ENSO Neutral into an El Nino pattern later this year, around the peak of hurricane season in mid-September. El Nino years typically have below average storm conditions.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/06/el nino-1685636025931.jpg">Stay with WeatherNation throughout the tropical weather season for the latest forecast updates, storm tracks and impacts. We are always streaming 24/7 for free!</p>

Welcome to the Start of the 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season

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<p>A cutoff area of low pressure is migrating from the Pacific into the Four Corners region in the Southwest U.S. This storm system is overall weak but will still provide enough upper-level energy to assist with daily thunderstorm development over the Southwest. Flood alerts are in effect over the Texas Panhandle and Northeast New Mexico where we expect moisture in our upper atmosphere to collide with the dryline, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/Severe%20Weather%20Continues%20Across%20the%20Great%20Plains"><strong><em>producing widespread showers and storms</em></strong></a>, which will continue heavy rainfall. This region has seen much above average rainfall within the last month, and while it should help the ongoing drought conditions, additional rainfall could overwhelm the soils.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/sw flood alerts-1685564748911.jpg">Thunderstorms develop in the heat of the day over the higher terrain, some of which will be severe through the Texas panhandle. Most however, will be heavy rainstorms with lightning as well. Watch out for washes/ditches as they will fill quickly during these storms and low lying areas will flood quickly. </p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/06/2023-06-01 09-25-43-1685633190934.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>We expect the heaviest rainfall to continue today and Friday with rainfall totals in the Texas panhandle on the order of 4-5". The Weather Prediction Center (WPC) has highlighted the risk of excessive rainfall today where the flood alerts is in place, meaning confidence in the flood potential due to torrential rainfall. In the high country of Colorado we see the potential for new snowfall, which could be heavy for elevations over 11,000'. While it is not uncommon to see snow in June, if you are traveling into the mountains you may not expect it, so be sure to go slowly over the high mountain passes and pack layers!</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/06/sw rain-1685633245129.jpg"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/06/co snow-1685633341842.jpg">Additional flood concerns sit across the rest of the Southwest where lingering snowpack and daily thunderstorm activity can lead to excessive runoff through our rivers, creeks and streams. Please do not drive through flooded roadways and watch out if you live near a recent area burn scar. Expect daily showers and storms that mostly develop over the higher terrain, and while we may only get a quick 0.5" of rain, it can overwhelm the ground. While storms won't likely reach severe criteria (58 mph winds or 1 inch hail), they will still be capable of producing gusty winds, small hail, and the threat of frequent lightning. Remember, "When thunder roars, head indoors". For more on the Southwest forecast, join us for your Western Regional Forecast, always :50 past the hour.</p>

Cutoff Low Brings Flood Threat to the Southwest

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Patrick Crawford has always been a huge weather buff! He grew up in Plano, Texas, and it was there that he experienced what Mother Nature was capable of doing. He would always turn on the television to see what local meteorologists were saying about the weather. That's when he realized he wanted to be a meteorologist.

Patrick graduated from Northern Illinois University (’04) with a degree in Meteorology and a double minor in Mathematics and Geography. Broadcast Meteorology has been great to him and he has been able to work in television markets all across the country. Some of his stops have included New Orleans, Green Bay and even Yuma, Arizona. He is so excited to be part of the WeatherNation team.

He has been awarded the prestigious CBM (Certified Broadcast Meteorologist) weather seal from the American Meteorological Society.

Feel free to catch up with Patrick Crawford on his <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MeteorologistPC/">Facebook</a> and on <a href="https://twitter.com/MeteorologistPC">Twitter</a> pages.

Patrick Crawford

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<p>The Storm Prediction Center has issued a <strong>MARGINAL</strong> (level 1 out of 5) risk for portions of Minnesota, northern Iowa, and western Wisconsin. Hail will be the main threat but damaging winds will also be likely. This follows hail from the same system on Monday in the Dakotas.</p><p>The peak of storm activity will be associated with warmer afternoon temperatures before letting up by the evening. Storms continue into the overnight hours, as more moisture and energy arrive from the west.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/mnstorms-1685490007006.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>Forecast rainfall totals will be locally higher where stronger storms are expected to move through. Currently, there is a risk of excessive rain that may lead to localized flooding. Since there is a persistent and slow-moving pattern, some storms are capable of producing up to 3" of rainfall. This would be good news for the drought in western Iowa.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/rainfall-1685461597072.jpg">More on this story can be watched live at :30 minutes past the hour during the Central Regional forecast. Join us!</p>

Strong Storms for Minnesota & Iowa

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First the snow and ice, and then the cold - a one, two winter punch is headed into the South and Southeast. Freeze Warnings have been issued from Texas to Florida as temperatures fall below freezing all the way to the Gulf of Mexico.

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Wind chill alerts have been issued for two dozen states along and east of the Mississippi River. Bitter wind chills will range from the teens below zero in the Upper Midwest to the 30s in Florida and Texas.

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For WeatherNation: Meteorologist Mace Michaels

Freezing Temperatures and Low Winds Chills into the South & Southeast

Severe Weather Continues Across the Great Plains

A stagnant pattern continues to produce sever

Flood Threat for the Northern Rockies This Week

There will be Heavy rainfall over the Plains

HIGH Potential for Tropical Development in the Gulf of Mexico this Week

Today is the start of the Atlantic Hurricane

Smoke & Heat Today - Huge Changes for the Weekend in the Northeast

Fires in Nova Scotia, Canada, have been ragin

Welcome to the Start of the 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season

Welcome to the 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season

Cutoff Low Brings Flood Threat to the Southwest

A cutoff area of low pressure is migrating fr

Strong Storms for Minnesota & Iowa

The Storm Prediction Center has issued a MARG