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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<p><span style="color: black">The effects of El Niño are being felt along the West Coast. Everything from unusual marine life, warmer ocean temperatures and storms that can accelerate coastal erosion. The Governor of California, Gavin Newsom, has declared a state of emergency for the potential of this historic El Nino season. </span></p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2102087880307011690" src="https://x.com/CAgovernor/status/2102087880307011690"></div><p><span style="color: black">There's another piece of the El Niño puzzle scientists are watching closely, a Kelvin wave moving through the Pacific. These waves can change sea levels and ocean conditions along the coast. Meteorologist Taban Sharifi spoke with Dr. Michael Jacox, a research oceanographer with NOAA, to better understand what these waves are and what they could mean for the West Coast during this El Nino. </span></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/B6COLBbZxgE" start="0"></iframe></div><p></p><h3 style="text-align: start"><strong>What is a Kelvin wave?</strong></h3><p style="text-align: start">These waves are very different from the waves we think about crashing on the beach. These waves originate off the equator.</p><p style="text-align: start"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-22 161553-1790115735795.png">“They are very long and they travel huge distances,” said Jacox. These waves are important in the formation of El Niño. Jacox said, “The movement of these waves helps to transmit heat from west to east.”</p><p style="text-align: start">Jacox said, “These waves themselves, it’s not like a tsunami or something that you’re going to see this big wave come in and wash over your balcony. When they come through, they can raise sea level by 6 to 12 inches. So then when you have really high tides, you have storm surge, you have these other effects, they’re happening on top of this extra 6 to 12 inches of sea level. This is sort of one ingredient in the recipe that amplifies the risk from those other factors.”</p><p style="text-align: start">The biggest impacts will come around high tides and ongoing storms, increasing the risk of sea level rise and flooding. This current Kelvin wave is expected to be near San Diego in early to mid-October. You won’t be able to see it with the naked eye, but it will be detectable through ocean measurements.</p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2100404373692240294" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2100404373692240294"></div><p style="text-align: start">Jacox wants people to know that Kelvin waves are not new. Scientists have known about Kelvin waves for 150 years. “The Kelvin waves are one piece of El Niño. El Niño will also change storm tracks, change wind patterns, and things like that. This is one we are able to track better than we have before, and we will be on top of watching it come through,” said Jacox.</p><p style="text-align: start">Stay with WeatherNation through the hurricane season and the rest of the potential effects of El Niño on the West Coast.</p>

Patrick Crawford

Incoming Kelvin Wave for Southern California: One Piece of the El Nino Puzzle

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Tracey Anthony

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<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">The Pacific Ocean has been incredibly active so far this hurricane season, and it shows no sign of slowing down. Right now, </span><strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">Hurricane Polo</span></strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)"> is churning southwest of Mexico (above). This storm underwent </span><strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">rapid intensification</span></strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)"> and reached peak winds 180 mph with a central pressure of 892mb.</span></p><h1>Pacific Basin</h1><p>Several systems are being monitored in the Pacific, with some impacts to land possible this week. We are monitoring <strong>Odalys, Polo</strong> and <strong>Nolo</strong>.</p><h3>Polo</h3><p><strong>Hurricane Polo</strong> became yet another<strong> category 5 </strong>hurricane on Tuesday morning after undergoing extremely rapid intensification. Shortly after formation late Sunday night, it added 115 mph to its sustained wind speed by Tuesday morning.</p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2102488102308876349" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2102488102308876349"></div><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-22 182941-1790123384605.png">Even though Polo is a monster lurking off the coast, direct impacts will likely not be felt. However, periodic heavy rain and angry seas will affect the Mexican beaches as Polo moves northwest and maintains major hurricane status over the next several days.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/PIC 5-1790291534020.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/PIC 4-1790291576629.png"></p><h1>Nolo</h1><p>Nolo is just south of the Big Island of Hawaii. The Hawaiian Islands should monitor the potential for life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides Thursday through Saturday as a system looks to further organize into the weekend. It is expected to meander closer near the Islands over the next few days and strengthen in size.</p><p>For more on NOLO: <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="fui-Link ___1q1shib f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1s184ao f1mk8lai fnbmjn9 f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/nolo-expected-to-brush-hawaii-as-a-hurricane-major-flooding-expected">Nolo Expected to Brush Hawaii as a Hurricane: Major flooding Expected</a></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/PIC 5-1790291612723.png"></p><h1>Atlantic Basin</h1><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">Meanwhile, the Atlantic remains kind of quiet, as record wind shear continues to tear apart tropical waves moving off Africa. In fact, there is now a new record for the year since there has not been a hurricane formation. This is the first time in 60 years the Atlantic Basin has not seen a hurricane since the satellite era in 1966.</span></p><p></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">However </span>we are watching Tropical Storm Fay, a fish storm and one other area of interest in the Atlantic Basin as this area has a medium chance for development.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/PIC 5-1790291644024.png"></p><h1><strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">El Niño Fueling Pacific Activity</span></strong></h1><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-22 075045-1790085064967.png"></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">The surge in tropical activity comes as El Niño continues to strengthen across the equatorial Pacific. El Niño is characterized by warmer-than-average ocean temperatures across portions of the central and eastern equatorial Pacific. Those unusually warm waters can influence weather patterns around the globe while also creating an environment that can favor tropical cyclone activity in the Pacific.</span></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-16 073748-1789565873978.png"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">This year’s El Nino has already strengthened considerably, and forecasts indicate it could become exceptionally strong later this year.</span></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-12 063433-1789216512410.png"></p>

Tropical Update: Eastern Pacific Stays Active; Fay Reforms In The Atlantic

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<p></p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2103099635468226957" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2103099635468226957"></div><p>A strengthening coastal storm is intensifying as it moves towards the eastern seaboard.. Coastal impacts are already being felt by this Nor'easter as the Mid-Atlantic will experience prolonged onshore wind into the weekend. </p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/WEB 2-1790255992383.png"></p><p> <strong>Coastal Flood Warnings </strong>and <strong>Advisories</strong> are in effect through Saturday and reports are already starting to roll in. </p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/WEB 1-1790255613912.png"></p><p>3-7 day hazards outlooks are also in place for heavy rainfall and strong winds as this low approaches late in the week.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-22 121109-1790100705807.png">With these kinds of setups, gusty winds are of utmost concern. We could see potential 40-60 mph gusts along the coastline through the end of the week!</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-23 065650-1790168224583.png">Rainfall totals are also expected to be higher along the coast as well. Check out where some of the heaviest rainfall is setting up. This means increasing flood conditions across the Northeast.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/PIC 4-1790210749931.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/PIC 5-1790210757278.png"></p><p>We spoke to Eric Hoeflich, Meteorologist, NWS Mt. Holly. Here are some of the impacts we are currently expecting.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/SOT_TRT_1.00_LARGE COASTAL IMPACTS AND GIANT WAVES_NWS MT. HOLLY_ERIC HOEFLICH_BD_E092126-1790039480469.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>There's still a way to go in the forecast. Make sure to stay tuned to WeatherNation for the latest!</p>

Early Season Nor'easter Takes Aim at the Northeast

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<p style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; color: #454545;">Rob grew up in South Florida, where daily afternoon storms and hurricanes piqued his interest in meteorology early on. That interest was fostered by his teachers and his father, who one time brought him onto the roof of their home to watch a funnel cloud move through the Everglades several miles away. Years of filmmaking and tv production in high school gradually pushed him toward broadcast meteorology at Florida State University, where he joined and eventually led the student run daily weather show. After graduating with a Bachelors of Science in Meteorology, he began his career at KESQ in Palm Springs, California before heading to KFSN in Fresno and WLOS in Asheville, North Carolina. He has covered a diverse array of extreme weather events, including haboobs and flash flooding in the desert, extreme snow in the Sierra, hurricanes, and Appalachian ice storms. He also enjoys telling stories and reporting about weather issues.

Connect with Rob on <a href="https://twitter.com/WxRobBradley">Twitter</a></span></p>

Rob Bradley

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<p>Residents in Hawaii are bracing, yet again, for big impacts from an approaching tropical system. While Hawaii is typically successful at dodging incoming tropical storms and hurricanes, the record breaking El Niño and it's warm waters have spurred extra activity in the basin this season.<br></p><p>Nolo formed from the remnants of Tropical Depression 15e, which formed in the Eastern Pacific Basin way back on September 13th, but decayed back to a remnant low a few days later. The circulation survived as a tropical wave, which re-organized into TD15e on Wednesday, September 24th. It was upgraded to Tropical Storm Nolo later in the afternoon.</p><h1>Forecast / Impacts</h1><p>Nolo will continue to gain strength and organization as it heads north toward Hawaii through Friday, before taking a hard turn to the left over the weekend. While the core of the system is expected to remain offshore, very heavy rain, intense surf, and gusty winds are still expected to impact the islands of Hawaii. The updated cone now moves out of the Big Island. </p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/PIC 4-1790291267932.png"></p><h2>Flooding</h2><p>Flash flooding is expected, particularly on the Big Island which will see the rainfall increase through early Saturday. Flood watches have been issued for the eastern islands in the chain, which does not yet include Oahu.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-24 075029-1790259359063.png"></p><p>Rainfall totals could surpass 1-2 feet in some areas of the Big Island, especially on the eastern and northern sides, while Maui could see some rainfall totals of 10 - 20 inches.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-24 074937-1790259359065.png"></p><h2>Wind / Waves</h2><p>Tropical storm winds aren't likely for many areas in Hawaii, however the varried terrain in Hawaii could funnel gusts at certain directions, increasing wind impacts away from the center o the storm. Sustained winds near tropical storm force (39 mph and above) are possible for the southern Big Island but, if the wind field expands greatly, hurricane force winds still can't be ruled out.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-24 074924-1790259668721.png"></p><p>The Big Island currently has a 20 - 70% chance of seeing tropical storm force winds, from north to south. The southern tip of the Big Island up to Kailua will see the greatest wind impacts, where residents and tourists should be prepared for debris and a better chance for power outages.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-24 075102-1790259677572.png"></p><p>When should you have your home ready for the wind? While most residents aren't expected to see strong enough winds for damage to occur, loose objects should still be secured before the times in the graphic above. That's when the wind has the potential to start blowing at tropical storm force.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-24 082221-1790259752120.png"></p><p>Waves and a high risk for rip currents will be present through the weekend, diminishing next week. Swells around some beach areas could top 12 feet!</p>

Nolo Expected to Brush Hawaii as a Hurricane, Major Flooding Expected

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<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2102759898367095088" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2102759898367095088"></div><h2>FLASH FLOODING</h2><p>It has been a very active week across portions of the Southwest. Multiple flash flood warnings remain in place, and record-breaking daily rainfall in several cities across the region.  Flood alerts remain in place across most of New Mexico through the end of the work week. </p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/WEB 4-1790256321105.png"></p><p>Heavy rain will continue to funnel into New Mexico Friday, with isolated rain continuing through the weekend.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/FORECAST-1790210920539.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p></p><p>This is rich, tropical moisture inundating these areas. We're expecting heavy totals and high rainfall rates. Because of this, the Weather Prediction Center (WPC) has issued a <strong>SLIGHT </strong>(level 2 out of 4) risk for flash flooding in areas of New Mexico and Texas for Thursday. A marginal risk remains for portions of Texas and New Mexico for Friday.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/WEB 5-1790256253930.png"></p><p>As for totals, some spots can see up to 4" of rain by the time Saturday rolls around. That's a lot to pick up anywhere in the country, but especially dangerous in the desert southwest.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-23 070049-1790168468650.png"></p><p>Going forward, it's very important to know the difference between a flash flood warning and a flash flood emergency. Doing so will get you better prepared for flood events.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-22 100158-1790085766480.png"></p><p>Make sure to keep alerts on through this week, and have multiple ways to get them. Also, stay tuned to WeatherNation for the latest. We'll have your full western U.S. breakdown and :50 past the hour.</p>

Major Flooding Possible in the Desert Southwest This Week

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Kevin Schneider

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<h2><strong>WHAT TO EXPECT</strong></h2><p>Record rainfall fell this weekend across the Ohio River Valley and the Mid-Atlantic. On Monday, Ohio tacked on almost 4 more inches in spots. More rainfall is on the way, continuing the risk of flooding. Because of this risk, flood watches remain in place over the next few days across OH, PA, and WV for additional rainfall.</p><h2><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-22 075632-1790085405907.png">Storms &amp; Timing</h2><p>A frontal boundary will continue to linger, bringing more rain, with heavy rain embedded in some of the storms that develop. Rounds of rain will continue to develop through Wednesday.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/2026-09-22 07-58-32-1790085533334.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h2><strong>RAINFALL TOTALS</strong></h2><p>While heavy rain will be possible in some spots the next few days, at least the bulls eye is moving. The heftiest totals look to come down in Virginia down to parts of the Carolinas through Wednesday. </p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-22 075700-1790085436091.png"></p>

More Flooding Concerns Out East

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Originally born in Spokane, Washington,  Jackie's Dad was in the Air Force which led her to a life of travel. She has lived in Wichita, Okinawa, Japan, Baltimore, New Jersey, Indiana and South Carolina.  After graduating from Kadena High School, in Okinawa Japan, she got a full basketball scholarship to Coppin State College. On the court she was a 4-year starter and reached over 1000 points in her basketball career. She was also named Athlete of the Year for the whole university in 2002. Off the court, she earned a degree in Broadcast Production/English.

After college, she landed a job as a radio personality. Jackie went on to have a successful career for 12 years working at KXLY broadcast center. While on the radio, she decided to change career. Jackie went back to school, graduating from the Mississippi State Meteorology Broadcast Program. From snow, to tornadoes, to hurricanes, she has had experience forecasting all these events.

Jackie Brown

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<h1>WHAT TO EXPECT</h1><p>Severe storms developed Monday afternoon and evening as a surface cold front combined with instability. More storms will redevelop along this boundary this afternoon, capable of damaging winds and some small hail again.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-22 075949-1790085612308.png"></p><h1>TIMING</h1><p>As a front continues to linger more storms will continue. Things will taper off overnight, but more storms will pick up again on Wednesday afternoon.</p><p></p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/2026-09-22 08-02-33-1790085774602.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>Raleigh will potentially see some of the heaviest rainfall, with multiple inches possible. That could add a flooding concern onto a damaging wind threat today. </p>

Severe Threat Continues In The Southeast

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[Wolf Creek Ski Area, Colorado. From Keenan DesPlanques]

Snow continues to fall across the mountains in the West, with blizzard conditions in Montana along the Rocky Mountain Front. Roads have been closed due to strong winds, creating significant blowing and drifting snow. Visibility has been reduced to near zero at times.

https://twitter.com/dennisbragg/status/963450316191485953

https://twitter.com/NWSGreatFalls/status/963426659910250498

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Blizzard Warnings are in effect along the Rocky Mountain Front in Montana. Winter Storm Warnings continue in the Snowy and Sierra Madre Ranges of Wyoming &amp; the Central Panhandle Mountains and Blue Mountains of Washington and Idaho.

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<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-87515" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/02/3.png" alt="" width="1724" height="950" />

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-87516" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/02/22.png" alt="" width="1704" height="971" />

Up to a foot of snow may fall in the high country from the Rockies to the Cascades. Snow will begin to increase in the Northwest tonight, spreading across the whole region into Wednesday.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-87518" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/02/9p.png" alt="" width="1706" height="961" />

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-87517" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/02/9aw.png" alt="" width="1707" height="971" />

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-87519" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/02/wed-9p.png" alt="" width="1674" height="986" />

For WeatherNation: Meteorologist Mace Michaels

Blizzard Warnings in Montana with More Snow Ahead for the Mountains

Incoming Kelvin Wave for Southern California: One Piece of the El Nino Puzzle

The effects of El Niño are being felt along t

Tropical Update: Eastern Pacific Stays Active; Fay Reforms In The Atlantic

The Pacific Ocean has been incredibly active

Early Season Nor'easter Takes Aim at the Northeast

A strengthening coastal storm is intensifying

Nolo Expected to Brush Hawaii as a Hurricane, Major Flooding Expected

Residents in Hawaii are bracing, yet again, f

Major Flooding Possible in the Desert Southwest This Week

FLASH FLOODINGIt has been a very active week

More Flooding Concerns Out East

WHAT TO EXPECTRecord rainfall fell this weeke

Severe Threat Continues In The Southeast

WHAT TO EXPECTSevere storms developed Monday