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><strong>CALIFORNIA - </strong>After a deluge of moisture occurred in California on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and through New Years Eve and Day, the rainfall continues into the first weekend of 2026. This time, totals don't look to be quite as heavy, but still, many of these spots will be vulnerable to flooding.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-01 142732-1767302863956.jpg"></p><p>Models indicate additional heavy snow for the Sierra Nevada Mountains, with several inches of rainfall possible for California. Just one week ago, Southern California saw major flooding. These areas will be more susceptible to additional flooding with the recently saturated soils.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/PIC 2-1767298243843.jpg">By Friday, another round of moisture will start to sweep through Northern California. This will also bring more snow to the Sierra Nevada Mountains into the weekend.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/2026-01-01 14-28-28-1767302937925.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>More details on your Western Regional Forecast can always be found :50 past the hour on WeatherNation.</p>

Brittany Lockley

Heavy Rainfall & Snow Returns for California This Weekend

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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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<p>Cold blasts and unseasonable warmth have been apparent this holiday season across the Nation, and this past weekend, there was a dramatic temperature drop for many with upwards of a 40-50 degree drop in 24 hours. Heading into the New Year, there will be more of the same.</p><h1>Northern U.S.</h1><p>In the North-Central U.S., an Alberta Clipper will help reinforce the cooler air as we move into the New Year. Afternoon highs are expected to run below seasonal averages through New Year’s Day, from the north-central to the northeastern U.S. Some locations, such as Burlington, may struggle to get out of the teens on January 1st.</p><p>Morning lows will also drop below normal threshold with cities such as Minneapolis and Burlington in the single digits as we start next month and next year.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-01 073900-1767278347699.jpg">Be cautious of the wind chill; some of these spots may read above zero on a thermometer, but they will feel even colder than that. Some wind-chills could reach the single digits.</p><p>Temperatures will not warm-up that much for the afternoon. Check out the high temperature forecast through Saturday.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-01 073936-1767278391117.jpg"></p><h2><strong>Southern U.S.</strong></h2><p><strong>Frost and Freeze alerts</strong> were in place across the Northern half of Florida on Wednesday and Thursday. Temperatures will warm up over the next several days. Here is a look at the temperatures Thursday morning.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-01 074114-1767278487500.jpg"></p><p>Improvements are on the way across the Southeast with high temperatures. Many spots will be up to or even above-normal with their high temps into the weekend.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/12/PIC 2-1767206470396.jpg"></p><p>Make sure you stay tuned to WeatherNation, as we track this frigid air all through the upcoming work week!</p>

Chilly Air Across the Country

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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><strong>WHAT TO EXPECT</strong></h1><p>Thursday, after a clipper system moved through the northeast, the wind shifted directions coming out of the north, moving over the Great Lakes, which continued the heavy Lake effect snow over the Northeast. <strong>Winter weather alerts</strong> and <strong>lake effect snow warnings</strong> remain in place through Saturday. Syracuse broke a record on Tuesday with 24.2" of snowfall and could see additional snowfall through the weekend.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/12/PIC 2-1767208072325.jpg"></p><h1>TIMING</h1><p>A clipper system will continue to push through the Northeast through Friday, bringing rounds of snow across the Great Lakes and the Northeast. As this system passes, winds will be out of the West/Northwest, which will help get the lake-effect machine cranking. Heavy snow and gusty winds will be the primary concerns. This will make for hazardous travel conditions.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/2026-01-01 14-50-00-1767304244322.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h1>SNOW TOTALS</h1><p>Friday, heavy lake-effect snow will be possible for Western New York, especially for residents along the shores of Lake Erie and Ontario. Not only will there be heavy snow, but gusty conditions and blowing snow can also impact visibility, making travel conditions hazardous.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-01 144936-1767304186958.png">Tune into WeatherNation :10 past the hour for your eastern regional forecast with the latest updates on the lake-effect snow.</p>

More Lake Effect Snow Across the Great Lakes

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WeatherNation Meteorologists

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<p>As 2025 wraps up, we're taking a look back at the weather stories that mattered most this year.</p><h1><strong>JANUARY</strong></h1><p>January was a dramatic start to 20-25. From the west coast to the east coast -- records were broken. We started the year with destructive wildfires in California and transitioned to the highest snowfall totals ever recorded for some cities across the gulf coast. <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">Meteorologist Taban Sharifi looks back on the first month of the year in our Top Weather Events of 2025.&nbsp;</span></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZhCDrfucevU" start="0"></iframe></div><p></p><h1><strong>FEBRUARY</strong></h1><p>February 2025 brought significant atmospheric rivers to the west, and severe weather that stretched from Alabama to New York changing the lives of millions.&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">Meteorologist Tracey Anthony takes a look back at February's headlines. Meteorologist Patrick Crawford has a look at these Top Weather Events of 2025.&nbsp;</span></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gDPn1enLwDU" start="0"></iframe></div><p></p><h1><strong>MARCH</strong></h1><p><span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">From devastating wildfires to record-breaking floods and widespread severe storms including one of the most violent </span><span style="color: inherit">Mar</span>ch<span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)"> tornado outbreaks in U.S. history, Spring of 2025 started more lion than lamb. </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">Meteorologist Tracey Anthony details the Top Weather Events of 2025.</span></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1jDoUNdsQsE" start="0"></iframe></div><p></p><h1><strong>APRIL</strong></h1><p>Tornadoes and flooding brought a one-two punch in April. Meteorologist Adrian Hernandez takes a look back at our Top Weather Events of 2025.<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">&nbsp;</span></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2jrVc9pVRbw" start="0"></iframe></div><p></p><h1><strong>MAY</strong></h1><p>Record setting rainfall and destructive severe weather outbreaks dominated headlines in May. Meteorologist Jackie Brown tells us why in our Top Weather Events of 2025.<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">&nbsp;</span></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_kRQ9kP-Alg" start="0"></iframe></div><p></p><h1><strong>JUNE</strong></h1><p>This summer, the U.S. saw its first EF-5 tornado in more than a decade. Meteorologist Dave Holder highlights June as we continue our look at the Top Weather Events of 2025. &nbsp;</p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WZYPfSprBeo" start="0"></iframe></div><p></p><h1><strong>JULY</strong></h1><p>The Fourth of July holiday weekend turned deadly and destructive. Meteorologist Rob Bradley looks back on the impacts of July’s tropical moisture in our Top Weather Events of 2025. &nbsp;</p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/n3zverrLAdk" start="0"></iframe></div><p></p><h1><strong>AUGUST</strong></h1><p><br>August was the start of a long period of coastal erosion for the Eastern Seaboard. Meteorologist Jesse Kelley chronicles July’s once in a generation flooding in our Top Weather Events of August 2025.&nbsp;</p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vA89EW49pkE" start="0"></iframe></div><p></p><h1><strong>SEPTEMBER</strong></h1><p>Relentless tropical rains from the Eastern Pacific and dueling hurricanes in the Atlantic. Meteorologist Patrick Crawford shows us the impacts of September in our Top Weather Events of 2025. &nbsp;</p><p></p><h1><strong>OCTOBER</strong></h1><p>Tropical impacts hit their peak in October. Meteorologist Alana Cameron highlights Category five Hurricane Melissa’s devastating hit to Jamaica in our Top Weather Events of 2025.&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">&nbsp;</span></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2M04A7WEpiI" start="0"></iframe></div><p></p><h1><strong>NOVEMBER</strong></h1><p>An early start to winter left thousands stranded in a Thanksgiving storm. Meteorologist Kevin Schneider has the details as we look back on November in our Top Weather Events of 2025.<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">&nbsp;</span></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wuodtzDlAAc" start="0"></iframe></div><p></p><h1><strong>DECEMBER</strong></h1><p>Historic river flooding inundated Washington and California, while constant clippers roamed the Northern U.S. Meteorologist Brittany Lockley rounds out the final month of the year in our Top Weather Events of 2025.&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">&nbsp;</span></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/80oB37u25nQ" start="0"></iframe></div><p></p><h1><strong>Other Natural Phenomena</strong></h1><p>It wasn’t just weather making headlines this year. Meteorologist Alana Cameron talks about the other forces of nature that caught our attention in 2025.&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">&nbsp;</span></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xPIOEoUUDv4" start="0"></iframe></div>

Top Weather Events of 2025

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<p>As we say goodbye to 2025 and ring in 2026, many parts of the country can expect active weather for this year’s ball drop. In New York City, home to the nation’s largest New Year’s Eve celebration, conditions will turn cool through the evening and overnight, with a low chance for a few light snowflakes around midnight. Temperatures are expected to fall below freezing, dropping into the 20s.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/12/PIC 2-1767206581020.jpg"></p><p>Here’s an early look at the forecast: a few light snow showers may be possible on New Year’s Eve across the region, but accumulations are not expected.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/12/12-30_rne bams-1767123576095.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>Did you know the first-ever ball drop originated in New York City back in 1907? Luckily for the spectators who gathered in Times Square on December 31, 1907, the weather cooperated. The day reached a high of 44°F with a low of 35°F, milder than the current normal high of 41°F and low of 30°F for December 31. Still, as the ball dropped at midnight, spectators definitely needed their winter coats, as the 35°F temperature felt colder with 20-mph west winds.</p><p>Across the rest of the country, other unique “ball drops” will be taking place, and in many spots, the weather looks chilly.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/12/Screenshot 2025-12-30 172400-1767140647149.png"><br>Out west, some locations will stay relatively mild. In Boise, Idaho, spectators can enjoy the famous potato drop with temperatures around 40 degrees at midnight.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/12/Screenshot 2025-12-30 172354-1767140651187.png"></p><p>In the Southeast, a giant peach will NOT be dropping this year in Atlanta; the city is opting for a New Year's celebration called Countdown Over ATL. Temperatures will still be cool if you're participating. Still, some other spots will be dropping unusual items such as a giant orange in Miami, a giant pineapple in Sarasota, and a giant conch in Key West, where temperatures will be in the 50s.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/12/Screenshot 2025-12-30 172347-1767140655771.png"></p><p>Across the rest of the nation, some can expect a cool and rainy New Year's Eve like the southwest, and bitter cold in the northern Plains.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/12/2025-12-29 05-28-37-1767011338082.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>For a more detailed look at the days leading up to the New Year, be sure to join us on WeatherNation all week long, we’re streaming 24/7!</p>

Weather for the Ball Drop: What to Expect as 2026 Begins

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<p><strong>TAZEWELL COUNTY, IL </strong> - On December 28th, a strong cold front moving through the Midwest produced dangerous and damaging storms as it moved through. In Illinois, many of these thunderstorms triggered tornado warnings issued by the National Weather Service from Lincoln and Chicago in the afternoon. Later in the day, additional tornado warnings were issued by the NWS in Northern Indiana, Paducah, and Louisville, Kentucky. At least two tornadoes have been confirmed.</p><p>One of these tornadoes was in Tazewell County, Illinois. Here is some of the damage that was captured on camera in the area.</p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2005655047665770791" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2005655047665770791"></div><p>The National Weather Service has confirmed this to be an EF-1 tornado with maximum winds of 98 mph, leaving behind damage to two outbuildings and numerous trees.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/12/Screenshot 2025-12-29 164352-1767051837245.png">Just down the road in Mount Zion, Illinois, an even stronger tornado was reported with winds of 120 mph, bringing it up to EF-2 in strength. The National Weather Service in Lincoln <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/wx/afos/p.php?pil=PNSILX&amp;e=202512292155&amp;bbb=CCA">reports </a>that this tornado tore through it, <em>"removed the majority of the roofs off of 8 homes and  produced complete destruction of a garage that was tossed to the next block."</em></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/12/Screenshot 2025-12-29 163709-1767051919355.png">This tornado was also captured on camera in Mount Zion.</p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2005632521158144068" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2005632521158144068"></div><p>After the frontal boundary moved through, temperatures dropped significantly, and some spots even saw snowfall. For more on how the weather will be in these area,s be sure to join us on WeatherNation live for more!</p>

Tornadoes Confirmed In Illinois From Sunday

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<p><strong>UPPER MIDWEST - </strong>Blizzard alerts are in place for portions of the Upper Midwest through Monday. <strong>Blizzard warnings </strong>are issued when visibility is less than 1/4 mile, winds are greater than 35 mph, and lasting for more than 3 hours. Additional alerts are in place, including <strong>winter storm warnings</strong> and<strong> winter weather advisories</strong>.  4 - 14" of snow will be possible and white out conditions will stick around long after the snow stops falling. </p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/12/Web1-1767010399907.png"></p><p>The Iowa Department of Transportation reports that portions of the heavily traveled Interstate 35 are closed from Clear Lake to Ames due to hazardous weather conditions.</p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2005641210451407198" src="https://x.com/iowadot/status/2005641210451407198"></div><p>As the frontal system moves through, temperatures will turn colder, and winds will increase, allowing blizzard conditions to continue into the beginning of the workweek.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/12/2025-12-29 05-13-43-1767010456858.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>Snowfall totals could reach several inches, especially with the added influence of lake-effect bands near Lake Superior.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/12/Web5-1767010518679.png"></p><p>For more coverage, be sure to watch us live on WeatherNation!</p>

Tracey Anthony

Blizzard Conditions In the Upper Midwest, Portions of I-35 Shutdown

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<p>The one-of-a-kind "Burning Man Festival" in Nevada took a sour turn this weekend as heavy rain created a muddy, cakey mess in the northwest part of the state! After many were stranded due to muddy roadways and impassable travel.</p><p>The latest update from festival officials on Monday afternoon is that the driving ban has been lifted. As of Monday evening, it was taking vehicles roughly 7+ hours to leave the site.</p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="1698168944895705100" src="https://twitter.com/WeatherNation/status/1698168944895705100"></div><p>Burning Man happens in what is known as the Black Rock Desert; a dry landscape doesn't cope well with even a small amount of rainfall. About an inch of rain fell Friday night into Saturday. On Saturday, attendees were told to conserve resources and to shelter in place as the desert turned to a field of mud. According to news reports, the local sheriff's department closed the road leading into and out of the festival area, with only emergency vehicles allowed to pass.</p><p>Over the weekend, Las Vegas was under flash flood warnings with fast-flowing rivers of muddy water on top of dry roads.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/09/VON_090223_RSW_LAS VEGAS, NV_INCREDIBLE SHOT OF FAST MOVING FLOOD WATERS SPLASHING UP AND COVERING THE ROAD_TW_@DLSCALESWX_DW_E090223-1693709213955.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>It wasn't just Nevada that was hit hard with flooding. Parts of San Bernadino County in California also experienced heavy rainfall from monsoonal thunderstorms, leading to road closures. Recent rainfall from Tropical Storm Hilary has saturated the soils in the Southwest making them more susceptible to flash flooding.</p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="1698448281075155325" src="https://twitter.com/WeatherNation/status/1698448281075155325"></div><p></p>