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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A strong upper-level trough digging south from the Gulf of Alaska will bring some noticeable changes to the weather pattern. Wind, snow, and fire weather are possible, and this pattern will last into early next week.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/pic6-1791653372344.png"><h2>UPPER-LEVEL TROUGH</h2><h2><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/pic4-1791651989874.png">WINTER ALERTS</h2><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/pic3-1791652288574.png">Winter storm warnings and winter weather advisories are in effect for the rest of the weekend. The parts of Montana under the Warning could experience over 1 foot of snow accumulation. This will create very dangerous travel conditions. This includes extremely low visibility and fast accumulation that could make conditions deteriorate very quickly!<h2>FORECAST SNOWFALL</h2><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/pic6-1791652676339.png">Our in-house model is showing significant snowfall through Monday. Forecast models can overpredict snowfall in the Fall months, so this is not a given, but with it being the first big snow in these areas, impacts will be felt.

Digging Trough Brings Wind and Snow to the Northern Rockies This Weekend

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WeatherNation Meteorologists

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Hurricane Isaias has made landfall near Destin, FL around 8:30pm CT as a category 2 hurricane. Maximum sustained winds were reported at 105 mph with a minimum central pressure of 971 mb.On Wednesday evening, Isaias became the first hurricane of the 2026 Atlantic season. This breaks the decades-old record of the latest to form in the modern, satellite era.The storm got off to a slow start, but quickly strengthened Friday, becoming a Category 3 storm with winds of 120 mph. Although it weakened slightly as it came ashore, there are widespread reports of wind damage and power outages along the coast. Isaias is now a post tropical cyclone as it continues moving northward into the Mid South.<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2108724199535919547" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2108724199535919547"></div><h1>Lingering Flood &amp; Severe Weather Threats</h1>Flash flooding and severe storms will accompany strong wind gusts as the remnants of Isaias move north. Flash flood watches are in effect from Virginia to Florida. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-10 061425-1791635099928.png">Terrain enhances flooding will be a big concern on Saturday. Areas from Atlanta up into the mountains of North Carolina have been placed under a moderate outlook for flash flooding. Significant flooding is possible, enough to lead to potential swift water rescues where flooding could enter homes and businesses.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-10 061443-1791635110038.png">Thankfully Isaias produced only limited tornado activity on Friday, but several tornadoes are still expected through Saturday and Sunday. Saturday's threat is elevated from the Big Bend of Florida through central South Carolina.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-10 061511-1791635296754.png">Sunday's severe weather risks will include strong downdraft winds, in addition to tornadoes.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-10 062622-1791635307196.png">Heavy rain will continue to lift north and east throughout Saturday, bringing several round of intense rain to areas east of the circulation, especially in the Carolinas. <video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/2026-10-10 06-27-03-1791635277422.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h1>WIND</h1>Tropical alerts have been cancelled but strong wind gusts are still expected, with gusts between 40 - 65 mph. Wind advisories and high wind warnings are in effect through Sunday.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-10 062838-1791635335908.png">While the worst of the surge and wind have passed, be sure to save these websites for future reference to check your flood zone and evacuation status.<h2>EVACUATION INFORMATION <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://ema.alabama.gov/">https://ema.alabama.gov/</a> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.floridadisaster.org/evacuation-orders/">https://www.floridadisaster.org/evacuation-orders/</a> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.msema.org/prepare/evacuations">https://www.msema.org/prepare/evacuations</a></h2><h2>FLOOD ZONE INFORMATION</h2>If you are concerned about your home flooding, use this tool from FEMA to check your flood zone.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://msc.fema.gov/portal/search">https://msc.fema.gov/portal/search</a>Stay tuned to the forecast here on WeatherNation. We'll bring you the details you need, and cut out all the hype.

Isaias Makes Landfall as A Category 2, Impacts Spreading North

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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>

Rob Bradley

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Heavy rain and gusty winds are likely for the Southwestern United States this weekend as Tropical Storm Rachel takes aim at the region. Rachel has been weakening for some time and will continue to do so as it moves over cooler waters, but impacts from even weak tropical systems can be significant. A tropical storm watch is now effect for all of San Diego County.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-09 113750-1791567516185.png"><h1>Track &amp; Wind Potential</h1>Hurricane Hilary made headlines in 2023 as it nearly made landfall in California as a hurricane, with heavy rain impacting the deserts and mountains. This system won't have the same wind energy, but could still bring strong and gusty winds to the region that could cause damage, especially in mountainous terrain.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-10 090437-1791644953006.png">The latest from the National Hurricane Center shows most of the tropical storm wind potential staying south of San Diego, but some tropical storm force winds could impact southern sections of San Diego County, near Tijuana.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-10 090940-1791644988142.png">Desert areas can expect gusts to 35-45 mph on Sunday. The fast forward movement could bring those strong gusts north in Utah or even parts of Wyoming and Idaho. Widespread power outages are not anticipated but a few isolated outages are possible.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-10 091007-1791645365648.png"><h1>Rain &amp; Flood Forecast</h1>Flooding will likely be the biggest impact from Rachel in the West, and even heavy snow! As moisture is pulled into the west, a cold trough from Canada will help usher the moisture north, sending it through Montana where temperatures will be dropping quickly.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-10 091618-1791645386493.png">Flood potential begins on Saturday but ramps up overnight into Sunday for areas in dark green, as the bulk of Rachel's moisture moves in. Numerous and significant flash floods are possible for areas like San Diego, Palm Springs, Joshua Tree, Las Vegas, St. George, and Cedar City.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/2026-10-10 09-16-41-1791645447666.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Moisture begins spreading into the region late Saturday, but the bulk of the impacts will be felt Sunday and Monday as heavy rain and the remnant core of the storm quickly move north. Flooding rain could close roads and impact travel in desert and mountain regions - stay vigilant and limit travel if possible!<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/2026-10-10 09-18-40-1791645549152.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Severe storms are possible, in addition to the flooding impacts. A few damaging wind gusts and tornadoes are possible for areas below.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-10 092000-1791645629811.png">

Tropical Storm Watch for San Diego, Rachel To Move Inland Late Saturday

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<h1>Pacific Basin</h1>The Pacific Ocean has been incredibly active so far this hurricane season and looks to continue to create additional activity through the next week. Several systems could bring impacts to the United States. This includes Rachel, which will move into the SW this weekend. Simon has a chance to send heavy rain to the middle of the country next week.<h2>Rachel</h2>Rachel is weakening in cooler water west of the Baja. A big digging trough will pick Rachel up and move it into the Southwest this weekend with rain and wind impacts expected. Flood potential is expected to be highest on Sunday - <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/california-in-the-cone-rachel-heads-toward-the-southwest">click here to read a more detailed forecast.</a><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/1-1791592127081.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/2-1791592197452.png">We also have Hurricane Simon which formed Wednesday afternoon off the coast of Acapulco. This system is expected to be steered north by the big western trough that will pull Rachel to the NE. We'll have to wait to see if this moisture ends up in the Plains &amp; Midwest, but that is a possibility!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/1-1791592258540.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/2-1791592284723.png"><h1>El Niño Fueling Pacific Activity</h1><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-08 104818-1791478116096.png">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.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-28 194202-1790646127358.png">This year’s El Niño has already strengthened considerably, and forecasts indicate it could become exceptionally strong later this year.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-12 063433-1789216512410.png">

Tropics: Rachel Heads Towards California, Simon Bears Down on Mexico as a Major Hurricane

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Deep tropical moisture streaming north from the Gulf is combining with a slow-moving front, setting the stage for widespread showers and thunderstorms along the Gulf Coast. Apalachicola, Florida, saw 7.49 inches of rain on Monday; this was the wettest October day on record! More heavy rainfall and flash flooding are possible Thursday into Friday, along with an isolated tornado or two. <div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2107561532381090282" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2107561532381090282"></div>A stalled front is taking the moisture from Isaias and pulling it across Central and Northern Florida. For more info on Isaias and its impacts, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/Gulf-Braces-For-Tropical-Impact">read here</a>.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/2026-10-08 09-10-32-1791472273083.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Some localized totals of 5-6 inches of rain will be possible. Watch out for localized flash flooding and ponding on the roads in the usual spots.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-08 085923-1791472325822.png">In addition to heavy rain, extra rotational energy from Isaias could spawn a few tornadoes on Thursday. Stay tuned to WeatherNation TV for additional details and live coverage.

Flooding, Tornadoes Target Central Florida Thursday

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Brittany Lockley

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A major temperature divide is unfolding across the United States as millions experience a true taste of fall while parts of the West continue to deal with summer-like heat.&nbsp;A surge of cooler air has spread across much of the central and eastern United States, sending temperatures tumbling and bringing some of the chilliest conditions of the season so far. Meanwhile, unusually hot weather continues across portions of the West Coast, where temperatures are running well above what is typical for early October.&nbsp;Summer Hangs On in the West&nbsp;While jackets are coming out farther east, residents across portions of the West are still dealing with significant heat.&nbsp;Temperatures across parts of California and the interior West are running roughly 10 to 15 degrees above average in some locations. Triple-digit temperatures have even been recorded in portions of Southern California despite the calendar moving deeper into October.&nbsp;Los Angeles experienced consecutive October days with temperatures reaching at least 100 degrees, highlighting the intensity of the unusual fall heat.&nbsp;The persistent warmth stretches beyond Southern California, with above-average temperatures extending through portions of the Great Basin and toward the northern Rockies.&nbsp;Over the next 3 days, many cities will be near, tie, or break the current records.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-07 035357-1791366853404.png">Heat alerts remain in place through Friday. Los Angeles is under an extreme heat warning, meaning use caution if working outdoors and make sure to drink plenty of water.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-07 035446-1791366898851.png">Check out temperatures in Los Angeles: the average high is normally 80°, but temperatures will flirt again with the century mark even in the next few days. Temperatures will remain in the upper 90s for Las Vegas, and Phoenix will dig into the 100s.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-07 035550-1791366965841.png">The Northwest will also be threatening record-high temperatures. High temperatures will stay hot in most of the cities in the Northwest. These highs will be anywhere from 10-15° above average.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-07 035630-1791367010235.png">Meanwhile, in the Northeast, Fall Air Settles In&nbsp;A strong cold front has helped usher cooler, drier air into a large portion of the country. Behind the front, daytime temperatures are struggling to climb out of the 50s and 60s in some areas.&nbsp;The cooler air is especially noticeable during the overnight and early morning hours. Temperatures are dropping into the 30s and 40s across parts of the northern tier, Great Lakes and Northeast, creating the potential for frost in some of the coldest locations.&nbsp;For areas that have enjoyed a relatively warm start to fall, the change may feel especially dramatic.&nbsp;The arrival of the cooler air is also pushing temperatures below seasonal averages across portions of the central and eastern U.S., signaling a more traditional October weather pattern.&nbsp;<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-07 040003-1791367220514.png">A Coast-to-Coast Temperature Contrast&nbsp;The dramatically different conditions are creating a weather map that looks more like two different seasons.&nbsp;Much of the East is experiencing crisp mornings, cooler afternoons, and increasing frost potential, while parts of the West remain firmly locked in a pattern more typical of late summer.&nbsp;<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-07 040204-1791367341750.png">Eventually, the western heat is expected to ease as the weather pattern shifts. Until then, millions of Americans will continue experiencing very different versions of October depending on which side of the country they call home.Tune in to WeatherNation for the latest on this forecast and records that break throughout the days to come.

Fall Chill Grips the East While Record Heat Bakes the West

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A noticeable change in the weather is on the way for millions across the Great Lakes and Northeast as some of the coldest air since spring moves into the region.&nbsp;After an unusually warm start to October, a push of Canadian air will send temperatures tumbling over the next several days. The transition could eventually bring the season’s first widespread frost and freeze to portions of the northern United States.&nbsp;<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-03 073235-1791034366761.png">Check out how cold the temperatures will be for the Northeast early next week. This cold air could kill temperature sensitive vegetation.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-05 063050-1791203461967.jpg">The cooldown marks a dramatic change following the recent stretch of unseasonably warm weather across the eastern United States.&nbsp;October is typically when the first freeze becomes increasingly common across the Midwest and Northeast, although the exact timing varies considerably depending on elevation and location.&nbsp;<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-03 073713-1791034643040.png">For many across the Great Lakes and Northeast, the upcoming cold snap could provide the clearest sign yet that the warm days of early fall are beginning to fade.&nbsp;Stay Tuned for more details in the Eastern Regional forecast on WeatherNation TV :10 past the hour.

Digging Trough Brings Wind and Snow to the Northern Rockies This Weekend

UPPER-LEVEL TROUGH

WINTER ALERTS

FORECAST SNOWFALL