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>A tornado watch is in effect through 7:00 PM for portions of Texas and Louisiana for a couple of intense tornadoes, large damaging hail, and winds up to 70 mph. The tornado watch was extended through Southern Mississippi and Eastern Louisiana north of I-10 until 11pm. In addition to this tornado watch, a severe thunderstorm watch remains in place for Alabama and the Florida Panhandle through 6:00 PM.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/Watches-1679864478132.JPG"></p><h1>Sunday Storms</h1><h2>Severe Outlook</h2><p>The Storm Prediction Center has issued a MODERATE risk (Level 4 out of 5) through southern Mississippi and Alabama, a bit further south than where the strongest of the storms hit on Friday. Still, for some communities impacted by the storms Friday, the risk of heavy rain and strong winds will lead to difficulty with cleanup efforts.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/03-26_sunday-1679859022128.JPG">Wind and hail will be the most widespread threats. Tornadic activity will also be possible with a significant tornado threat. This means there will be the possibility of an EF-2 in strength of stronger in the highlighted red region.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/03-26_sig tor mew-1679859198776.JPG">Very large hail is possible across central Louisiana through South Carolina this afternoon and evening. Here, the environment is supportive of 2" thick hail, or larger. This equates to lime or hen egg size hail, which can do significant damage to property.</p><h2><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/03-26_hail weddd-1679859206091.JPG">Forecast Timing</h2><p>Showers and storms continue to develop through the evening along the front, becoming much more widespread along the I-20 corridor overnight Sunday into Monday. Please have multiple ways to get alerts as storms roll through overnight and remember that flash flooding can be deadly, and nighttime flooding is extremely dangerous.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/hrrr-1679859227750.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p></p><h1>Monday Storms</h1><h2>Severe Outlook</h2><p>Some of Sunday's storms will continue to ride the front through Monday putting some spots in the southeast under a slight risk for severe weather on Monday.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/03-26_mon zoom-1679859426963.JPG"></p><p>However, an additional low-pressure system is expected to form back into Texas by the late afternoon bringing the chance for additional strong storms back to our west.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/03-26_monday wide-1679859458212.JPG"></p><p>Hazards include damaging winds, large hail, and even tornadoes.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/03-26_monday tor wide-1679859498216.JPG"></p><h2>Forecast Timing</h2><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/baron3k monday-1679859509519.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p></p><p>Rainfall totals could top 3-6 inches where thunderstorms train over the same location, leading to flood potential. Flash flooding is an equally dangerous and deadly threat with the severe storms, especially close to rivers, creeks, streams as well as urban communities. Please, turn around, don't drown.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/03-26_rsc rse bams rain-1679859291727.JPG">The Weather Prediction Center (WPC) has upgraded the Excessive Rainfall Risk to a Moderate (level 3 out of 4).</p><p>Stay with WeatherNation for the latest in the severe weather and flood threat this weekend and early next week in the south.</p>

Severe Storm Threat Continues Across the Southeast

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<p>CALIFORNIA - We have had an incredible snow season and forecast models are trending at another batch moving in as we head into the work week. Snowpack continues to rise in the Sierra and is inching closer to the snowiest year in history, that being 1952-53. We are about 10 feet shy of the snow totals of that winter! Additionally, these systems have been creating isolated strong thunderstorms and very heavy rain.</p><h2>Freezing Conditions</h2><p>It's been chilly the last few mornings, and Monday morning will be no exception. Temperatures will once again drop into the lower 30s for many, so please cover exposed plants or bring them inside. Cold air could be harmful to plants that are already in the growing season, especially to agriculture.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/Capture-1679859321460.JPG"></p><h2>Next Wave Monday - Wednesday</h2><p>Looking ahead to the work week, another round of wet weather is on the way. A Pacific low will move onshore, bringing more moisture to waterlogged California. There is confidence in meaningful snow for the Sierra, which will help creep up closer to the snowiest season on record. Winter weather alerts are in effect for the Sierra from Monday night into Wednesday with heavy snow anticipated over 3000 feet.</p><p>Our newly added winter storm warning (in pink) will be for 1-2 feet of snow between 4,000 to 6,000 feet, 2-3 feet above 6,000 feet, and 4 feet above 8,000 feet in elevation.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/03-26_rsw_california alerts-1679858502947.JPG"></p><h2>Forecast Accumulation</h2><p>As mentioned above, snowfall could amount to up to 1 to 4 feet depending on elevation.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/03-26_rsw_baron15k snow-1679858706984.JPG">In addition to snowfall, we expect heavy rain to be a concern along the coastline, prompting more flood alerts and the risk of mudslides &amp; debris flow.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/03-26_rsw_baron15k rain-1679858727034.JPG"></p><h2>Forecast Timing</h2><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/03-26_rsw_california rain and snow-1679858732563.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>The extended pattern into the beginning of April remains active in the western U.S. with above-average rain and snow conditions expected.</p><p>Stay with WeatherNation for the latest in the snow amounts and timing for the Western U.S., the Western regional forecast is at :50 past the hour!</p>

More Cold and Snow as Snowpack in California Creeps Closer to Top Spot

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Dave Holder

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<p>Confidence is increasing in the threat of widespread strong to severe thunderstorms erupting across the southern Plains by Thursday afternoon. The threat will continue into Friday.</p><h1>Setup</h1><p>In the upper levels, another potent trough will dig into the southwest from California. This upper-level energy will overspread a warm and unstable airmass, characterized by high humidity, transported on a southerly wind from the Gulf. </p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/Capture-1679855553414.JPG"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/Capture2-1679855578170.JPG"></p><p>Ample amounts of wind shear along with surface instability should result in vigorous thunderstorm development by the afternoon. All hazards of severe weather will be possible.</p><h1>Timing</h1><p>Although thunderstorm activity is expected by Thursday afternoon, the timing of formation along with the amount of storm coverage is yet to be determined. Confidence is higher in more widespread activity by Friday as the main upper-level energy swings through.</p><p>The Storm Prediction Center has highlighted much of the southern Plains into the Midwest for severe weather potential by the end of the week.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/Capture3-1679855815540.JPG"></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/Capture4-1679855824268.JPG"></p><h1>Tis the Season</h1><p>We're still a few days out, so some details will need to be worked out. However, it is never too early to prepare, especially this time of year! Severe thunderstorms and all hazards will be possible as we head deeper into Spring.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/Capture5-1679855998222.JPG"></p><p>Stay with WeatherNation as we continue to update this developing situation! </p><p></p><p></p>

Strong Thunderstorms to Return to the Plains Thursday

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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>With the jet stream focused over the Midwest, the weather has been active across Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio. We have seen snowy conditions along with widespread severe weather. Wind reports in Pennsylvania and Ohio have been upwards of 60-70 mph on Saturday!</p><p>Another quick-moving low-pressure system will help spark a few more storms Sunday through the Midwest. Damaging winds are our primary threat but we can't rule out an isolated tornado either.</p><p>Another round of storms develops around an area cold front and low-pressure system, focused more into Indiana and Illinois with all modes of severe weather possible once again. Even if a storm does not reach severe criteria, heavy rain will still be a factor, along with gusty straight-line winds.</p><p></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/Capture-1679854652933.JPG"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/Capture-1679854701502.JPG"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/CaptureJPG-1679854122466.jpeg"></p><h1>Forecast Timing</h1><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/indy-1679854824677.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>With multiple rounds of heavy rain expected, there is growing concern for flash flooding. As soils become more saturated, expect flash flooding to become possible around the Ohio River with 1-2 inches of rain. This additional rain, combined with already saturated soils, is what's prompting the elevated flood threat.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/3-25 RNC accum-1679800118670.JPG"></p><p>A Marginal (level 1 out of 4) risk of Excessive Rainfall has been added for areas of MO, IL, and IN.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/Capture-1679849875165.JPG"></p><p>Stay with WeatherNation for the latest in the Severe and Rain forecast streaming 24/7.</p>

Strong Storms Target the Midwest Sunday

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<p>Snow has fallen in the Denver metro and back through the Rockies on Saturday, producing a few inches of fresh snowfall with higher mountain totals. This area of low pressure has moved into the Great Plains of Nebraska and Kansas on Sunday, bringing additional snowfall. Parts of Nebraska have already seen totals in the last 24 hours of 10 inches.</p><p>The snow is gradually winding down this afternoon, however, there is an additional low-pressure system that will organize out of Colorado Monday. This system will have the potential to bring additional heavy snow to parts of western Nebraska and eastern Colorado throughout the day. </p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/0326 plains snow-1679823270893.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>In addition to the accumulating snow, gusty winds could lead to drops in visibility and difficult driving conditions on I-80 in western Nebraska.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/plains snwo-1679823290831.JPG"></p><p>Stay with WeatherNation for the latest on the snow threat your central regional forecast is always :30 past the hour.</p>

Snow Chances Reach from the Rockies to the Plains

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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>A ridge of high pressure in the Gulf of Mexico is providing near record warmth and Gulf moisture in the Southeast, increasing the risk of severe weather as a cold front and surface low pressure system push through tonight. Severe storms are expected to continue tonight with the potential for damaging winds and tornadoes. </p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/03-25 Tor D1-1679765609052.JPG">The potential for severe storms will continue into the evening through the Carolinas and Georgia, before another round potentially starts in the overnight farther west into Alabama and Mississippi along the I-20 corridor.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/Futurecast-1679772946494.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>Records did occur on Thursday &amp; Friday across the South with highs in the 80s and 90s. Records broke on Friday for cities like Baton Rouge and Greenwood. Everywhere there is a pink dot is an opportunity to tie or break records Sunday and Monday. Most of the records will be in Florida, but a few of our coastal cities will get a crack at well above-average temperatures this week too. Highs will soar into the 80s with even some low 90s. Things turn cooler as the front passes through on Monday.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/dots-1679749665839.JPG">Stay with WeatherNation for the latest on the temperature swings and severe concerns, streaming 24/7!</p>

Severe Storms & Record Heat in the Southeast Today

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<p>Another low-pressure system moving through the central U.S. will encounter cold air in our atmosphere and has been producing heavy snow and wind in the northern tier of the country. Snow alerts continue in northern Michigan and northern Maine tonight. Winter weather alerts continue Sunday with snow up to 10 inches and sleet up to .25". The winter storm warning is where we can see the highest snowfall totals. Rainfall totals of up to an inch are possible.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/1-1679774540321.jpg"> <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/1-1679739436162.JPG">Steady snow will continue through New England while tapering in the Great Lakes region as cold air and snow wrap around the back side of the low-pressure system Saturday before tapering down early Sunday morning. Snow totals will be heaviest through northern New England where locally up to 6" may be possible. Most in the mountains will see light accumulations though.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/Futurecast-1679773328966.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>We will see another 3-6" of snow in northern Maine and across far northern Michigan and the U.P..</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/1-1679773398794.jpg"></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/2-1679774483509.jpg">Looking deeper into the forecast, there is another round of winter precipitation for next Tuesday and Wednesday. There is still a bit of uncertainty in the forecast, especially when it comes to temperature profiles, which determines if we get wet, heavy snow, or sleet and freezing rain. Typically the last snow of the season in the Northeast is in early April. Stay with WeatherNation for the latest in the northeast winter forecast!</p>

Heavy Snow for the Great Lakes and Northeast Tonight

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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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A large earthquake woke up some residents of California and Nevada with a jolt Friday morning.

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The epicenter of the magnitude 6.5 earthquake is located about 35 miles west of Tonopah in Western Nevada, near the Monte Cristo Range. The quake caused damaged to US-95 in the area which closed the road, according to the Nevada Highway Patrol.

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The earthquake was initially given a magnitude of 6.4, which has since been updated. Multiple large aftershocks, over 4.5 in magnitude, were record in the hour after shaking and more are expected, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

Shaking was reported as far away as the Bay Area near San Francisco, Bakersfield, and Las Vegas.

According to the USGS, this was a shallow earthquake, with a depth of only 2.8 kilometers. It occurred "as the result of strike slip faulting" within the "Walker Lane," an active zone roughly aligned with the California-Nevada border. You can read more about the tectonic history of the area and <a href="https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/nn00725272/executive">the analysis of the earthquake here</a>.

The USGS does not expect major economic losses from this earthquake due to its rural location but damage to infrastructure is possible with an earthquake of this size. This story will be updated as new information becomes available.