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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The Pacific hurricane season is showing no signs of slowing down as multiple tropical systems churn across the basin, with warm ocean temperatures and a strengthening El Niño helping create favorable conditions for development. Hurricane Karina (now a major hurricane), Hurricane Lowell (now a major hurricane), and Tropical Storm Marie are among the latest systems to form over the open Pacific.Marie is the most recent storm to develop and could have implications for the southwestern U.S. Impacts are not likely to be direct, as the system will strengthen to hurricane status and move west, out to sea.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-02 155413-1788386088419.png">But Marie's moisture may get slurped up by a trough off the west coast of the United States. As it digs south, it can tap into the Pacific moisture of Marie and pull it into Southern California, Nevada, and the Four Corners States. We'll be watching the weekend forecast for rain in already soggy, flood-stricken areas.MORE: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/stormy-cooler-conditions-return-to-the-west">Monsoon Storms Bring Flooding to the Southwest</a><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-02 105610-1788368183778.png">With well above average sea surface temperatures in the Pacific, Lowell will strengthen to Category 5 strength as it passes south of Hawaii. Karina will stay a major hurricane for another day or so, before gradually weakening and moving north of Hawaii.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-02 155434-1788386111119.png"><h1>El Niño Helping Fuel Pacific Activity</h1>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 2026-09-02 105616-1788368212978.png">This year’s El Niño has already strengthened considerably, and forecasts indicate it could become exceptionally strong later this year.While the Pacific remains crowded with tropical systems, many of the current storms are expected to remain over open water. Still, with several additional areas being monitored, the active stretch of the 2026 Pacific hurricane season is far from over.Click here for more on what is happening in the Atlantic Basin: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/Edouard-Impacts-Gulf-Coast">Edouard Impacting the Gulf Coast</a>

Alana Cameron

El Niño Powers a Party in the Pacific

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Brittany Lockley

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A prolonged stretch of severe weather is underway across parts of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, with several rounds of thunderstorms expected to bring damaging winds, large hail, heavy rainfall, and a few tornadoes through the end of the week.&nbsp;The Storm Prediction Center has placed portions of the eastern Great Lakes and Mid-Atlantic under a Slight Risk, or Level 2 out of 5, for severe thunderstorms.&nbsp;The SPC has also upgraded portions of western New York to an Enhanced Risk, or Level 3 out of 5. Severe watches are also in place for these areas.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-02 123522-1788374247922.png">Damaging wind gusts will be the primary concern, with some storms capable of knocking down trees and power lines. Large hail will also be possible, and a few tornadoes cannot be ruled out.&nbsp;<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-02 155626-1788386246680.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-02 123741-1788374273374.png">The severe-weather threat stretches from portions of the eastern Great Lakes through the Northeast and into the Mid-Atlantic.&nbsp;<h1>Heavy Rainfall Raises Flash-Flooding Concerns&nbsp;</h1>Repeated rounds of storms have led to swollen riverways in areas around the Midwest, like Indiana, in the past week. This week, the concern is more centered around flash flooding, when it simply rains too hard for too long. Portions of New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey look to see some of the heavier rain totals over the next few days.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-02 124032-1788374444784.png">A SLIGHT risk for flooding has been added by the Weather Prediction Center for Wednesday. Cities like New York, Poughkeepsie, and Syracuse in New York State should stay vigilant of the flooding potential. This is especially true considering the heavy rainfall we have seen here over the last several weeks.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-02 124023-1788374440061.png"><h1>Severe Threat Shifts South Thursday&nbsp;</h1>The unsettled pattern will continue Thursday as another round of thunderstorms develops from portions of the Ohio Valley toward the Mid-Atlantic.&nbsp;The latest Storm Prediction Center outlook includes a Slight Risk for parts of this corridor, with scattered storms capable of producing damaging winds. Some storms farther west could also produce large hail.&nbsp;Washington, D.C., portions of Virginia and surrounding areas could see a greater risk for strong to severe storms as the focus gradually shifts south.&nbsp;<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-02 123550-1788374453042.png">TIMING<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/09-02 rne bams-1788386259845.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h1>Storms&nbsp;Continue into Friday&nbsp;</h1>Another disturbance moving through the eastern U.S. could keep the severe-weather threat going Friday.&nbsp;The greatest risk is expected to shift farther into the southern Mid-Atlantic, where damaging wind gusts could once again be the main hazard. Some strong storms may eventually reach portions of the Carolinas.&nbsp;<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-02 123555-1788374496748.png">By Saturday, the overall pattern should begin to change, although a lingering threat for strong or severe thunderstorms may remain across parts of the Carolinas.&nbsp;Residents from the Great Lakes to the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and eventually the Carolinas should remain weather-aware over the next several days. With repeated rounds of thunderstorms possible, some communities could experience more than one episode of severe weather or flooding before conditions finally improve.&nbsp;For more on the severe and flooding threat across the Northeast, tune in to WeatherNation :10 past the hour for your Eastern Regional Forecast.

Multiple Rounds of Severe Storms Threaten Northeast

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WeatherNation Meteorologists

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Tropical Storm Edouard strengthened and made landfall along the northwestern Gulf Coast on Monday, September 1st. The National Hurricane Center used radar data from Lake Charles, LA and Houston, TX to determine maximum sustained winds of 60 mph as it moved ashore around 2:20 PM CT near Johnson Bayou, LA.Wind speeds across portions of Texas peaked to 90 mph. Multiple areas saw wind speeds over 70 mph.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-02 074944-1788356992093.png">Along with the strong winds, heavy rainfall has also been a big part of this storm system. Totals have peaked to nearly 16" in the last 24 hours for cities in Texas.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/pic4-1788382940581.png">The Weather Prediction Center has issued a HIGH risk for heavy rainfall and flooding through today.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-02 105746-1788368289265.png">Flash Flood Emergencies were seen for portions of Tyler and Hardin county where significant rainfall came down in a shorter span of time.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-02 075325-1788357250281.png">Flooding remains isolated through Thursday. WPC has a MARGINAL risk for flooding in effect.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-02 075419-1788357283416.png">El Niño has been smothering tropical waves in the Atlantic this summer, with four named storms to date but only 10% of average cyclone energy!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-01 085151-1788274328585.png">This doesn't mean the rest of the season will be just as quiet, however, as 66% of all hurricane activity in the Atlantic occurs between August 20th and October 10th. The climatological peak of Atlantic Hurricane Season is September 10.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-01 073315-1788269605465.png">

Patrick Crawford

Edouard Makes Landfall in Louisiana, HIGH Risk for Flooding

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Moisture from Marie, along with a trough to the north, will pull moisture into Southern California this weekend. The exact amount of moisture is greatly impacted by the exact track of Marie. Even minor changes in the track could make big impacts. Right now Marie is a Tropical Storm but is expected to become a Hurricane.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-02 105141-1788367972016.png">There are already Excessive Rainfall Outlooks in place for the weekend across the Southwest. The risks, for now, are MARGINAL. This could change.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-02 105319-1788368004310.png">Below is the latest on the timing. The four corners will also see some pockets of heavy rainfall over the next few days as we round out the work week.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/09023-1788368442216.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Another big impact to watch out for will be high surf and dangerous rip currents. Even without a landfalling tropical storm, waves and rip currents can be greatly impacted. South facing beaches in Southern California should be on high alert for these changing conditions. Expect high surf and dangerous rip currents for the Labor Day Weekend. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-02 105303-1788368116857.png">If you are going to the beaches, swim near a lifeguard! This is true even for more experienced swimmers. If you ever find yourself caught in a rip current:<ol><li>Don't panic. If you panic and try to swim back to shore against the current, you will exhaust your energy. </li><li>Swim parallel to the coastline. Once you're out of the grip of the rip you'll be able to move towards the shoreline. </li><li>If swimming parallel is too difficult. Float on your back and try to signal for help!</li><li>Listen to the lifeguards and monitor beach conditions before you go into the water.</li></ol><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-02 081848-1788368179615.jpg">Stay tuned to WeatherNation for the latest in the forecast.

Marie Could Impact Labor Day Plans in Southern California

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Storms across the plains brought significant winds on Tuesday. Fordyce, NE clocked in wind gusts of 98 mph (above).<h1>WHAT TO EXPECT </h1>There is a significant severe threat for hail and winds Thursday. Hail 2 inches in diameter or larger will be possible, and gusts 75 mph + will also be possible. Have multiple ways to get alerts, as some storms will hold together into the overnight hours.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-02 080001-1788357693543.png">The Storm Prediction Center has a MARGINAL to SLIGHT risk for severe storms Thursday and Friday. Isolated tornadoes will also be possible on Thursday.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-02 080155-1788357755170.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-02 080201-1788357759665.png">Below is the latest on the timing of these storms Thursday and Friday.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/09021-1788357866375.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>For the latest updates on these storms, make sure to tune into the central regional forecast:30 past the hour.

Jackie Brown

Days of Severe Weather For The Plains

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Flood Watches are in effect throughout Arizona, Utah, and portions of Colorado (above). Watch for flash flood warnings, especially over recent burn scars. Many areas have been seeing heavy rainfall and flooding over the last few days.<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2094198484853457139" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2094198484853457139"></div>Flooding in Bright Angel Canyon has led to two confirmed fatalities and over 15 people missing.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-31 134703-1788205659306.png">Pacific moisture continues to inundate the region, with days of heavy downpours for areas around the Four Corners. 1-4 inches of rain are expected in the favored locations, with scattered flash flooding possible.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-01 040659-1788257481476.png"><h1>Drought Relief</h1>September is favored for above-average precipitation across a majority of the Western United States. This would be a great way to end a solid monsoon season, which runs through the end of the month.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-29 075355-1788011658558.png">With more rain on the way, drought improvement is likely for some areas, while drought removal is even possible in others. Keep doing your rain dance (take video and tag us if you do!).<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-29 075403-1788011667031.png">

Adrian Hernandez

Monsoon Moisture Brings Flooding Across the Four Corners

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During El Nino, temperatures across the Eastern Pacific Ocean become warmer, or above normal. For the hurricane season, this means an increase in tropical activity across the Eastern Pacific.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-26 160007-1787781615977.png">These warmer sea surface temperatures also mean an increase in shark activity for Southern California beaches. Meteorologist Taban Sharifi spoke to Dr. Christopher Lowe, professor of marine biology and director of the Shark Lab at California State University, Long Beach on how El Nino brings changes to marine life along the coast.<div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1FcXy4BQcgA" start="0"></iframe></div>As the waters continue to warm through the Fall, Dr. Lowe talked about the changing species that will be seen across the Southern California waters that are not typically there. This includes hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, and even manta rays. This also includes white sharks. The water farther south will get too warm for the white sharks, that are normally off the Baha of California, and they will begin to push north. Dr. Lowe said, "It's going to push those juvenile white sharks that are normally in Mexico into Southern California waters." This is something they have already started to see happen during July and August of this year, and the numbers of these sharks are increasing. Dr. Lowe said the sharks could reach as far north as Santa Cruz, CA.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-26 155905-1787784580682.png">There's a sweet spot for water temperatures for these sharks that sits between 64°-72°. Above 82° is when sharks begin to move north. Currently, water temperatures in the Eastern Pacific are significantly warmer than that 82° threshold.A message to beach goers: "Believe it or not, having all those white sharks off that beach might actually keep people safer. Because they are eating sting rays, there are fewer sting rays that might hurt people," said Dr. Lowe.Watch the full interview for more on how close these sharks get to the coastline and how scientists track their behavior.

Tracey Anthony

El Nino Pushes Sharks into Southern California Beaches

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At WeatherNation, we're committed to educating and informing our viewers of all of the threats severe weather can bring. On March 1, the <a href="https://www.weather.gov/wrn/spring-safety">National Weather Service</a> initiates their campaign to prepare us for all of the hazards the Spring season can bring. Severe storms can happen anywhere in the U.S. at any time. Each day through the first week of March, we'll highlight different aspects of hazardous severe thunderstorms and what you need to know to stay safe.

In case you missed it, <a href="https://bit.ly/33YFdYG">we covered Tornado safety yesterday</a>.
<h1>WIND &amp; HAIL</h1>
Three things qualify a thunderstorm as severe. Tornadoes are one, wind and hail threats make up the other two, so lets break down those specific hazards.

How is hail measured? We break it down for you and show what everyday objects correspond with a certain hail size.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPEqOfpIeCg

&nbsp;

When we talk about a severe threat of damaging, straight line winds, here's what you need you know with Meteorologist Erik Kostrzewa.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXBoJOtKbP4

&nbsp;

Hail can be the costliest part of thunderstorm damage. Meteorologist Kit Cloninger breaks it down by the numbers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6hjJ47NQGU

&nbsp;

Meteorologist Patrick Crawford explains what it takes for hail stones to form and grow within a thunderstorm.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvapcbRMr-A

&nbsp;

Derechos can cause widespread damage across hundreds of square miles. Find out more about this damaging phenomenon.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPIx3AbQhwI[/embed]

What causes wind? It's a simple question, with a scientific answer. Let's break down how and why the wind blows.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62CjMA_UR0s

Severe Weather Awareness Week: WIND & HAIL

WIND & HAIL

El Niño Powers a Party in the Pacific

The Pacific hurricane season is showing no si

Multiple Rounds of Severe Storms Threaten Northeast

A prolonged stretch of severe weather is unde

Edouard Makes Landfall in Louisiana, HIGH Risk for Flooding

Tropical Storm Edouard strengthened and made

Marie Could Impact Labor Day Plans in Southern California

Moisture from Marie, along with a trough to t

Days of Severe Weather For The Plains

Storms across the plains brought significant

Monsoon Moisture Brings Flooding Across the Four Corners

Flood Watches are in effect throughout Arizon

El Nino Pushes Sharks into Southern California Beaches

During El Nino, temperatures across the Easte