Karissa is the Director of On-Air Operations at WeatherNation. Karissa grew up loving math and science, but really fell in love with Meteorology while attending the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. After two summers of storm chasing in the central plains, she knew that it was the career path for her. Standing in front of a thunderstorm and feeling the cool outflow knock her over was an experience she will never forget. After two years at COD, she transferred to Metropolitan State University of Denver. Karissa graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelors of Science in Meteorology. Her high school and college speech and meteorology professors were extremely supportive and pushed her to succeed. Before joining the WeatherNation team, she previously worked as the Morning Meteorologist at KCAU-TV in Sioux City, Iowa and at WMBD-TV in Peoria, IL. She recently was part of a National Edward R. Murrow award winning team for breaking news for their coverage of the EF-4 tornado in Washington, Illinois. In her free time, Karissa enjoys cooking and trying new foods. She is a self proclaimed 'TV Junkie' who can get into just about any show. She is a die hard Chicago sports fan who loves attending professional sporting events.

Karissa Klos

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<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/pacific-tropics-active">Hurricane Polo is moving north</a>, set to make landfall in the Baja California of Mexico Today. As it pushes inland into Tuesday, its moisture will funnel into the United States. As a trough of low pressure digs across the West and interacts with that moisture, the south central U.S. will see a multi-day flood threat develop. While they need the rain, drought conditions and dry ground will initially exacerbate the flood threat.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-28 085902-1790607553539.png">RELATED ARTICLE: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/another-round-of-flooding-possible-for-the-southwest-next-week">Polo Prompts Extreme Flood Threat for the Southwest</a><h1>TIMING</h1>Onshore flow from the Gulf will all for a handful of scattered storms to pop up Monday and Tuesday. By Wednesday, storms from the southwest will begin moving into the region and bring heavy rain. The upper level trough will help enhance lift and drag a slow moving boundary through Texas through Thursday. As Pacific and Gulf Moisture feed the system, rainfall becomes more plentiful and efficient both days. Storms will linger on Friday, before the system slowly moves east.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/txbams-1790607686464.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Not surprising, with such a dynamic system, we could see a threat for severe storms on Wednesday. The Storm Prediction Center has already issued a slight risk for damaging wind and hail potential.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-28 090451-1790607924932.png"><h1>RAIN &amp; FLOOD THREAT</h1>Rainfall totals through Friday will easily hit the 3-5" range for much of Central Texas and Oklahoma. Isolated totals could reach 6-8". We expect Flash Flood Watches to be issued in the region very soon.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-28 084930-1790608243245.png">Monday and Tuesday, the greatest chance for dangerous flash flooding will be from the Desert Southwest into the Panhandle region. As the front marches east, so does the Moderate Risk from the Weather Prediction Center. Interests up and down the I-35 corridor should pay close attention to the forecast and current conditions through midweek. That's where the threat settles for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/txwpc-1790608081143.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h1>DROUGHT</h1>Extreme summer heat and lack of precipitation has pushed parts of the south central U.S. into Exceptional Drought (level 4 out of 4). Dallas has been breaking records for heat and dry conditions this month. They have shattered the previous record for consecutive days above 90°, with more than 100 in a row! These conditions are important, because they will impact the way the ground handles the incoming rainfall. Think of it like a dry sponge. When you turn on the faucet, the water initially runs off. It takes a bit for it to start to absorb. If the rain runs off of the hard ground, it goes into homes and businesses before being absorbed. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-28 091809-1790608707679.png">

Administrator

Flood Threat to Bring Big Changes to Texas

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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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A Nor'easter...in September? While most people think of winter when it comes to these intense coastal storms, they can happen in the fall. The impacts will only be a little different, mainly with heavy rain instead of snow, but coastal flooding, huge surf, and strong winds will continue to create significant hazards.<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2104308771745083644" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2104308771745083644"></div>Winds across the northeast have reached over 60 mph in some areas.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-27 145019-1790542232428.png">Some of the greatest concerns were along the Mid-Atlantic coastline, where repeated high-tide cycles sent water into neighborhoods and businesses and washed out roadways. Communities that frequently experience tidal flooding like Bethany Beach saw conditions worsen as the storm churned offshore.&nbsp;<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2103462018682703967" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2103462018682703967"></div>The impacts of this nor'easter will be winding down today but Coastal Flood Warnings and Advisories do remain in effect through the day, some through early Tuesday.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/through mondayyaaaaaa-1790557953543.png">The immediate coastal flooding was quickly made worse as heavy rain dumped along the Northeast coast by the weekend. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/WEB 1-1790601969107.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-27 145215-1790542342746.png">Rounds of heavy rain and strong winds will continue off and on as the low pushes north. As the low weakens and stalls, the rain should break up and become less heavy into Monday. Lingering gusty winds, light rain, and strong surf are expected to last into early Tuesday as the low moves out of New England.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/overnissss-1790558041345.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Conditions should gradually improve as the storm weakens and moves away from the coast Monday, and more so Tuesday. However, dangerous surf and lingering coastal flooding could remain concerns even after the heaviest rainfall and strongest winds subside.&nbsp;Residents and travelers along the East Coast are encouraged to monitor local weather alerts, avoid flooded roadways, and use caution near beaches and other coastal areas as the storm continues to impact the region.&nbsp; Tune into WeatherNation TV for the latest.

Powerful Nor’easter Slams East Coast over the Weekend

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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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In the last month, the southwestern states of New Mexico and Arizona have seen their fair share of monsoon showers and storms. <div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2103622200872079365" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2103622200872079365"></div>Lately, the Eastern Pacific has been the primary source of storms. This week, a strong digging trough will pick up the moisture from Odalys and Polo and push it eastward. With this tropical moisture headed in, flood alerts (above) are in place to start the week!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/WEB 3-1790602647792.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/pic3-1790474004424.png">Our in-house Baron model shows rainfall totals upwards of 5-6 inches, with localized heavier amounts possible!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/forecasat rainfall -1790542891658.png">Deep tropical moisture will surge into the southwest, bringing flood concerns. The Weather Prediction Center ( WPC) has issued moderate risks for flooding across the Four Corners on Monday, and these same areas plus TX, OK, and Kansas on Tuesday. A moderate risk for excessive rainfall means flooding will be likely!<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/2026-09-28 09-35-03-1790602543647.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Make sure to tune into Weathernation for the latest updates on the forecast.

Another Round of Flooding Possible for the Southwest

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The Pacific Ocean has been incredibly active so far this hurricane season, and it shows no sign of slowing down. Hurricane Polo is expected to make landfall on the Baja California and in mainland Mexico Monday.<h1>Pacific Basin</h1><h2>Polo</h2><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2104390642914713997" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2104390642914713997"></div>Hurricane Polo became yet another category 5 hurricane after undergoing extremely rapid intensification. Shortly after formation late at night, it added 115 mph to its sustained wind speed in about 36 hours.Polo once had a central pressure of 892 mb, the second-lowest on record (behind Patricia's insane 872 mb) in the satellite era in the Eastern Pacific. At the same time, its 180 mph sustained winds tie for third-strongest in the Basin.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-25 110849-1790356214761.png">Polo will stay near major hurricane status as it pushes northeast. Hurricane Warnings are in place for much of the central Baja California. It should weaken quickly once making landfall, but will stay at Depression strength through Tuesday.In addition to major impacts to the Mexican coast, the moisture from Polo will pull into the Southwestern U.S., bringing risk for heavy rain and flooding.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-28 092918-1790609368293.png"><h1>Nolo</h1>Major Hurricane Nolo is just southwest of Hawaii. The Hawaiian Islands are breathing a sigh of relief as Nolo is now moving westward, away from Hawaii. However, high waves and some heavy rain will still be possible.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><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-28 093034-1790609450332.png"><h2>Rachel</h2>This is the newest addition to the Eastern Pacific, formerly Eighteen-E. It should trace the Mexico coastline, moving northwest through the week.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/WEB 5-1790605719622.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/WEB 6-1790605729394.png"><h1>Atlantic Basin</h1>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.Fay is now a Tropical Depression. An area of low pressure is located east of Bermuda has now organized and strengthened enough to become Tropical Storm Hanna. Environmental conditions are favorable for development, but as of now it will be no threat to land. It will move east over the open Atlantic over the next few days. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-28 092243-1790608969457.png"><h1>El Niño Fueling Pacific Activity</h1><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-22 075045-1790085064967.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 2026-09-16 073748-1789565873978.png">This year’s El Nino 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">

Tropical Update: EPAC Active; Hanna Forms in the Atlantic

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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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Hurricane Nolo spared the Hawaiian Islands from another direct impact this season, instead stalling about 150 miles south of the Big Island before heading west. Heavy rain and wind still impacted the islands, and will continue through the middle of the week as Nolo swings past Kauai. Field correspondent Jonathan Petramala was on the Big Island to bring us those impacts over the weekend.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/LL_TRT 1.14_JP GIVES UPDATE ON NOLO_MS_E092626-1790520644996.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h1>Forecast / Impacts</h1>Nolo's impacts, including flooding, are not done with yet for the Hawaiian Islands. As Nolo heads north through the midweek, heavy rain on it's eastern side will hit the western Hawaiian Islands. 3-5 inches of rain could fall on Kauai, bringing flooding to the region. Kauai sustained a lot of damage just a few weeks back as Hurricane Lowell passed the island barely to the west.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-28 074803-1790603893032.png">Nolo looks to stall for a day as it then slowly heads farther west, keeping some rain and wind impacts around through at least Thursday. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-28 074651-1790603234688.png"><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/forecassssssss-1790557751613.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h2>Wind / Waves</h2>As Nolo tracks west, wave heights will still be on the high side, bringing hazards to boaters and beach goers. Southward-facing beaches can see increased swell and surf over the next few days.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-28 075119-1790603514846.png">Stay with us on WeatherNation for the latest updates.

Nolo Moving West; Flooding Still Possible on Kauai

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Tracey Anthony

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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>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. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/WEB 4-1790256321105.png">Heavy rain will continue to funnel into New Mexico Friday, with isolated rain continuing through the weekend.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/FORECAST-1790210920539.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>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 SLIGHT (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.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/WEB 5-1790256253930.png">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.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-23 070049-1790168468650.png">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.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-22 100158-1790085766480.png">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.

Major Flooding Possible in the Desert Southwest This Week

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Kevin Schneider

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<h2>WHAT TO EXPECT</h2>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.<h2><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-22 075632-1790085405907.png">Storms &amp; Timing</h2>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.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/2026-09-22 07-58-32-1790085533334.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h2>RAINFALL TOTALS</h2>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. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-22 075700-1790085436091.png">

More Flooding Concerns Out East

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It’s estimated that nearly 46 million turkeys are eaten each Thanksgiving in the United States.  Turkey is the staple of the feast but it may take longer to cook your bird at higher altitudes.  Cooking a turkey Denver, Colorado may take a little longer than one cooked Miami Florida because of the difference in elevation above sea level. As you go up in elevation, the air thins and there is less oxygen and atmospheric pressure which affects most everything you cook.  

<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-83786" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2017/11/USA_topo_en-728x408.jpg" alt="" width="728" height="408" />

At sea level water boils and turns into steam at 212°F but water will boil at lower temperatures at higher elevations.


Boiling Points at elevation
Sea level  =  212°
2,000’       =  208°
5,000’       =  203°
7,500’       =  198°
10,000’     =  194°

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-83783" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2017/11/Boiling-Water.ANIMATED.LARGE_-e1511315871371.gif" alt="" width="728" height="410" />

Altitude will have a larger effect on baking and boiling foods than on roasting but you may have to roast that turkey a little longer at higher elevations. Adjusting roasting time at higher elevations can be a bit tricky and a meat thermometer is always a good idea.  At lower elevations, a temperature in the thickest part of the thigh of at least 165°F should indicate a done turkey.

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At elevations say above 4000 feet, you may need to add add approximately 5-10 minutes per pound to recommended roasting time @ 325°F.  Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. A temperature of 180-185° in the thickest part of a thigh for a whole turkey should indicate a fully cooked bird at higher elevations.  

<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-83788" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2017/11/High-altitude-Turkey-Temp-1-728x408.jpg" alt="" width="728" height="408" />

Checking the temperature often near the end of the cooking time will help in pinpoint when it is ready to eat.  Another thing to consider is that at higher elevations many times the air is much drier.  Account for evaporation and keep that bird basted.  Happy Thanksgiving to all from sea to shining sea.

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Thanksgiving Preparation and Elevation

Flood Threat to Bring Big Changes to Texas

Hurricane Polo is moving north, set to make l

Powerful Nor’easter Slams East Coast over the Weekend

A Nor'easter...in September? While most peopl

Another Round of Flooding Possible for the Southwest

In the last month, the southwestern states of

Tropical Update: EPAC Active; Hanna Forms in the Atlantic

The Pacific Ocean has been incredibly active

Nolo Moving West; Flooding Still Possible on Kauai

Hurricane Nolo spared the Hawaiian Islands fr

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