The Minutes Matter to North Carolina’s Weather Authority
Timely and localized weather forecasting has earned third-generation NC State student Ethan Clark more than 800,000 Facebook followers who look to his daily weather forecasts to stay informed.
As Ethan Clark nears the 10th anniversary of his Facebook page, North Carolina’s Weather Authority, the NC State senior spends countless hours forecasting the weather and sharing detailed local impacts to his more than 800,000 followers.
A Christmas snowstorm and later a tornado outbreak near Raleigh, North Carolina, in 2011 cemented Clark’s fascination with the weather at a young age. In 2016, when he was in seventh grade, Clark created his Facebook page, originally named Ethan’s Weather, to share updates with his friends and family.
He invested hours studying meteorology and diving into library books to learn as much as he could about “how weather is and what it is,” Clark says. He eventually rebranded the page to the name known by many North Carolinians today.
Clark, a third-generation NC State student, studies environmental science with a concentration in meteorology, natural disasters and climate change. His work online ensures the math and science he learns in the classroom doesn’t stay there. His daily statewide forecasting allows him to put theories into practice and use true meteorology techniques to inform the people of North Carolina of the latest weather predictions.
“For me, it’s really cool that I get to see what’s in the classroom and then immediately turn around and do it,” says Clark. “My focus is forecasting weather — and not only forecasting, but having a way to communicate the weather.”
With a passion stemming back to his elementary school education, deciding what to study in college was an easy choice for Clark. He began his college career with a broad look at the different aspects of weather, but as he completed course work at NC State, he focused on tropical meteorology and natural disasters.
On any given week, Clark’s days revolve around the weather, with daily morning forecasts, severe weather updates and responses to his followers’ inquiries about their local weather. Balancing his coursework with a severe weather event can be difficult.
During Hurricane Helene and for the month after, Clark’s life centered around the storm and its devastating impacts across western North Carolina. Clark became a centerpoint for getting information and resources to affected communities and for communicating vital information to the National Guard and other rescue operations through his Facebook page.
Through his work and outreach in local communities, Clark hopes to better communicate ahead of and during severe weather events. “Exact numbers don’t matter — 45 mph wind gusts or 50 mph wind gusts, the average person does not know,” says Clark.
“What are the impacts? How do you explain what it is going to cause? Where the power outage is going to be?” he continues. “That’s kind of what I’ve tried to do differently. As a communicator, the best way is to explain the impacts and why, the what and why, and how it’s going to impact a person.”
Emergency Preparedness 101
Have a Plan in Place
Before a storm hits, identify nearby flood zones and evacuation routes.
Stay in the Know
Read your emails and local forecasts.
Pack an Emergency Kit
Keep key items in one spot and be ready to go at a moment’s notice.
“For me, the minutes matter,” Clark says. He types up warnings in advance, forecasts up to three days out for accuracy and proactively connects with his followers. Through his page, he urges everyone to use their time wisely and to prepare for severe weather before a storm is even on the way.
Prepare Your Emergency Kit
Chloe Sharpe, an NC State student majoring in agroecology and sustainable food systems with a concentration in research and production, put together her own emergency go-bag with items she thought might be helpful during a severe weather event. Clark reviewed the items and pointed out what people should have packed as well as some nice-to-have items to get them through at least three days during an emergency.
Build Your Own
The Must-Haves
- Water in case you don’t have access to running water
- Nonperishable food items like granola bars or canned food
- Essential information and documents like your bank account details and important phone numbers should your phone battery die
- Cash in case electronic payments can’t be accepted due to widespread power outages
- First aid kit and any medications you need to take daily
The Nice-to-Haves
- Rain jacket or umbrella
- Hat for winter weather to keep your head warm
- Flashlight or lantern
- Portable charger for electronic devices
- Batteries
- Categories:
