NCST Editor Visiting with Poplar Road Elementary School Students
On November 8th, 2024, AMS certified meteorologist James Spann visited with the 4th graders at Poplar Road Elementary School in Newnan.
Spann spent around an hour presenting the eager students with information on the concepts behind weather, the importance of being weather aware, and how the weather affects them. The students gave Mr. Spann their full attention and answered his questions with correct and energetic answers.
The visit was put together by Poplar Rd teacher QV Thomas, a self-admitted weather geek and fan of Mr. Spann. Mr. Spann and other guests were provided an excellent lunch by Ms. Thomas and members of the Poplar Rd Elementary School PTO.
At the conclusion of the presentation, Mr. Spann stated how impressed he was with the knowledge and energy of the students.
James Spann, a Weather Legend
Born in Huntsville, AL, James Spann is an AMS-certified meteorologist who’s been in the field since 1978. He’s currently based out of Birmingham, AL where he’s the chief meteorologist for WBMA-LD, Birmingham’s ABC affiliate.
While he’s based in Birmingham, Mr. Spann has earned his place as the trusted name in Weather across Alabama and across the nation through his Facebook Page with over 1 million followers, his TikTok, and the podcast ” WeatherBrains ” which he started in 2006.
Spann won an Emmy Award with John Oldshue for their coverage of a deadly tornado that hit Tuscaloosa, AL in December 2000. He also received multiple national awards for his coverage of the April 2011 Super Tornado Outbreak that spawned over 50 tornados and claimed over 250 lives.
The National Weather Association named him Broadcaster of the Year in recognition of his ” passionate dedication to serving the Central Alabama community with critical weather information for over 30 years, especially during the April 2011, tornado outbreak “.
The American Meteorological Society also awarded Spann the Award for Broadcast Meterorlogy ” for his tireless efforts to advance the public’s awareness of and engagement in, the science of meteorology, particularly sever weather forecasting and response.”
Mr. Spann is also well-known and respected for his outreach within the community which spans from activities like this where he travels and shares the science of weather with children, to his work with local hospitals and other charitable organizations.
