In this re-release episode of Weather Geeks, Jen Carfagno interviews Sean Waugh from NOAA's National Severe Storms Laboratory about storm observations and mobile weather technology. They discuss the destructive nature of tornadoes and hail, Sean's journey into meteorology, and the innovative HAIL camera technology he is developing to observe hail in freefall. The conversation also covers the challenges of chasing hail, the use of high-speed cameras for data collection, the importance of mobile mesonets for atmospheric observations, and the role of machine learning and AI in weather prediction. In this engaging conversation, Dr. Sean Waugh discusses the integration of AI in meteorology, emphasizing its role as a tool rather than a replacement for human expertise. He highlights the importance of hands-on learning for students in meteorology, sharing his experiences in tornado research and storm chasing. The discussion also delves into his involvement with the movie Twisters, showcasing the efforts made to ensure scientific accuracy in its portrayal of meteorology. Dr. Waugh's passion for the field and dedication to educating the next generation of meteorologists shine through, inspiring listeners to appreciate the complexities of weather science.

Weather Geeks

Weather Group Television

Chasing Hail | Re-released

DEC 10, 202541 MIN
Weather Geeks

Chasing Hail | Re-released

DEC 10, 202541 MIN

Description

RECORDED MARCH 4, 2025; Originally released March 12, 2024

Guest: Dr. Sean Waugh, National Severe Storms Laboratory research scientist

As we’ve seen in the movies, and real life, tornadoes are some of the most destructive forces in nature, capable of leveling homes and damaging entire communities in a matter of minutes. And what about hail? It causes BILLIONS and billions of dollars in damage in the US every year. But how do we get up-close, real-time data on these violent storms in order to learn what is needed for better predictions? That’s where cutting-edge field research comes in. Today on Weather Geeks, we’re diving into the world of storm observation and mobile weather technology with Sean Waugh from NOAA’s National Severe Storms Laboratory. From deploying instrumented drones and mobile mesonets to braving the extreme environments of tornadoes and hailstorms, his work is helping scientists better understand the atmospheric conditions that drive severe weather for years to come…

Chapters

  1. 00:00 The Destructive Power of Tornadoes and Hail
  2. 02:58 Sean Wu: A Journey into Meteorology
  3. 05:57 Innovative HAIL Camera Technology
  4. 08:47 Chasing Hail: The Challenges and Safety Measures
  5. 11:59 Observing Hail: The Role of High-Speed Cameras
  6. 14:46 Mobile Mesonets: Gathering Atmospheric Data
  7. 17:59 Machine Learning and AI in Weather Prediction
  8. 21:02 AI in Meteorology: Enhancing Forecasting Accuracy
  9. 24:23 Hands-On Learning: Training the Next Generation of Meteorologists
  10. 26:00 Tornado Research: Understanding Formation and Behavior
  11. 28:05 Behind the Scenes of Twisters: A Meteorologist's Role
  12. 32:20 Authenticity in Film: The Science of Twisters
  13. 36:41 Passion in Meteorology: Inspiring Future Generations


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