Latest news with #JonathanPorter
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Kantar Study Confirms AccuWeather Provided the Most Accurate Hurricane Forecasts in 2024 with the Most Advance Notice
'This historic report marks the first time a third-party has verified that another source has been more accurate and more effective in predicting hurricanes and their impacts than NOAA's National Hurricane Center' -- AccuWeather Founder and Executive Chairman Dr. Joel N. Myers. STATE COLLEGE, Pa., May 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A new study conducted by Kantar, one of the world's leading marketing data and analytics companies, has found that AccuWeather provided the most accurate and most effective hurricane forecasts during the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, outperforming the National Hurricane Center (NHC) and all other known sources. "We are very gratified by these results, which further support our mission of saving lives and protecting property," said AccuWeather Founder and Executive Chairman Dr. Joel N. Myers. "This historic report marks the first time a third-party has verified that another source has been more accurate and more effective in predicting hurricanes and their impacts than NOAA's National Hurricane Center." Key Findings: In 2024, AccuWeather hurricane forecasts consistently outperformed those from the NHC and other sources, with storm track predictions averaging 6.2% greater accuracy overall and 8.9% for U.S. landfalling storms. Landfall location forecasts were 8.6% more accurate on average, while landfall intensity forecasts showed a substantial 37.8% improvement. These forecasts were issued an average of 19 hours earlier and extended 25 hours farther into the future—rising to 31 hours in advance on average for U.S. landfalls. Additionally, maximum wind intensity forecasts were on average 4.0% more accurate overall and 4.4% more accurate for storms hitting the U.S. This Superior Accuracy™ and detail of AccuWeather's hurricane forecasts means people have extra time to prepare and take protective action with greater understanding of the severe weather threats. For example, people and businesses who receive warnings further in advance have an increased window to seek shelter, evacuate or secure property. Clearer communication of the nature, severity, timing and location of the threat explained in a way that is easy to understand and act on leads to improved outcomes, such as lives saved, injuries reduced and property damage minimized due to better-informed decision-making. For businesses, more advance notice and better communication translates to better safety for employees and customers, minimized reputational harm and liability, maximized efficiencies, reduced costs and possibly even increased profits. "As we enter into the 2025 hurricane season, this analysis by Kantar confirms what the emergency managers, businesses, government agencies and millions of individuals who use the AccuWeather Hurricane Service already know: AccuWeather is the gold standard for the most accurate and actionable hurricane forecasting to keep people better prepared and safer," said AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter. Porter said the important foundational work of the National Hurricane Center should in no way be disregarded. "The agency provides a vital life-saving service. Our work complements this effort and state and local agencies and companies that need the most accurate forecast of hurricane tracks and impacts ranging from storm surge to rain flooding to tornadoes to wind and water damage, we are not discouraging the use of the National Hurricane Center and the National Weather Service forecasts, but if you want the best and access to expert consulting meteorologists that you can speak to at any time 24/7, AccuWeather is the answer." AccuWeather CEO Steven R. Smith said, "AccuWeather's unique blend of advanced AI and machine learning with six decades of human expertise is key to successfully delivering and communicating risk-based forecasts focused on real-world impact to help people and businesses make the best weather-impacted decisions often with more advance notice than any other source enabling people to be better prepared and stay safer." Storm-Specific Highlights: Hurricane Beryl – AccuWeather accurately predicted Texas landfall 30 hours before the NHC and was the first to forecast severe rainfall and flooding. Hurricane Francine – AccuWeather was the only known source to correctly and consistently forecast landfall as a Category 2 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson wind scale. Hurricane Helene – AccuWeather was the only known source to accurately predict that Helene "could cause a flooding disaster" and be "a once-in-a-generation storm" for parts of the southern Appalachians. Hurricane Milton -- AccuWeather was the first known source to predict that Milton "could bring damaging winds and flooding to Florida, including areas recovering from Helene." In addition, AccuWeather was the first known source to say, "rapid intensification is possible." Unnamed September Storm – AccuWeather was first to warn of significant impact, issuing its first forecast track 26 hours before NHC and all other known sources. The storm was never named by the NHC. "This is the latest in a long history of examples of AccuWeather's Superior Accuracy™, and we are proud of AccuWeather's track record forecasting severe weather as well as helping people to make the best decisions every day," added Porter. "Our expert meteorologists are poised and ready for the upcoming hurricane season right around the corner." Hurricane season officially begins June 1 and continues through Nov. 30. To learn more about AccuWeather's commitment to accuracy, visit: About AccuWeather AccuWeather, recognized and documented as the most accurate and most used source of weather forecasts and warnings in the world, has saved over 12,000 lives, prevented injury to over 100,000 people, and saved companies tens of billions of dollars through better planning and decision-making. Billions of people around the world rely on AccuWeather's proven Superior Accuracy™ across our consumer digital platforms. is the #1 weather destination and one of the top 100 most-visited websites in the world, and our award-winning AccuWeather app delivers detailed real-time forecasts to millions of smartphones. AccuWeather forecasts also appear on digital signage, in 700 newspapers, are heard on over 400 radio stations, and viewed on 100 television stations. The AccuWeather Network and AccuWeather NOW® reach an audience of over 125 million on cable and streaming platforms including DirecTV, Charter Communications - Spectrum, Verizon, Philo, Frndly TV, Comcast's Xfinity X1 and Xfinity Stream, Roku, Xumo, Rockbot, LG, and Amazon Freevee. AccuWeather For Business serves more than half of the Fortune 500 companies and thousands of other businesses and government agencies globally who pay for the most accurate weather forecasts from any source. AccuWeather's story is one of a fanatical dedication to Superior Accuracy™, detail, creativity, innovation, entrepreneurship, and the loyalty and commitment of many people who have joined AccuWeather's center of excellence, including many others who have dedicated their entire careers to AccuWeather. Dr. Joel N. Myers, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, established AccuWeather in 1962 and is considered the "father of modern commercial meteorology." Myers, a leading creative thinker and visionary, has been named "the most accurate man in weather" by The New York Times and one of the top entrepreneurs in American history by Entrepreneur's Encyclopedia of Entrepreneurs. Visit for the most accurate hyperlocal forecasts, weather news, and information, and download the free AccuWeather app for Android or iOS. Contact: Rhonda Seaton 310-508-0799 or pr@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE AccuWeather Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Kantar Study Confirms AccuWeather Provided the Most Accurate Hurricane Forecasts in 2024 with the Most Advance Notice
'This historic report marks the first time a third-party has verified that another source has been more accurate and more effective in predicting hurricanes and their impacts than NOAA's National Hurricane Center' -- AccuWeather Founder and Executive Chairman Dr. Joel N. Myers. STATE COLLEGE, Pa., May 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A new study conducted by Kantar, one of the world's leading marketing data and analytics companies, has found that AccuWeather provided the most accurate and most effective hurricane forecasts during the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, outperforming the National Hurricane Center (NHC) and all other known sources. "We are very gratified by these results, which further support our mission of saving lives and protecting property," said AccuWeather Founder and Executive Chairman Dr. Joel N. Myers. "This historic report marks the first time a third-party has verified that another source has been more accurate and more effective in predicting hurricanes and their impacts than NOAA's National Hurricane Center." Key Findings: In 2024, AccuWeather hurricane forecasts consistently outperformed those from the NHC and other sources, with storm track predictions averaging 6.2% greater accuracy overall and 8.9% for U.S. landfalling storms. Landfall location forecasts were 8.6% more accurate on average, while landfall intensity forecasts showed a substantial 37.8% improvement. These forecasts were issued an average of 19 hours earlier and extended 25 hours farther into the future—rising to 31 hours in advance on average for U.S. landfalls. Additionally, maximum wind intensity forecasts were on average 4.0% more accurate overall and 4.4% more accurate for storms hitting the U.S. This Superior Accuracy™ and detail of AccuWeather's hurricane forecasts means people have extra time to prepare and take protective action with greater understanding of the severe weather threats. For example, people and businesses who receive warnings further in advance have an increased window to seek shelter, evacuate or secure property. Clearer communication of the nature, severity, timing and location of the threat explained in a way that is easy to understand and act on leads to improved outcomes, such as lives saved, injuries reduced and property damage minimized due to better-informed decision-making. For businesses, more advance notice and better communication translates to better safety for employees and customers, minimized reputational harm and liability, maximized efficiencies, reduced costs and possibly even increased profits. "As we enter into the 2025 hurricane season, this analysis by Kantar confirms what the emergency managers, businesses, government agencies and millions of individuals who use the AccuWeather Hurricane Service already know: AccuWeather is the gold standard for the most accurate and actionable hurricane forecasting to keep people better prepared and safer," said AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter. Porter said the important foundational work of the National Hurricane Center should in no way be disregarded. "The agency provides a vital life-saving service. Our work complements this effort and state and local agencies and companies that need the most accurate forecast of hurricane tracks and impacts ranging from storm surge to rain flooding to tornadoes to wind and water damage, we are not discouraging the use of the National Hurricane Center and the National Weather Service forecasts, but if you want the best and access to expert consulting meteorologists that you can speak to at any time 24/7, AccuWeather is the answer." AccuWeather CEO Steven R. Smith said, "AccuWeather's unique blend of advanced AI and machine learning with six decades of human expertise is key to successfully delivering and communicating risk-based forecasts focused on real-world impact to help people and businesses make the best weather-impacted decisions often with more advance notice than any other source enabling people to be better prepared and stay safer." Storm-Specific Highlights: Hurricane Beryl – AccuWeather accurately predicted Texas landfall 30 hours before the NHC and was the first to forecast severe rainfall and flooding. Hurricane Francine – AccuWeather was the only known source to correctly and consistently forecast landfall as a Category 2 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson wind scale. Hurricane Helene – AccuWeather was the only known source to accurately predict that Helene "could cause a flooding disaster" and be "a once-in-a-generation storm" for parts of the southern Appalachians. Hurricane Milton -- AccuWeather was the first known source to predict that Milton "could bring damaging winds and flooding to Florida, including areas recovering from Helene." In addition, AccuWeather was the first known source to say, "rapid intensification is possible." Unnamed September Storm – AccuWeather was first to warn of significant impact, issuing its first forecast track 26 hours before NHC and all other known sources. The storm was never named by the NHC. "This is the latest in a long history of examples of AccuWeather's Superior Accuracy™, and we are proud of AccuWeather's track record forecasting severe weather as well as helping people to make the best decisions every day," added Porter. "Our expert meteorologists are poised and ready for the upcoming hurricane season right around the corner." Hurricane season officially begins June 1 and continues through Nov. 30. To learn more about AccuWeather's commitment to accuracy, visit: About AccuWeather AccuWeather, recognized and documented as the most accurate and most used source of weather forecasts and warnings in the world, has saved over 12,000 lives, prevented injury to over 100,000 people, and saved companies tens of billions of dollars through better planning and decision-making. Billions of people around the world rely on AccuWeather's proven Superior Accuracy™ across our consumer digital platforms. is the #1 weather destination and one of the top 100 most-visited websites in the world, and our award-winning AccuWeather app delivers detailed real-time forecasts to millions of smartphones. AccuWeather forecasts also appear on digital signage, in 700 newspapers, are heard on over 400 radio stations, and viewed on 100 television stations. The AccuWeather Network and AccuWeather NOW® reach an audience of over 125 million on cable and streaming platforms including DirecTV, Charter Communications - Spectrum, Verizon, Philo, Frndly TV, Comcast's Xfinity X1 and Xfinity Stream, Roku, Xumo, Rockbot, LG, and Amazon Freevee. AccuWeather For Business serves more than half of the Fortune 500 companies and thousands of other businesses and government agencies globally who pay for the most accurate weather forecasts from any source. AccuWeather's story is one of a fanatical dedication to Superior Accuracy™, detail, creativity, innovation, entrepreneurship, and the loyalty and commitment of many people who have joined AccuWeather's center of excellence, including many others who have dedicated their entire careers to AccuWeather. Dr. Joel N. Myers, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, established AccuWeather in 1962 and is considered the "father of modern commercial meteorology." Myers, a leading creative thinker and visionary, has been named "the most accurate man in weather" by The New York Times and one of the top entrepreneurs in American history by Entrepreneur's Encyclopedia of Entrepreneurs. Visit for the most accurate hyperlocal forecasts, weather news, and information, and download the free AccuWeather app for Android or iOS. Contact: Rhonda Seaton 310-508-0799 or pr@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE AccuWeather Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Scientists make concerning discovery that could drastically change hurricane season outlook: 'Steroids for weather'
With the Atlantic hurricane season approaching, scientists are closely monitoring ocean temperature changes, attempting to determine what impact they might have on the number and severity of dangerous storms in the months ahead. In late April, the Washington Post reported that a key patch of the Pacific Ocean, west of Peru and Ecuador, had cooled in recent weeks. This came after a stretch earlier in the year when it unexpectedly warmed by several degrees. The cooling came as the Atlantic hurricane season is anticipated to begin in June, and it could increase the chance of a La Niña pattern, which typically brings with it more hurricanes. At the same time, the Atlantic Ocean has also become cooler, which usually means a less-active hurricane season. As noted in the Post, these two cooling events could essentially cancel each other out, resulting in a normal hurricane season. But more changes to either ocean could drastically change the storm outlook for this summer and fall. These changes are tracked by thousands of autonomous floats in the ocean, complemented by ship reports and satellites that measure sea-surface temperature. The Post explained that this is "why we know sea temperatures are cooling in a desolate part of the eastern Pacific Ocean." The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Global Ocean Monitoring and Observing Program says that "global ocean thermometers have generated billions of measurements in recent decades" and that they've been "integral" to efforts to interpret the ocean dynamics that still challenge scientific understanding. Changing ocean temperatures and an increased threat of hurricanes are some of the many byproducts of human-caused pollution. As toxic gases continue to be released into the atmosphere, blanketing Earth, they trap more heat on our planet. Relatedly, the 10 warmest years on record have all happened in the last decade. As the planet warms, the weather is becoming more volatile and less predictable. This is causing extreme weather events to occur more frequently and with more severity. Experts have actually referred to Earth's rising temperatures as "steroids for weather." With hurricanes specifically, data from the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions has shown that, although the overall number of storms has stayed relatively steady in recent decades, the intensity of the storms has increased, with major hurricanes happening more frequently. Should we be harnessing the ocean to power our homes? Absolutely Leave it be It depends I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. This phenomenon has experts worried about future hurricane seasons. AccuWeather chief meteorologist Jonathan Porter has warned that this year's season could be similar to that of 2024, which saw five major hurricanes and was "One of the deadliest and most costly hurricane seasons ever seen in the Atlantic," according to National Public Radio. The impacts of Atlantic hurricane seasons typically affect Caribbean islands, Central America, the Gulf of Mexico, and the eastern U.S. No one individual can stop a hurricane, but everyone can be prepared. Keeping a well-stocked survival kit, with supplies like clean water, non-perishable food, and a first-aid kit, can be essential in case disaster strikes. Similarly, it's important to know what not to do during and after a hurricane, including trying to drive through water on flooded roadways. Installing solar panels along with a battery system can also prepare your home, providing access to power even in the case of an extended grid outage. EnergySage's free tools allow you to compare quotes from local, verified installers, and could save you thousands on installation. Homeowners can continue to save, during and outside of hurricane season, as monthly energy bills can plummet with the use of solar power year-round. Something else that's important year-round is the monitoring that NOAA points to the need for. Supporting pro-environment policies that drive these efforts while coordinating with friends, family, and neighbors to reduce the amount of heat-trapping pollution released into the atmosphere — with activities like ride-sharing and community solar programs — can also help to make a difference. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Forecasters say US is facing worst tornado season in more than a decade
Weather forecasters say that an already perilous 2025 is shaping up to be the most active tornado season in 14 years – and it's not over yet. There have been more than 750 preliminary tornado reports thus far, which is more reports by mid-May than any other year since 2011. 'It has been an exceptionally dangerous start to the spring severe weather season in the U.S.,' AccuWeather Chief On-Air Meteorologist Bernie Rayno said in a statement. 'We've seen a steep increase in the number of tornado reports during March and early April. Unfortunately, we expect these numbers to continue climbing over the next few days.' Increased activity is disquieting, but comes following near-historic levels last year. Severe weather in 2024 resulted in the second-highest number of tornadoes since record-keeping began in 1950, according to the National Weather Service. Despite the near-historic year, the 54 tornado-related deaths were well below the 20-year average. More than half of those occurred in mobile and manufactured homes. This year, deadly twisters have torn across much of the eastern U.S., but they were also reported in the Los Angeles area in March. In April, they killed people in the South and Midwest, launching debris into the air. In March, Mississippians hid inside their car as tornadoes ripped through their home. Much of the recent activity has been outside the region known as 'tornado alley,' which includes a wide swath of the central and southern U.S. Instead, it's occurred eastward, except in Texas. There have been dozens of deaths, the Center for Disaster Philanthropy said. This week, more tornadoes are anticipated alongside large hail in areas from the Mississippi Valley to the Great Lakes. Tornadoes can occur at any time, but typically peak from March through June. AccuWeather predicts that there will be 1,300 to 1,450 tornadoes across the U.S. this year: a tally that is above the historical average of 1,255 tornadoes. Scientists are still studying how tornadoes form, hoping to be able to provide Americans with faster warning times that could save lives. Until then, forecasters stress the importance of being prepared for such an emergency. 'Our analysis of records dating back to 1950 found that May 25 is the statistical peak with the most tornado reports on the date,' AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter said. 'Being prepared can save your life.'
Newsweek
15-05-2025
- Climate
- Newsweek
Map Shows States In 'High Risk Zone' for Severe Thunderstorms
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Millions of Americans are potentially facing a volatile stretch of severe weather this week as a sprawling storm system brings the risk of damaging winds, large hail, and tornadoes across the central and eastern United States. AccuWeather meteorologists are warning that an active pattern will bring thunderstorms from the northern Plains to the Atlantic coast, with conditions ripe for long-track tornadoes and widespread wind damage. Why It Matters The forecast outbreak of severe weather includes the potential for long-lived tornadoes and derechos—clusters of intense thunderstorms that can carve paths of destruction over hundreds of miles. Forecasters caution that atmospheric conditions late in the week will be especially conducive to widespread and damaging storms, threatening power infrastructure and densely populated urban areas. What To Know The risk began Wednesday afternoon in the northern Plains, AccuWeather said, where intense thunderstorms had the potential to produce isolated tornadoes and large hail. As the system moves, the threat would shift into the Midwest and Great Lakes regions, including cities like Chicago, Detroit, and Indianapolis by Thursday. On Friday, areas including St. Louis; Nashville, Tennessee; and Washington D.C., are expected to be in the system's crosshairs. By Friday, the risk for long-track tornadoes intensifies across parts of the Mississippi and Tennessee valleys. According to AccuWeather, the alignment of warm, humid air and advancing systems may trigger storms capable of producing wind gusts strong enough to trigger power outages, and tree and roof damage. AccuWeather's forecast map for Friday. AccuWeather's forecast map for Friday. AccuWeather An AccuWeather forecast map showed states in the "high" risk zone for Friday included parts of Kentucky, Illinois, and Indiana. As the weekend approaches, the severe threat expands further south. By Saturday, thunderstorms could span from Dallas to Virginia Beach, Virginia. Threats included downpours and isolated tornadoes, as well as damaging wind gusts, the outlet said. What People Are Saying In an update shared with Newsweek, AccuWeather chief meteorologist Jonathan Porter said: "Unusually intense early-season heat and humidity across parts of the southern United States, more reminiscent of midsummer than mid-May, will provide ample fuel for severe thunderstorms. "The unusual heat and humidity can also enhance the risk of thunderstorms with damaging winds to consolidate into a derecho, or a cluster of intense thunderstorms that cause widespread wind damage over a long path. "A derecho generates winds over 58 miles per hour across an area more than 250 miles wide, often resulting in widespread damage, fallen trees and long-lasting power outages, such as the derecho that caused multiday power outages across eastern Ohio, as well as western and central Pennsylvania on April 29." What Happens Next AccuWeather forecasts suggest that the threat of severe storms could continue into early next week, with a separate storm set advance out of the Southwest and into the Plains, bringing back the potential for severe storms and increasing the likelihood of tornadoes.
