Before the Challenger launch in 1986, NASA had 24 successful launches of astronauts into space and January 28, 1986 looked to be the 25th one.  “Go at thottles up,” we heard the commander radio to the astronauts.  But sadly 73 seconds later, the shuttle exploded 9 miles over the Atlantic Ocean.  One of my first memories growing up,  was watching that disaster on television.

 

A leaking o-ring, used to seal fuel tanks was blamed for the explosion, killing all seven crew members. But what wasn't widely reported was that weather had a key impact in the disaster because the shuttle was never approved to operate in cold temperatures. Unseasonably cold weather had hit Florida; the morning of January 28th, temperatures had plummeted to 18 degrees.

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Weather had changed history and was forever grained in my heart. You see weather is often the first news story of the day and weather - whether tornadoes, hurricanes or storms, weather is often the biggest story of the day. 
 

Weather inspired me to look beyond the science and tell the story. I am inspired by the people, places and events that touch me on a daily basis. It is pure passion of storytelling that drives my career and I look forward to helping share your story!