Issue link: https://www.cominghomemag.com/i/1543375
COMING HOME MAGAZINE 35 ABOUT THE EXPERT Aurora Murray is a meteorologist with experience in West Texas and the North Coast of California. As a self-starter with a tenacious and positive attitude, she values providing accurate viewer-focused forecasts and delivering compelling weather-related stories. 4. Do you ever get forecasts wrong? I never get forecasts wrong! Just kidding. Models change; things happen. I always correct myself and take accountability. Let's say it was the Monday after I predicted it would rain during the weekend. I'd come in, be very transparent about why that didn't happen, and gracefully own my mistake. Believe it or not, some people think we get paid to be wrong. It's really a tough job when it comes to getting it right. Things are constantly changing, and sometimes we can't predict how long a system will stick around or be affected by factors like wind. 5. How has technology changed weather forecasting? I've seen technology both help and hinder. We use tech-driven weather models to help us forecast what's to come. However, there are several different models, and nobody knows which is most accurate. In my opinion, this can get confusing. One model might show that we're expecting a certain amount of rain or snow. But in reality, it may be too early to tell. There have been many times that everything changes within 24 to 48 hours of the event. It's most important to know how to forecast and use those skills to predict what may affect the outcome of a weather event. 6. When severe weather hits, how do you get on the air so quickly? There are specific criteria. If there's a severe thunderstorm warning in areas with high population density, we can break into programming, but most of the time, that will be shared on social media or streamed. If something happens during a newscast, the anchors will help us explain the facts about the storm and communicate safety measures. When a tornado warning is issued, and the news isn't on, we'll interrupt programming with support from producers and the broadcast director. 7. What are the most common spring weather hazards? Do you have tips for staying safe? Severe thunderstorms with high winds, tornadoes, flooding, and those dust storms! It's important to stay alert during severe weather. Know your destination if you're stuck traveling in a storm, and make sure that alerts are set up on your phone. Any local television station will be your best bet for information on how to stay safe, as well as local meteorologists online.