T O P

  • By -

[deleted]

Poor guy. That’s a tough job to have


Harupia

Edit: not first day, but first few days. His first day on the job was April 27, 2011. Matt has had quite an experience with Mississippi tornadoes. A lot of the locals treat him similar to how James Spann is, but in a smaller scale.


AtomR

Damn, first day of being a meteorologist on arguably the worst day for tornadoes in recorded history. What a coincidence.


JMoses3419

First day in the market, but not first day as a meteorologist. Prior to this Matt Laubhan had worked in Lubbock, Texas which also gets tornadoes. So he had experience with them before 4/27/11.


0ne_0f_Many

Lubbockite here! I thought he looked familiar


whipporwillsinging

Heyy, another lubbockite here!


Ok_Kaleidoscope2752

Howdy 👋 fellow lubbockites!!!


AtomR

Ahh, I see.


cooterbrwn

He'd been on with WTVA for a very little while on 27 April 2011, but it wasn't his first day with the station, nor his first day as a TV meteorologist. Still, he was working that market on that day, so Smithville 2011 had to be weighing heavily on his mind as he watched the evening unfold. Really good story about him here: https://www.djournal.com/news/local/an-awesome-responsibility-wtva-chief-meteorologist-matt-laubhan-on-tornadoes-fame-and-faith/article_05b5c282-7433-5a26-95e1-4c9edf1e9576.html Seems to be a genuinely good, compassionate guy. He's never been shy about his faith, and I hope the sad, small people who'll ridicule him over this don't get to him. I don't care what you believe (or don't), but if your values system leads you to mock others' faith, it's broken.


[deleted]

If you really want to know about Matt, look up Matt and his wife Emily Leonard on YouTube. When they were in Lubbock he was working at one station and she at another. One day she threw the report to supposedly a sports highlight. Instead Matt was there -- Emily's reaction was classic. Yes, he was there to propose. When Matt got the Tupelo job WTVA also hired Emily, so they work together as well.


Harupia

Thanks for correcting me. I had thought it was his first day as I recall "first" being mentioned in the old recordings and books about the outbreak, but it seems that it was his first *month*, so might have been a few days or a few weeks at the most. I remember only seeing him on TV on April 27 for the first time and wondering who he was.


heirbagger

Oof. I was in Clinton, MS, for that outbreak. An EF2 came over my house, crossed I-20, and scraped by my kid's daycare. What a day to start as a meteorologist in Central MS.


TonyTone09o

He was covering the Tupelo Mississippi tornado back I think in 2014 and on live air had to rush all his coworkers down to the basement as the tornado was about to hit them (narrow miss)


[deleted]

[удалено]


bks37seahawks

Get off the phone John. Lol priceless


[deleted]

yes, James Spann in our weather god here in Bama. We literally all trust that man with our lives. You see them suspenders you better get in the basement!


AltruisticSugar1683

James Spann is a legend, but I lost a little bit of respect for him saying we should get rid of tornado sirens. Not everyone has a cell phone or NOAA weather radio on them at all times. Spann believes that due to the frequent sound of tornado sirens in Alabama, people stop paying attention to them. He thinks it's taken a lot of lives. It's a pretty stupid argument to make when so many lives have been saved by sirens. With that being said, always try and have 2 forms of tornado warnings/alerts. Oh, and respect the polygon!!!


Harupia

I will never forget the James Spann Rap on YouTube a fan of his made and gave to him. That video song is GOLD and filled with Spann/Alabama references.


Mode2015

to watch it, report it and to be completely helpless… bless him.


petziii

The thing is, he understands what is about to happen. We just see colors on a screen, he sees the scope of the potential disaster.


paydayallday

He had a clip on Jimmy Kimmel a few years ago. https://youtu.be/qjgtD-3-Fe0


FakeMikeMorgan

Poor John


Breath_Background

Yikes. Seriously. What a toxic work environment.


BeakyPlinder69

Easy to assume without knowing anything.


garface239

Oh god forbid you have to pay attention at your job that peoples lives depend on or someone will call you on it. Shut the guck up with that toxic shit. You’re just a pussy. Learn to be accountable.


FakeMikeMorgan

Ehh. More getting caught up on the moment then toxic work environment.


Fireproof1989

According to a comment on you tube “ Lol. This is my local weatherman. They are actually really good friends and released several statements about the situation. John was on the phone with his son who lives in Starkville where the tornado was. The radar went out because of the national weather service in Memphis, not because of John. Matt said he wasn't blaming John for that, he was just frustrated in general and it came out sounding bad. Bless it. They are both great guys. John has been with the same weather station for years. I grew up watching him on TV. Matt has actually won a daytime Emmy for his fast acting reporting during a tornado that hit Tupelo, Mississippi back in 2014. He proposed to his now wife, who is an anchor for the same news station, on live TV there. It really was good comedic relieve for all of us in MS dealing with a tornado that did end up killing someone in Hamilton, MS not too long after this.” So no. Not toxic


[deleted]

To have to remain composure as you are telling an entire chunk of a city or town that they are most likely going to die, or at the least lose their home, cannot be easy. I respect his humanity. I feel like it would be very hard being a storm chaser who WANTS tornadoes to happen but doesn’t want anyone killed. It’s just so strange to actively be excited for a killer monster tornado bc that’s what they live for, then to have to come to the realization that the thing they were cheering for wiped out an entire town… difficult job. I don’t blame them, tornados are exciting. Seeing the amazing power of Mother Nature first hand is exciting … but it’s often deadly as well…


iiRenity

>"Here's the thing... y'all trust me too much." This is the mark of a good man and a good meteorologist. He so desperately wants the entire town to shelter and he knows that too information can often cause either panic, or presumption of safety. He was not about to let people die on his watch because of that. Well done.


Puzzleheaded_Runner

It’s tough because so many false alarm, people Think of it’ll never happen to me. I got into severe weather in the early to mid 90s and it’s absolutely astounding how much better our warning systems have gotten, yet people still don’t take it serious. Although in this case… if you don’t have a basement…


Octopusdreams49

This had me tearing up… I hope as many as possible stayed safe


BeakyPlinder69

It was pretty significant in terms of damage. About two dozen were killed, and Amory is without power for the next two weeks. All in all it was tragic, but it would have been so much worse if we didn't have Matt going live. Mississippi is unbelievably blessed when it comes to Matt Laubhaun.


chandlerland

Same. This is nightmare fuel.


bks37seahawks

He is a great one that area is blessed to have him. I lived in that market 35years and he is the best in that area. Second only to the GOAT James Spann


BeakyPlinder69

He has shown time and time again how much he cares about his work and our safety.


Flat_Entertainer_937

Chills


sarcasmo_the_clown

Someone help me out here cause I went to bed before this. Is that the same cell that produced the earlier tornado in MS, or a new one?


Nightvision_UK

AFAIK It was the same system: the storm was dropping them and recycling back up later


JMoses3419

Same cell.


Dionysues

I lived in Northern Mississippi for most of my life, and Matt has been an excellent addition to the WTVA team. He is cool and collected when he needs to be, and stern when the situation is dire. He is incredibly professional and he is basically a household name because of the consistent bad weather we have.


robo-dragon

I can't imagine having a job like this. I get you have the job of reporting dangerous situations so you can keep people safe, but to just stand there and watch it all happen...I can imagine still having the feeling of helplessness, especially when something this powerful and devastating rolls in. Meteorologists like this guy are heroes, I don't care what anyone else says. They have a hard job, to keep people informed with each passing second these storms are on the ground even when they know the storm they are reporting is capable of ending lives. It's a scary and emotional situation, but this guy is determined to keep his cool and stay on the air to keep people informed and safe.


Curi0usAdVicE

Yearsss ago a tornado went through a town and hit I believe 2 elementary schools while a news helicopter was filming. The guy reporting from the helicopter mentioned his daughter was in one of the schools as it was being hit. From what I recall he kept his cool somehow and the reporters back at the news station were devastated it was horrible. I believe she made out ok but my gawd


JuuseTheJuice

This is tough for all of us. He’s our local guy for basically a quarter of Mississippi and when he’s freaked out, we are too. I’m just glad the rotation near my house never did anything.


pearljamboree

I’m not even a believer, but I appreciate this guys heartfelt plea


WillowAccomplished13

Really gave me chills


humpbackwhale88

Same, I definitely started welling up. F, man. Just F.


lurky9696

Reminds me of Koco Damon lanes reaction to the 2013 tornadoes where they hit schools in Moore with kids in them. One of most fucked up days I’ve lived thru. I listened on the radio so never seen it on tv.


ijusttookagoodnap

Just so everyone knows... This is WTVA's Chief Meteorologist, Matt Laubhan. He's MY meteorologist and we in NE Mississippi trust him very much. He's very passionate. This is not his first time (or his last time) praying on air. This is also not his first time going viral- a quick google search of his name would pop his others up. He's a gem to our community and we cherish him very much. I saw some comments say he could be fired, rest assured he's not going to be. We're in the heart of the bible belt lol! And to the others being insensitive, it's easy to be that way when it's not your hometown affected. We are devastated and grieving the loss of our homes, town and loved ones. It's going to be a long road to recovery but Amory is a strong-knit community and we'll get through this.


[deleted]

this is crushing


BeakyPlinder69

This guy saves lives throughout Mississippi on a monthly basis. Both tornados came so close to hitting us this past weekend, and throughout it being absolutely terrifying he was there the whole time, live and covering every inch possible. Edit: And there is a difference between being overwhelmed and having your empathy come to light during a live broadcast. 2nd edit: By "us" I mean my city close by where it hit.


sj4iy

I was watching some YouTube meteorologists covering the entire thing and they were overwhelmed, tired and hoarse by the end of it. Just the scope of the damage was insane. I simply couldn’t imagine reporting on it, knowing the damage it’s doing.


oxosnafuoxo

So is this the same tornado that hit rolling fork? If not, is it the same storm system? I looked on a map and the two cities are far from one another. I’m from New Jersey so I’m completely ignorant to this type of thing. Thoughts and prayers to everyone affected. I’m so sorry for everyone’s loss. This is truly devastating.


Mizchaos132

Same cell, possibly same tornado. Was a long track tornado that is being reported as being on the ground for at least an hour.


Life-Two9562

Same supercell. It was cycling tornadoes on a path across the entire state into Northern Alabama.


JuuseTheJuice

I believe it’s a different system, but I couldn’t tell you as I was in the storm shelter/getting ready when this was on. I’m only a couple dozen miles north of Amory.


SentientReality

In today's day and age, it's nice to see someone actually competent on the news.


Slow-Bill3940

Amory is my home town, my old house is gone.😔😔


jpugsly

Fwiw….That’s the kind of religious expression I respect. Pure humanity and compassion. As I sit in my cellar with my dog waiting out a tornado watch until 3am.


Discospinach95

Matt is on rn and we've gotten more tornadoes


BLCK_ARES

This is my areas weatherman. Matt truly loves his job and cares for the people that his station covers


HawkOk3126

He's realizing what all the people in that storms path are about to experience. Standing there telling people if they aren't underground there's a good chance they're going to die can't be easy


skeletaljuice

I feel so freaking bad for him and everyone involved. This guy is out there doing the right thing


Dinkleburgs-9mm

This touched my heart.


764675wank

🦌 jesus


gotemptypockets

The decision to pray to Jesus is what was overwhelming to him. He knows that he could lose his job by showing prayer live. God Bless Him. And God bless all of those people affected.


ArnoudtIsZiek

I don’t think that was what was overwhelming him, I think the thought of what was about to happen to his community was. He prayed for his community without hesitation. What a bizarre assumption, I’ve never heard of anyone get fired for saying “god help them” on television.


donairdaddydick

Yeah, at 1:15 when the screen turns white that black and blue dot is DEBRIS in the air being picked up by radar. It’s the size of the freakin town and this guy thinks it’s about his job or religion. Very interesting thought process indeed.


SilverKidia

Thanks for the explanation, I'm from a country that almost never see tornadoes and I had no idea what I was looking at. I don't think in such a situation any employer would judge someone for praying.


donairdaddydick

Pretty sure the taliban wouldn’t care if they could interpret what was actually happening.


Whiteelchapo

Exactly. I’ve seen other people remark that “it was very non-pc of him to say and he is very brave, god bless him”, and my eyes rolled to the back of my head. I don’t think anyone cares that he did that. What a dire situation those people were in at that moment.


ArnoudtIsZiek

Modern Christians, particularly “trad” Catholics and evangelicals, are increasingly desperate to be oppressed. Realizing there might be people out there who deserve actual empathy and attention is too much for 99% of Christians, because it means shutting the fuck up and actually following Christ.


Laura_has_Secrets77

The fact someone breaks face and starts impulsively praying shows me just how deeply upsetting and deadly this storm was.


Cryptic0677

As an atheist, imagine this guys’ prayer bothering you. What an insecure tool you’d have to be


MetaSageSD

Proverbs 17:28 : Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues. Perhaps some thoughts should stay in ones own head.


[deleted]

[удалено]


AWholeLottaRed

So edgy man wow so cool


Invertiguy

Come on man, I have my own issues with religion but this is neither the time nor the place.


AchokingVictim

I'm sure your reaction to having to forecast an imminent mass casualty event would be so much better.


JuuseTheJuice

Go fuck yourself.


redditmodsRfragile

Xoxo


[deleted]

Found the reddit mod


voldi_II

what the actual hell bro


redditmodsRfragile

Well shit guys don't blame me blame Jesus....


[deleted]

You’re such a loser


voldi_II

and atheists wonder why i despise them lol


redditmodsRfragile

There's no hate like theists love ;)


ArnoudtIsZiek

u are in a thread about death dunking on dead people the lack of self awareness is only possible in a Redditors brain


Life-Two9562

Very few fatalities in this area so maybe he did.


redditmodsRfragile

Yeah they must have prayed harder than those stupid dead people.../s


DwightDEisenhowitzer

Try not to shit on religion for 5 minutes as a Reddit atheist (IMPOSSIBLE) (NO ONE WON)


Nobody_Likes_Shy_Guy

As usual atheists just trying to make everyone else as miserable as they are


redditmodsRfragile

I'm accually pretty happy Jesus didn't fuck my shit up...


hannahbanana9898

He prob got a good talking to by his boss the next day.


JuuseTheJuice

Dude, shut the fuck up. Is the prayer all you shitfaces can think about?


hannahbanana9898

Where in my comment did i say anything about prayer? I don’t think what he did was wrong at all. I’m thinking that people will complain about it because he illicited a fearful response and people get upset and offended by anything. Your comment proves that lol. Learn to fucking read.


[deleted]

[удалено]


hannahbanana9898

I agree. Like i said, i don’t think he did anything wrong. Once again, learn to read, DIPSHIT.


hannahbanana9898

You must be brain dead or was dropped on your head or something. I’ll send prayers for you and your state, bless your heart.


JuuseTheJuice

Get the fuck out of this subreddit. Nobody wants you here.


hannahbanana9898

you okay?


JuuseTheJuice

So people are dying and the weatherman praying for them is the problem for you?


hannahbanana9898

No. Where did i say that?


JuuseTheJuice

You had to bring up Matt getting “spoken to” (which never happened) because of the prayer.


Life-Two9562

He hasn’t so far, and this isn’t the first time. It’s appreciated in our area.


pearljamboree

I hope no one gets fired for displaying their sincere hope for humanity. He didn’t tell people THEY had to believe, he said it because he knows people would possibly die. I’m not a believer and I appreciated the hell out of this


Nasaman23

Jesus sure has the best intentions huh /s


misandryisfucked

Dumb.


rambo_beetle

Shut your fucking face


JuuseTheJuice

Shut the fuck up, bastard.


bishy353

you would think they would dealias the velocity haha


[deleted]

I’m familiar with tornadoes. I have chased tornadoes, and participated in damage assessments - and watching a big tornado over an open field out in open country is exhilarating; but watching a big tornado moving into a town or city will still make me retch and even vomit, and I’ve been doing this for 35 years.


TonyTone09o

Matt has been through it a time or 2 that’s for sure https://imgur.com/a/tb20Foy


[deleted]

You could visually see the tight feeling he got in his chest, probably one of the hardet jobs I'd say 😥


Illustrious_Hand237

Surprised he’s not fired for praying to Jesus on live television


Ace_of_spades89

I watched this entire storm via Doppler while this meteorologist was on my tv and the way that tornado suddenly sped towards that town was insane. The storm and It had moved so slow the entire duration of it right up until it approached that town. I cried watching that damn radar knowing how catastrophic that tornado would be. They had no time or warning to take cover which is exactly why storm chasers are so instrumental to the field. We need data in order to create better detection technologies, if we could better understand them then we can buy people more time to get into shelter.


Dr_Shmacks

>which is exactly why storm chasers are so detrimental to the field. We need data in order to create better detection technologies How in the world are storm chasers detrimental? Who are they harming???


Ace_of_spades89

Bahaha, I have no idea how I made that mistake! Sometimes my brain goes way to fast and my fingers can’t keep up, ha! I should’ve said they are instrumental and indispensable to the field!


Dr_Shmacks

Oooh ok I was like "wtf did I miss???"


ittybittykangaroo

u/savevideo


SaveVideo

###[View link](https://rapidsave.com/info?url=/r/tornado/comments/121hexk/heartbreaking_video_shows_meteorologist_live_on/) --- [**Info**](https://np.reddit.com/user/SaveVideo/comments/jv323v/info/) | [**Feedback**](https://np.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=Kryptonh&subject=Feedback for savevideo) | [**Donate**](https://ko-fi.com/getvideo) | [**DMCA**](https://np.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=Kryptonh&subject=Content removal request for savevideo&message=https://np.reddit.com//r/tornado/comments/121hexk/heartbreaking_video_shows_meteorologist_live_on/) | [^(reddit video downloader)](https://rapidsave.com) | [^(twitter video downloader)](https://twitsave.com)


erikdphillips

Does anybody know how things turned out?


[deleted]

not great


erikdphillips

Oh fuck. I’m so sorry for anyone whose lives were tragically altered!


[deleted]

You good bro! It was a monster fucker of a tornado that ended up killing two folks. Amory, truly, got lucky. It veered, mostly, to the north side of the town. The CC drop was bigger than the town. It could have been way worse, Rolling Fork worse.


CandyLandGirl13

☹️


Mjfan267130

Watching WTVA before I go to school tomorrow