Off the Radar: Best of 2024
Hosted by Emily Gracey, National Weather Desk
Release Date: December 31, 2024

Overview

In the year-end special episode of Off the Radar, host Emily Gracey teams up with fellow meteorologist Andrew Buckmichael to countdown their top 10 favorite moments from 2024. This engaging discussion highlights a diverse array of topics, including historic hurricanes, the intersection of weather and sports, climate change, atmospheric phenomena, and space exploration. Through insightful conversations and notable anecdotes, Emily and Andrew provide listeners with a comprehensive recap of the year’s most impactful weather-related stories and podcast episodes.

Top 10 Favorite Moments of 2024

10. The Last Train to Key West

• Overview: This episode delves into the devastating Labor Day hurricane of 1935, which struck the Florida Keys, disrupting the tranquility brought by Henry Flagler's Overseas Railroad.
• Key Points: Exploration of historical hurricane impacts, maritime traditions, and the resilience of the communities affected.
• Notable Quote:
  Andrew Buckmichael (00:08:52): “I’ve read the book this year, so it made.”

9. The Day the Clock Stopped

• Overview: Focuses on the catastrophic 1974 Xenia tornado, highlighting personal stories and its enduring legacy in meteorological studies.
• Key Points: Insights from local meteorologists, historical significance, and community rebuilding efforts.
• Notable Quote:
  Andrew Buckmichael (00:13:18): “Fifteen more tornadoes in Ohio than the previous record. It’s been a very active year.”

8. Meteorological Mysteries in Baseball

• Overview: Investigates how wind modeling is revolutionizing baseball, particularly in understanding iconic moments like Ted Williams' legendary home run.
• Key Points: Integration of weather data in sports analytics, forensic meteorology, and the impact on game strategies.
• Notable Quote:
  Emily Gracey (00:20:31): “We talk about Ted Williams and that famous home run and the Red Seat to Fenway.”

7. Love is in the Air Pressure

• Overview: A Valentine’s Day special exploring the relationship between weather patterns and sexual behaviors in humans and animals.
• Key Points: Scientific examination of reproductive behaviors influenced by meteorological conditions, and human psychological responses.
• Notable Quote:
  Emily Gracey (00:18:13): “Whether humans have more babies around Christmas due to time off.”

6. Behind the Scenes of Twisters

• Overview: An in-depth look at the making of the iconic movie Twister, featuring interviews with consultants ensuring scientific accuracy.
• Key Points: Collaboration between meteorologists and filmmakers, accuracy vs. entertainment, and the movie's influence on public perception of tornadoes.
• Notable Quote:
  Andrew Buckmichael (00:28:32): “He would have these, like, little catchphrases and sayings. It was very enlightening.”

5. Storming the Digital World

• Overview: Explores the evolution of meteorology in the digital age, including the rise of digital meteorologist certifications and the shift from traditional broadcasting.
• Key Points: Digital communication strategies, credibility in weather reporting, and the impact of digital tools on meteorological practices.
• Notable Quote:
  Emily Gracey (00:24:38): “I got my CDM. My plan, my role is certainly different from yours.”

4. Science Moms: Educating the Next Generation

• Overview: Focuses on climate scientists who are also mothers, aiming to educate and inspire their children and communities about climate change.
• Key Points: Strategies for communicating complex climate issues to families, fostering resilience, and empowering the next generation.
• Notable Quote:
  Emily Gracey (00:31:16): “We owe this to our kids and our grandkids and our great grandkids.”

3. Surviving More: A Tornado Survivor’s Journey

• Overview: Chronicles the harrowing survival story of Aria Vargas, a young tornado victim who transforms her trauma into a passion for meteorology.
• Key Points: Personal resilience, the human impact of severe weather events, and the inspiring path from victim to scientist.
• Notable Quote:
  Emily Gracey (00:33:20): “She was like, we are going to have to kayak to our studio to get the food.”

2. Turbulence Into the Eye of Ian

• Overview: Analyzes the extreme turbulence experienced by NOAA’s Hurricane Hunter aircraft during Hurricane Ian, leading to advancements in turbulence quantification.
• Key Points: Challenges of hurricane reconnaissance flights, technological innovations, and the importance of accurate turbulence measurement.
• Notable Quote:
  Andrew Buckmichael (00:37:25): “The amount of turbulence that they experienced in the storm.”

1. Listen to the Universe: NASA Turns Space Images into Sounds

• Overview: Investigates NASA’s groundbreaking project to sonify space imagery, making celestial phenomena accessible through auditory experiences.
• Key Points: Sonification techniques, applications for visually impaired communities, and the innovative intersection of astronomy and sound.
• Notable Quote:
  Emily Gracey (00:44:09): “Have you ever wondered what a black hole might sound like?”

Upcoming Episodes for 2025

Emily Gracey teases an exciting lineup for the upcoming year, including:

• The Tsunami Aftermath Part II: A deeper dive into tsunami science and warning systems with experts from the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center.
• AI in Weather Forecasting: Conversations with Google about their 15-day super accurate forecasts and the role of AI in enhancing weather predictions.
• Mount Everest Climate Mysteries: Exploring how climate change is unearthing bodies on Mount Everest, featuring climate scientists and mountaineers.
• Heat-Related Deaths and True Crime: A collaborative episode with Sinclair’s true crime unit focusing on death due to extreme heat.
• Fire Weather Prediction: Investigating how AI tools are revolutionizing fire weather forecasting.

Replay Feature: Hurricane Helene’s Impact on Lake Lure, NC

As a special feature, Emily Gracey replays a poignant segment from the Hurricane Helene episode, recounting the harrowing experience of Ashton Rice and her family during the Category 4 hurricane. Ashton’s firsthand account details the sudden devastation, the community’s struggle for survival, and the enduring spirit of humanity in the face of natural disasters.

Notable Excerpt:

Ashton Rice (54:16):
“Things were not going to get any better anytime because of how many people were on that road. And we were the ones with the generator. We were feeding everybody. We were running out of food and water...”

Final Thoughts

Off the Radar: Best of 2024 serves as a comprehensive and heartfelt reflection on the year’s most significant weather and science stories. Through the collaborative insights of Emily Gracey and Andrew Buckmichael, listeners gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of meteorology, the human stories intertwined with natural phenomena, and the ever-evolving landscape of weather reporting. As they look forward to 2025, the duo promises an engaging slate of episodes that continue to educate, entertain, and inspire weather enthusiasts and curious minds alike.

Connect with the Hosts

• Emily Gracey: Follow Emily on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
  Podcast: Off the Radar
  YouTube: National Weather Desk

• Andrew Buckmichael: Listen to Andrew’s podcast Weathering the Run on all major podcast platforms.

Stay Updated

Subscribe to Off the Radar on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform to ensure you never miss an episode. Share the podcast with friends and family who have an interest in weather, climate, and earth sciences.

Produced by the National Weather Desk, affiliated with Sinclair Broadcast Group.