Weather Heroes explores the world of planning for and responding to disasters. We visit with key weather players from a wide range of backgrounds and today, we have the pleasure of meeting Raya Maday, a dedicated meteorologist and a key figure in organizing emergency responses to natural disasters.

Growing up in Florida, Raya’s fascination with weather and disasters began in 2004 when Hurricane Charley swept over her home. This event ignited a lifelong passion that has taken her on an incredible journey across various regions and weather phenomena.

Throughout her career, Raya has worked as a meteorologist in multiple locations. Quickly realizing the critical importance of effectively communicating the potential impacts of weather forecasts she developed innovative communication protocols and guidelines that have significantly improved how meteorologists share their forecasts with the public.

Recently, Raya played a crucial role in assisting with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which devastated western North Carolina and parts of eastern Tennessee. Her efforts in helping coordinate response strategies made a substantial difference in these affected communities.

Raya Maday is a shining example of the new generation of Weather Heroes, paving the way for future meteorologists and emergency responders. Her dedication and expertise continue to inspire and lead the way.

Every day, businesses and organizations face the potential for reputational damage. Severe weather events and other catastrophes can create a sudden onslaught of challenges that can significantly increase the likelihood of something going wrong. In addition to a disaster plan, potential threats to a business’s reputation and brand should be included in their business continuity plan. After a catastrophe, the potential pitfalls from unexpected events are greatly magnified.

With these challenges in mind, we speak with Stephanie Craig, President of Kith, an elite crisis management firm that works closely with business partners to ensure they are ready to respond to reputation and brand challenges. Kith’s approach is very similar to that of disaster planning and response organizations everywhere—it all begins with a plan.

Join me as Stephanie shares her own disaster experiences and how they prepared her for her current role. Listen as she outlines both the macro and micro aspects of preparing for a reputational crisis, likening it to preparing for a natural disaster. She does an excellent job of detailing the challenges and responses. I think you’ll learn something. I certainly did. Give it a listen!

Kith Website

Stephanie Craig’s Biography

Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Jamie Rhome. He’s the Deputy Director of the National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami. Jamie plays a crucial role in developing long-term strategies as well as coordinating the organization’s planning and day-to-day operations.

The NHC, a division of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is essential in keeping us safe during hurricane season, June through November. It’s responsible for tracking and predicting tropical weather systems in the Atlantic and Eastern Pacific Oceans. From issuing advisories and warnings to providing critical information for emergency planning, it’s at the forefront of hurricane preparedness and response.

Jamie and the entire NHC team work tirelessly to ensure we have the information we need to stay safe when a storm is on the horizon. So, if you’re a weather enthusiast, a disaster preparedness professional, or simply someone interested in learning more about hurricane safety, this episode is for you. Give it a listen!

Information Links!

· Jamie Rhome biography January 2024 (noaa.gov)

· National Hurricane Center (noaa.gov)

· NHC Storm Surge Risk Maps (arcgis.com)

· 4-28-22-Find-Your-Evacuation-Zone-Final.pdf (hurricanestrong.org)

· Hurricane Preparedness (weather.gov)

· Develop an Evacuation Plan (Hurricane Preparedness) (weather.gov)