A day I'll never forget. So very thankful for James Spann. He saved my life and my family's life's on this day. I was in ST Clair county. There is no reward that could honor James Spann enough for all he has done throughout his career.
"This old weather warrior" is a freaking hero!! James you, Jason and your whole team saved so many people this day. I frequently watch these videos and they always bring me to tears. You are a very special person and you were put here by god I just believe that. I'm from Minnesota and rgis even effects me.
I live in Michigan and I have been watching videos from James' tornado reports for several years now. His Weather Brains broadcasts on Monday evenings are always very informative. James is the best in the business!!
My Mother-in-Law lives in Hamilton and we have friends in Tuscaloosa too. A very sad day for Alabama and such loss for so many. The Weather Professionals did all they could that day so please hold your heads high for it could have always been worse.
I watched ABC 33/40 online that afternoon from SE Louisiana until I had to go to work that evening. I was mesmerized at the development of all those storms and developed a HUGE respect for Mr. Spann. That man is a godsend to you folks in Alabama. He clearly cares about his state and its residents. I pray for all of you who were affected that day.
Thank you James for sharing your thoughts and prayers for all the people whom had to leave us for their Heavenly Home’s. Tho we miss them we know they are helping to prepare a place for us their families! Thank you letting God work in your life and being Chosen in this Calling Thats Not So Pretty At Times!!! Just know your Information about WEATHER SAFETY HAS and WILL BE PASSED DOWN FOR MANY MANY GENERATIONS TO COME! My dad & mom is part Cherokee, as most Alabamians and theses stories we share are taken to HEART‼️FOREVER IN OUR PRAYERS! “⚓️💎😇🌟🍎❤️☝️🙏🏻🌈 BEFORE & AFTER any STORM!”
I comeback to this video often. Masterful storytelling for James, the emotion is immense. Thank you James for all you've done not only for central Alabama but the entire weather community.
I worked the 1998 Kissimmee outbreak as an EMS dispatcher, it will stay with me forever , and why I got interested in Chasing, I was in Texas and caught the beginning of this one, I’ve also seen the Aftermaths of Joplin and Greensburg, people need to heed the warnings, and stay informed as to potential severe weather
@@StormHunter71 yes I'm 15 miles from Joplin so I can relate two people in their pain I might not been through it all the way seeing people like zombies walking people will never understand in movies but seeing in real life it's a whole different story
I've never heard of James Spann (being from Maryland) but that monologue at the start was SO GOOD. So many people detach themselves when they see natural disasters, but any time you see a tornado video, it is actively destroying, or ending someone's life. I'm glad Mr. Spann mentioned that... This planet is so incredible, the things it can do beautifully, and deadly.
shoutout to whoever did the sound at 15:00 and made the music morph into what sounds like a tornado siren. that was very effective and creative. it also scared my cat.
The warning process for that perticular event was excellent in my opinion. Days prior all news stations were putting tornadoes into the forcast(first time ive ever seen that) and many of these places hard hit had plenty of lead time. It was the extreme violence of these tornadoes that caused such a massive death toll. Im not sure there was much else james or any other meterologist could have done that day
With every single cutting edge technology afforded to us, even then, James Spann can't be everywhere, at all times! There will be loss of life, in these events, no matter what. The sooner we realize and accept this, the better. God bless James, Jason and all those who love what they do. It's just a fact of life, and it will happen again, sadly.
I've been following James Spann for awhile now and that man is and will renain a hero especially on April 27th!! I still remember this day like it was yesterday. I live in SwVa and was a sophomore in High School. I've always been fascinated with weather ever since I was little so I was keeping up with the forecast all that day and remember watching the tornado come through Tuscaloosa live on the Weather Channel that evening heartbroken knowing people's lives were being lost and changed forever. The storms eventually made their way up here a couple of F1s hit around my area then a few towns up from me the Glade Springs EF3 hit My Aunt and uncles house. I'll never forget the non-stop lighting that went on!I remember going up the next day looking at the damage and couldn't believe it.
I was in Tuscaloosa that day doing a lunch and learn at a doctor’s office in the white tower at DCH hospital. Fortunately, I left Tuscaloosa that day about 4PM. I was just ahead of that storm!
I live in Wisconsin but I remember watching this. I think the Weather Channel or maybe it was just the regular news, was showing some of these broadcasts.
I know Mr. Spann still has a hard time forgiving himself for the loss of life that day. However, I've lived in Alabama all my life, and there's no one I trust more to protect me and my family when it comes to weather.
What's to forgive? He can't control whether or not people take tornado warnings seriously. He can't control if people do everything right and still get killed when their house collapses on them or when a tree falls on their house and crushes them.
Like he said they were limited to the technology at the time. No one was at fault. Look at the 1974 super outbreak. They had less technology and Doppler radar was still 10 years in the future. Survivors guilt is very hard to deal with.
@@brycelandon6387 he feels like he didn't get those people who perished enough information fast enough to protect themselves. I know it sounds illogical to me and you, but Spann really loves his job and the state and the people he serves. He has probably heard every single story of tragedy from that day and takes every single one personally. He's spoken about it before. Like I said, it's not really logical, but it's the way he feels. He feels as though he didn't fulfill his duty to those people.
I'm from Connecticut and don't have weather like this but I still love watching james spann. man has a passion for what he does and cares about helping people more than it seems like most meteorologists around the country who are just so dull.
10 Years ago was this outbreak. I've talked about this storm system more times than I can count, James Spann is a hero, and it is because of what he did that saved hundreds of thousands of lives. His coverage and this event has inspired me to pursue a career in meteorology, sort of like how the 1974 super outbreak inspired James Spann.
I'm from Oklahoma and I saw the coverage. James was so meticulous during that tornado outbreak coverage. Awesome job and Chief Meteorologist. I hope God will bless him to continue to save the lives of the people of Alabama for years to come. You are a God send, Mr. James Spann.
William I was just thinking the same thing before I read your post. I do not live in Alabama but it is obvious from this and other coverage of his that I have seen that he is the consummate professional and a kind caring human being.
Its kinda sad for those who were killed and injured in Tuscaloosa and Birmingham and all the countries in Alabama. I just say thanks James spann for hard work.
Well my family is fortunate to have Jason Simpson the other meteorologist in this as our weatherman and he has saved so many over the years, the storm as he mentioned as the strongest that day destroyed the community i grew up in( Mt hope) and in 20 miles later destroyed were I live now, I wished I could add a pic bc til this day you can see a mile atleast wide path were the storm made its way thru 10 years later so you can imagine it then
@@statboy08 He'd be bored to tears in California, especially in SoCal, where there is rain about 1/4 of the year. Of course he may have to deal with earthquakes and tsunamis once in a blue moon, but for the most part, he'd be saying "Sunny with a high of 85" seven days a week.
Very kind tribute. That was the day I switched from watching hysterical, emotional weather coverage, to watching your comprehensive, science based meteorology. I have never looked back. James, your talent and your commitment are unparalleled. Thank you for all you do for us. Cheers from the Lower Coosa.
I found the 2011 tornado coverage by accident and ever since, I have watched all of the footage by James Spann as he is the meteorologist that every news, weather or television would be honoured to have even in the UK where I am from. I admit I cried watching this because Mother Nature is unforgiving. James Spann is not just a legend in Alabama and the USA, he is a legend worldwide for simply how much he cares about the people and not just the weather. God bless to all those who lost their lives in this tragedy because losing someone that close to you to something like this must be heartbreaking beyond belief. Thank you again James for being there for your people and lest us never forget the ones who was taken from us too soon in this tragedy.
His reporting on the Tuscaloosa/ Birmingham tornado became so riveting that the Rainsville/de Kalb county EF5 got so little notice that hardly anyone knew 35 people had been slaughtered until the next morning.
2024😢 my friend Blake peak died in Tuscaloosa. Its crazy cause he is from Rosalie up here in Jackson county and he was just visiting friends in Tuscaloosa but there was also a deadly tornado maybe a mile from his parents house in Rosalie. Terrible day that I will never forget
One of the things I respect the most about James and Jason's work that day is how they didn't hesitate to call out tornado emergencies as they saw them. They didn't wait for NWS to officially say it. They knew they're the primary eyes, ears, and warning system for most of the folks in their area, and they knew they didn't have extra seconds or minutes to spare. I think James especially understands the authority he holds with people and understands how to use that judiciously.
I got chills when James said that this event was Alabama’s 9/11. We have some big names with ties to the state of Alabama who get a lot of attention: Nick Saban, Charles Barkley, Joe Namath and so on, but this man is a true legend and a real hero.
I worked in broadcast news many years ago; during most severe weather events, a station’s ratings jump 10-15%, as more viewers tune in to get the latest information. I’ve never heard Spann or ABC 33/40 management mention it, but their numbers during severe weather coverage must be huge-and rightfully so; Spann and his team set the standard for this type of coverage and I’ve watched it on a lot of markets, including OKC, Dallas, Atlanta, Raleigh, Little Rock, Memphis, New Orleans and even Boston. Mr Spann is absolutely the best.
@@garydean8295 How about Gary? I can't remember his last name, but Val Castor is his #1 chaser. He is still around I think. I would tie him with Spann, but he is in a different state I think.
@@allanmcelroy9840 his name is Gary England and he's a meteorologist in Oklahoma. I'm pretty sure he's still around. He's amazing at his job and I would even say he's a little bit better than James Spann.
@@froey198033 Absolutely. Both are fine men who do incredible work, but I would put James Spann a VERY close honorable 2nd place to Gary England. If they are in seperate states, then each state has their own "hero" weatherman who cares.
I remember the day before. I was reading in the parking lot of St. Vincent’s East Medical Center. On the radio, when asked what Alabamians should anticipate on April 27, 2011, a man paused and then said that many people listening to his words in that moment would no longer be alive by midnight on April 28, 2011. May God be with all of the victims and their surviving family and friend victims.
I am someone from outside of Alabama, I stumbled upon that archived video footage of your full coverage of 2011 on UA-cam and just watch your broadcasts just to see how things are like from that side of the world. Thank you for uploading it to document history for everyone in the world. Watching that footage I could sympathize with the anxiety and worry Alabama's citizens went through and the standing rock you, Mr. Spann and the rest of the Weather Xtreme crew were for the great state of Alabama. You all should be blessed to have such an awesome and prolific weatherman. This is not just a job for Mr. Spann, but an absolute passion and a service to the entire state of Alabama. I wish my state had someone as knowledgeable as you. I appreciate what you've done for your citizens, Mr. Spann and I hope you are around to do much more in the future!
Thank you for your words. I live in north Alabama. The town I live in was hit that day. We lost 5 people in one family that day. We lived in a storm shelter all day that day.
This is without a doubt, the very best weatherman I have ever seen or heard in my 70 years. This man deserves a medal, but there is not a medal made for this mans dedication and great work. We need more weathermen like this man. Thank you for you great work and above and beyond dedication. Without a doubt, you saved many, many lives with your dedication to your work. VERY, VERY WELL DONE SIR TO MR. JAMES SPANN.
Mr Spann, you are a hero. There is nobody on this planet that could’ve done a better job than you. You saved countless lives that day. I tip my hat to you, from Massachusetts.
Watching from the UK I wanna say I have so much respect for you guys. You guys are heroes for what you did that day. The state of Alabama is lucky to have you.
I feel like no one remembers smithville Mississippi, the destruction there was absolutely terrible, it was one of many EF5’s that happened on that day. The tornado went right through the main strip
The 2011 Super Outbreak was the deadliest in Alabama since 1932. The Tuscaloosa area was previously hit in 1932 by an F4 during the Deep South Outbreak of March 21, 1932. 79 years later on April 27, 2011, Tuscaloosa was hit again. It was a high-end EF4 tornado. It almost topped EF5 status.
The 33/40 team saved thousands that day. Maybe 10s of thousands. So many had no power. No tv. Only cell phone feeds of james and crew to give them warning. Siren system was down due to no power. So even the worst form of warning was down.
NOAA Weather Radio was also down in portions of northwest Alabama after a transmitter was taken out in the morning storms. So in some cases cell phones were the only way people were able to receive warnings. One reason I now encourage people to have at least 2 ways to receive warnings.
I like that comment "If your principal gets mad have him call me!" I have 3 kids I would of kept them all home along with my wife or myself with them! Sir you had a day that words and pictures can't describe! Bottom line is YOU AND YOUR TEAM SAVED ALOT OF LIVES! GOD BLESS 🙌🙏
This guy is a goddamn hero. I live in Grimsby, England and the weather people here struggle to predict a drizzle and here's this absolute machine tracking 62 tornadoes over 10 hours. You sir are an absolute hero. And he's far too hard on himself. It was an impossible task saving everyone. Many of the fatalities were older people who may have struggled with mobility. Without James and this crew the death toll would likely have been unimaginable.
24:22 you can really tell that James truly cares about the people in his state, barely holding back the tears while going through some of the names of the people who sadly lost their lives that day. I watched the coverage on that day and couldn’t believe the violence of those storms. Watching it now, I still cannot believe how bad those storms were. James, Jason Simpson, John Oldshue, John Brown, Brian Peters, Mike Wilhelm, Ashley Brand, and all the other spotters and Birmingham/Huntsville meteorologists were truly lifesavers on this day. Prayers to all the family members of the 252 lives lost that day in the state of Alabama.
Yes I noticed that too. It sounded like he was barely holding back tears. I wish he would allow himself to cry if he needs to. But I do understand why he doesn't. But you can definitely tell he cares alot for everyone in Alabama.
@@peachxtaehyung it was especially noticeable when he mentioned Will Stevens, as you can hear his voice start to really crack. He is such a good man and I wish we had more like him here in Ohio where I’m at. We have good meteorologists, but not to James’ level. You can really tell that he would do just about anything for his state.
@@jeremybelcher1727 probably because I believe he has said he either had a son in college or was about to go to college so he can relate to how his parents must feel. Just like when he was on the phone with someone the day of the outbreak from I believe the University of Alabama after it hit near there when James asked how the University was and said something like "there's lots of momma's and daddy's wondering how their kids are" and his voice deepened and cracked when he said that.
@@jeremybelcher1727 and also yes I know I'm jealous of the people in Dixie alley for having people like James spann and Matt laubhan (tupelo Mississippi weather station wtva) etc. I wish we had them here in the dfw market. Ours are good but nothing like Dixie alley mets
@@peachxtaehyung Matt Laubhan is another great one. Jason Simpson at WHNT (and also with James at 33/40 during this outbreak) is great as well, and you can tell that he learned a lot from James and uses that knowledge to keep the people of North Alabama safe.
I'm sure that somebody/bodies have already said it but - "tell your principal to call me" may be the greatest weather man line ever spoken. He may not understand it, but Mr. Spann, you are a G. Edit - I can't remember the guys name that said 'if your parents aren't home, turn the TV up and go to the basement'. You, sir, are on Mr. Spann's level. History doesn't need to judge you guys. You went above and beyond and then a lot more. Its incalculable how many lives you saved. Huge respect for your actions and coverage and warnings and advice. And, more importantly than anything, thoughts and prayers for anyone still affected.
That second meteorologist you're thinking of is Dave Freeman during coverage of the 2007 Greensburg, Kansas, EF5, who told kids specifically what to do for themselves and how to warn their parents That and Spann's "tell your principal to call me" are probably my two favorite moments of weather coverage that I've ever seen. Simply excellent
I was in Kindergarten on April 27th, 2011. I don't remember much from that age but I do remember this tragic event. School was let out early and I remember James Spann on the news when I got home. I remember watching the weather the rest of the day and watching the tornado rip through Tuscaloosa which was scary, especially for me. I'm in high school now and every time a big weather threat happens, I always remember April 27th, 2011.
I live in Middle Tennessee. Didn't know how bad the storms were until the next day. Many people traveled to our area and up into Kentucky looking for basic supplies like gas, water, canned food. When we ran out of what they needed, many had to go further north. So shocking and sad. James did a great job informing people.
I was one of those travelers. Everything was shut down, even the Browns Ferry Nuclear plant had a critical situation that they were able to get under control.
Tenns of thousands of people in North Alabama were taking everything they could get all the way to Nashvill including motels and hotells . North Alabama didn't get power restored for several weeks.
My buddy and I were manning the Central Alabama Skywarn Amateur Radio Network that night...and day...then that evening. It seemed like every new cell was another tornado. We were running half the time off utility power and the other half off generator. At least the internet and our radio net stayed up most of the time. I hope none of us ever sees another outbreak like that one. James and the crew at 33/40 were a great help in passing information from us and then back to us.
I know I’m late but I just want to say thank you. I just became a certified spotter recently and I want to get my ham license soon. I’m insanely interested in weather and also interested in helping people so they kinda go together perfectly
James Spann thanks for all you do and did that day. It's was so heartbreaking that day...I'm from Tuscaloosa. God bless those who loss their lives and their families.
After I saw that James is right, we as a country got to do better together! No Democrats, no Republicans, no left wing or right wing, this storm was serious and took lives in them states!
James, I’ve interacted with you several times via email and via the WeatherBrains podcast. I’d like to take the time to write this note with my feelings of your coverage that day. I come from a military background. It’s a place where merit, character, and reputation still mean something professionally. I was in for 13 years, and I have earned, given, and recommended many medals in my time as a military leader. When your receive a medal, it’s a big deal. You are stood up in front of your peers, superiors, and your subordinates so you can be recognized for going above and beyond. During your award ceremony, your award recommendation is read aloud so all can hear. There is a phrase in each and every citation from a “lowly” Achievement Medal all the way to the Medal of Honor. It’s not a copy/paste thing, rather it’s there as a reminder of what right looks like. That phrase is as follows: “Your dedication to duty, selfless service, and actions above and beyond the call of duty are in keeping of the highest military standards. You bring credit upon yourself, your unit, and the United States Army.” That phrase applies to you as well, James. Your selfless service and dedication to duty rival even the highest of those military awards. The same goes for every meteorologist working that day and the days immediately after. They embody the spirit that I had the honor of learning during my time in. You and those like you are the example of what right looks like when weather turns bad. You are a credit to your station, your viewers, your state, and the professional weather enterprise. Thank you for what you do.
We need to develop a system of community tornado shelters. Many of the people that died or were seriously injured lived in mobile homes or substandard housing. They had no shelters to go to, and and many still don't. If we are going to prevent this kind of death toll again, we need the political wiill to develop community shelters, something we still haven't done.
Many Alabama county EMAs built community shelters after this outbreak. Still not enough I'm sure, but many have been built across the state since this outbreak.
@@StormHunter71 It should indeed. I, along with several others from the storm spotting community, appeared before a number of county boards of supervisors and city councils in the year after the 2011 disaster. Out request was that we should at least require all new build mobile home parks and campgrounds should have some form of shelter for at least 70% of the capacity of the facility. The cost of adding shelters, even just above ground strong rooms, is minimal compared to the overall cost of construction. Unfortunately, not one of those legislative bodies chose to require shelters. Money was a more important cost than people's lives.
@@sarjim4381 i live in a small town in Indiana and the mayor and the fire chief have never felt that building shelters in the areas several trailer parks was financially worth it.
@@wendyrferrell1589 Indiana isn't subject to the same types of deadly outbreaks we see in Alabama. Indiana has had some terrible tornadoes in the past, the 1965 Palm Sunday outbreak being one of the worst, but it's still quite rare. If you regularly have tornadoes that kill 100 or more residents in an area with 10-20 mobile home parks, the issue of it being "financially worth it" changes.
James and Jason and the crew saved so many lives that day. It saddens me to see him beat himself up over what he "didn't do" (rather, what he couldn't do). If it is any consolation, we need to remember what he did do that day because he spread the word and he saved lives; many lives.
Mr. Spann, thank you for your heartfelt tribute to the people who lost thier lives due to the tragic weather 10 years ago, there was another meteorologist just like you from my area I'm from. His name was Tim Hetrick, not sure if I spelled the last name correctly. He lost his battle with colon cancer a few short years ago, but I honor that man as well. He had a passion for his work and for his people, RIP TIM, CINCINNATI MISSES YOU, CHANNEL 12 NEWS
Most schools were closed that day thankfully. But then again some kids may have been better off in a school building. Lots of mobile homes here. I was in Washington DC on a field trip when this happened. I had no idea how bad it was til I got to the hotel room and turned on the tv
James Spann, what a hero!! I’m from the UK and I remember waking up most mornings seeing the coverage on the morning news, it was devastating and very very shocking to hear about the stories and lives lost 😞 😢
Very touching and moving tribute to the people who lost their lives in that horrific outbreak. Prayers for you all on this day and always from your long distance neighbors up here in Ohio.
So many prayers going out to the victims of this devistating tornado that claimed so many lives, especially children. 10 years later..as your names are being read, you are still being thought of and remembered.
I was 7.5 months pregnant with my second son and my first son was only 15 months old that day. The big EF5 clipped the end of our subdivision near Harvest, AL. My husband saw that sucker out the kitchen window - he said it was just columns of lightening. My 15 month old son was screaming from the pressure of the tornado popping his ears. All we could do was pray to God to have mercy on us. Just ten months later, an EF3 tornado followed the same track near our house and devastated many of those same homes and businesses. Now, ten years later, you can still see remnants of those tornadoes in the landscape. That day and the next week will be a time I will NEVER forget.
I remember this like it was yesterday. I was a freshman in high school in the D/FW area in Texas, and on the 26th had one tornado jump over my school, and another jump over my sisters school. James, for what you have done for the communities in Alabama, and for the weather community, I can't thank you enough for everything.
funny thing is, James actually did cover weather in the DFW area for 2 years in the 1980s for KDFW (now Fox 4, was CBS at the time he worked there) and was dubbed the best weatherman in DFW during that time beating out DFW Weather legends Troy Dungan of WFAA and Harold Taft of KXAS NBC 5. i saw that fact on Wikipedia. i guess being in a "Tornado Alley" TV Market for 2 years help James get a good understanding of this major tornado super outbreak. 10 years ago.
James probably got tons of sleep after what he did for Tuscaloosa and the state of Alabama. I saw this on YT that day and my mouth dropped!! And I'm from the Motor City!! This storm was a beast 10:19-10:41 and looking at this 10 years later!!!....WOW!! Thank you James for your hard work and dedication!! 🙏 to the families who lost their loved ones that day. God Bless You!!! #ROLLTIDE
I was 5 month’s pregnant with my daughter when this happened. I remember it like it was yesterday... definitely made me weather aware for the rest of my life
my aunt who’s from Tuscaloosa was also pregnant with my cousin. he was born 5 months after the tornado struck. I’m so glad my aunt was okay or she and my cousin wouldn’t be here today
Thank you to ABC 33/40 and James Spann for this look back. And a special thank you to James Spann for all the lives he has saved over his career. James, you earned every dollar of overtime you made on April 27, 2011.
I live in Ohio and this for me is an event ill never forget. James and Jason are absolute legends and saved so many lives that day. Much love from Ohio!
Hi James, how amazing to list all the names. I live in the UK but I watch everything you do, because you are a rare treasure. I watched the entire live coverage of that day and you were outstanding. Heartbreaking tragedies but you did your best in an absolutely dire situation. It did happen on your watch but theres a reason it did, because without you that list would have been much bigger. Much love to you and your wonderful state from the UK.
I live in Ohio. The 2019 Dayton tornado barely missed where I lived. Since then I researched everything on tornadoes I could find and found James Spann. Surprisingly I had never heard of the April 27, 2011 outbreak as I am a math teacher and can’t stomach mainstream media due to its clear bias and lack of reason. Spann is so different! I have learned so much from him and respect him immensely. God bless him and the state of Alabama!
The media is biased. I am also an ohioan. Aunt was up in St. Paris when it happened and I just got done with work that night. We have our own meteorologists here too. Just because the media is biased, do not take our tv meteorologists for granted!! Sooo many tv meteorologists get paid less than what they deserve! Be thankful we have em!! Jamie Simpson ( i think is what his name is) saved sooo many lives memorial day weekend in the Dayton area.
@@perfectlybroken7731 What's "biased" about a tornado? It's either there or it isn't. It doesn't care about your political persuasion; it's an equal-opportunity killer. Tornado and severe weather events aren't "fake news." Only an idiot would refuse to listen to the radio or TV if severe weather threatened just because he had to "Own those libs."
“These people died on my watch”….. powerful words spoken by probably the best meteorologist in the country. Sir you, Jason, and ABC33/40 did the state of Alabama a great service
i remember this day, i think i was 8. i remember staying at my moms work because we had a 2 hour delay & i just remember my mom watching the news. i got to school & everything was perfectly fine until the sirens started going off, we all went to the hallway with textbooks over our heads. i think the tornado either was super close by us, because i remember my mom hovering over me and a bunch of screams. when we finally got home i remember my parents at the window because the power had gone out, i also remember the next day when we went to go look at the damage probably 5-10 minutes away from our house & all you could see were foundations. i am still to this day absolutely terrified of tornados.
James, I undertand how bad you must feel about the loss of life after this outbeak. But I have to ask; What more do you think you could have done? I watched 33/40 the night before the outbreak. You were telling people 24 hrs ahead of time that the atmosphere was a powder keg. You started warning Alabama on your weather podcasts the day before that. THE DAY OF the outbreak, Jason was on early with the morning convection and repeated over and over that the afternoon storms would be much worse due to the sun heating the powder keg atmosphere. Finally, when the aftern storms approached you tracked, watched and warned people 25 minutes ahead of a city strike for EVERY tornado that day. You cant save anybody if people wont heed your advice. The only thing more you couldve done was go door to door and drag people out of their homes and put them in a ditch. You and Jason did a fantastic job that day. NOT A SINGLE BIT of damage or a single life was your fault; directly or indirectly...Just think of the 10's of thousands you DID save. You sir, are a hero and one hell of a weather man and strom tracker.
Thank you James. Countless lives saved over the years simply by your determination to go on air LIVE and stay on air live during severe weather - in the face of those who complain about missing their daytime shows. Your Town Hall Meetings in small communities across the state, school visits to teach storm safety, and embrace of new technology has led the way in weather coverage not just here - but in other television markets around the south. You're a true state treasure and we love and thank you.
I have so much respect for this man. I grew up watching him, and now my son does too. I was in my early 20s when this hit, and working at the double tree in downtown bham. We got hit twice. Once in the morning and again in the afternoon. The sky was a sickening green, and there were no natural sounds outside. It was so strange to walk outside and hear only the clicking of the traffic lights. I went to class that day, and went to work when it hit. What a day. Insulation showered the city for weeks afterwards. I had to fly shortly after the storm and it looked like an angry hand had scraped the ground.
1:48 EF-4? There are rumors that a mobile Doppler on Wheels measured winds of 278 mph inside the Tuscaloosa tornado. 278 mph is an F-5 on both the original and enhanced Fujita scales.
You guys should not blame yourselves for the people that died. I am sure that many of the people who died were people who ignored your warnings and stayed outside or in the windows trying to see the tornado until it was too late to run.
Just know the lives you all saved that day and since honor those that were lost. The weather and destruction that day paint a terrifying picture of the fallen world we live in, but your zeal to improve warnings, and the numerous communities who came together to pick up the pieces, highlight God's redeeming love for the human race. Keep working; we need more folks like you.
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"If the principal gets mad tell them to call me,"
Legend.
Lol, no time to call the school, too busy trying to survive, call em later after danger is passed
This is the best man alive
James Spann is a true legend #JamesSpannForPresident
I love this guy. That's classic.
I hope ALL schools in the entire state were closed on this day. I'd be skipping school, staying near television, trying to survive the day.
You saved thousands of lives that day.
THOUSANDS
good work, boss.
A day I'll never forget. So very thankful for James Spann. He saved my life and my family's life's on this day. I was in ST Clair county. There is no reward that could honor James Spann enough for all he has done throughout his career.
I love James Spann. Moved to Alabama 12 years ago from Europe. Have been listing to James only. Thank you, James for your hard work.
"This old weather warrior" is a freaking hero!! James you, Jason and your whole team saved so many people this day. I frequently watch these videos and they always bring me to tears. You are a very special person and you were put here by god I just believe that. I'm from Minnesota and rgis even effects me.
I live in Michigan and I have been watching videos from James' tornado reports for several years now. His Weather Brains broadcasts on Monday evenings are always very informative. James is the best in the business!!
I absolutely love weatherb rains!!💗
There will never ever be another person legend like James he’s a true hero ❤
My Mother-in-Law lives in Hamilton and we have friends in Tuscaloosa too. A very sad day for Alabama and such loss for so many. The Weather Professionals did all they could that day so please hold your heads high for it could have always been worse.
I watched ABC 33/40 online that afternoon from SE Louisiana until I had to go to work that evening. I was mesmerized at the development of all those storms and developed a HUGE respect for Mr. Spann. That man is a godsend to you folks in Alabama. He clearly cares about his state and its residents. I pray for all of you who were affected that day.
God bless Alabama and all the people who were affected.
Thank you James for sharing your thoughts and prayers for all the people whom had to leave us for their Heavenly Home’s. Tho we miss them we know they are helping to prepare a place for us their families! Thank you letting God work in your life and being Chosen in this Calling Thats Not So Pretty At Times!!! Just know your Information about WEATHER SAFETY HAS and WILL BE PASSED DOWN FOR MANY MANY GENERATIONS TO COME! My dad & mom is part Cherokee, as most Alabamians and theses stories we share are taken to HEART‼️FOREVER IN OUR PRAYERS!
“⚓️💎😇🌟🍎❤️☝️🙏🏻🌈 BEFORE & AFTER any STORM!”
Thank you James for all you do. Many more lives would have been lost if not for you and your crew.
James Spann and his team are true Heroes with their dedication to their profession. Thank you!
I comeback to this video often. Masterful storytelling for James, the emotion is immense. Thank you James for all you've done not only for central Alabama but the entire weather community.
I don't know if I could be a first responder to pick up bodies my heart is not strong enough for that
It's the reason I didn't stick with being an emt. 15 an HR isnt worth the suicides and wailing and crying parents that found them
I worked the 1998 Kissimmee outbreak as an EMS dispatcher, it will stay with me forever , and why I got interested in Chasing, I was in Texas and caught the beginning of this one, I’ve also seen the Aftermaths of Joplin and Greensburg, people need to heed the warnings, and stay informed as to potential severe weather
@@StormHunter71 yes I'm 15 miles from Joplin so I can relate two people in their pain I might not been through it all the way seeing people like zombies walking people will never understand in movies but seeing in real life it's a whole different story
And there were SO MANY dismembered bodies that had to be found, and identified and many were strewn long distances and into flooded creeks and ponds.
Can't believe it's been 10 years already. I remember watching the outbreak on the weather channel.
I've never heard of James Spann (being from Maryland) but that monologue at the start was SO GOOD. So many people detach themselves when they see natural disasters, but any time you see a tornado video, it is actively destroying, or ending someone's life. I'm glad Mr. Spann mentioned that...
This planet is so incredible, the things it can do beautifully, and deadly.
shoutout to whoever did the sound at 15:00 and made the music morph into what sounds like a tornado siren. that was very effective and creative. it also scared my cat.
The warning process for that perticular event was excellent in my opinion. Days prior all news stations were putting tornadoes into the forcast(first time ive ever seen that) and many of these places hard hit had plenty of lead time. It was the extreme violence of these tornadoes that caused such a massive death toll. Im not sure there was much else james or any other meterologist could have done that day
Today 4/27/2024 I thank God for James and Jason. Even today I am struggling with this my heart just hurts so bad!
I'm 40 something, and just listening to him talk makes me want to learn more
With every single cutting edge technology afforded to us, even then, James Spann can't be everywhere, at all times! There will be loss of life, in these events, no matter what. The sooner we realize and accept this, the better. God bless James, Jason and all those who love what they do.
It's just a fact of life, and it will happen again, sadly.
U saved so many lives that day Mr. Spann. Keep fighting the good fight. 🙏🏽
I’ve been in the 251 and 334 for years and one of the things I miss most about my 205 is James Spann.
I've been following James Spann for awhile now and that man is and will renain a hero especially on April 27th!! I still remember this day like it was yesterday. I live in SwVa and was a sophomore in High School. I've always been fascinated with weather ever since I was little so I was keeping up with the forecast all that day and remember watching the tornado come through Tuscaloosa live on the Weather Channel that evening heartbroken knowing people's lives were being lost and changed forever. The storms eventually made their way up here a couple of F1s hit around my area then a few towns up from me the Glade Springs EF3 hit My Aunt and uncles house. I'll never forget the non-stop lighting that went on!I remember going up the next day looking at the damage and couldn't believe it.
This man has nothing to feel guilty about .God bless him.
God bless James Spann and all those who help in times of great peril and need.
I was in Tuscaloosa that day doing a lunch and learn at a doctor’s office in the white tower at DCH hospital. Fortunately, I left Tuscaloosa that day about 4PM. I was just ahead of that storm!
Love how much he cares, but their deaths had nothing to with him,it was just their day sadly,i wish he understood that.
I live in Wisconsin but I remember watching this. I think the Weather Channel or maybe it was just the regular news, was showing some of these broadcasts.
I know Mr. Spann still has a hard time forgiving himself for the loss of life that day. However, I've lived in Alabama all my life, and there's no one I trust more to protect me and my family when it comes to weather.
What's to forgive? He can't control whether or not people take tornado warnings seriously. He can't control if people do everything right and still get killed when their house collapses on them or when a tree falls on their house and crushes them.
You should trust yourself
Wise words
Like he said they were limited to the technology at the time. No one was at fault. Look at the 1974 super outbreak. They had less technology and Doppler radar was still 10 years in the future.
Survivors guilt is very hard to deal with.
@@brycelandon6387 he feels like he didn't get those people who perished enough information fast enough to protect themselves. I know it sounds illogical to me and you, but Spann really loves his job and the state and the people he serves. He has probably heard every single story of tragedy from that day and takes every single one personally. He's spoken about it before. Like I said, it's not really logical, but it's the way he feels. He feels as though he didn't fulfill his duty to those people.
He cares. It’s not just his job. It’s his life. We mean everything to him and he shows it.
I'm from Connecticut and don't have weather like this but I still love watching james spann. man has a passion for what he does and cares about helping people more than it seems like most meteorologists around the country who are just so dull.
JOHN 3:18
It shows. He's such a wonderful person and a hero. So obvious he was heartbroken.
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
😂😂😂😂
10 Years ago was this outbreak.
I've talked about this storm system more times than I can count, James Spann is a hero, and it is because of what he did that saved hundreds of thousands of lives. His coverage and this event has inspired me to pursue a career in meteorology, sort of like how the 1974 super outbreak inspired James Spann.
Hi
No way! I'm subbed!
James Spann is easily the most talented and knowledgeable meteorologist on TV. He's a national treasure.
@burningfeet 53 because he cares. He has passion. He stayed on the air for over 10 hours straight. Would you do that?
Whenever he passes on he better get a really long freaking documentary
I appreciate what he does but he’s a climate change denier and actively hurts the community he’s a part of.
@@fellowshipofthemoonsyt5160 damn, that's dissapointing. I just started watching his youtube channel last week
@@fellowshipofthemoonsyt5160 Wait what
“If the principal gets mad tell them to call me”
God bless this man still to this day in 2024.
Can we just thank James for everything he does for the state if Alabama!
I'm from Oklahoma and I saw the coverage. James was so meticulous during that tornado outbreak coverage. Awesome job and Chief Meteorologist. I hope God will bless him to continue to save the lives of the people of Alabama for years to come. You are a God send, Mr. James Spann.
Thanks James...we love you!!
William I was just thinking the same thing before I read your post. I do not live in Alabama but it is obvious from this and other coverage of his that I have seen that he is the consummate professional and a kind caring human being.
@@joeyharper4483 wow, this man saved hundreds, maybe thousands of lives, and you react like this? damn man
Its kinda sad for those who were killed and injured in Tuscaloosa and Birmingham and all the countries in Alabama. I just say thanks James spann for hard work.
I wish he was the chief meteorologist in my area. Just how professional he is during this time is crazy. Mad respect
I have said so many times I wish he was a chief meteorologist here in California
@@statboy08 I move to Alabama from California about 20 years ago. I remember Dallas Raines lol
He really is a God send. He's kept us safe here in Alabama for as long as I can remember.
Well my family is fortunate to have Jason Simpson the other meteorologist in this as our weatherman and he has saved so many over the years, the storm as he mentioned as the strongest that day destroyed the community i grew up in( Mt hope) and in 20 miles later destroyed were I live now, I wished I could add a pic bc til this day you can see a mile atleast wide path were the storm made its way thru 10 years later so you can imagine it then
@@statboy08 He'd be bored to tears in California, especially in SoCal, where there is rain about 1/4 of the year. Of course he may have to deal with earthquakes and tsunamis once in a blue moon, but for the most part, he'd be saying "Sunny with a high of 85" seven days a week.
Very kind tribute. That was the day I switched from watching hysterical, emotional weather coverage, to watching your comprehensive, science based meteorology. I have never looked back. James, your talent and your commitment are unparalleled. Thank you for all you do for us. Cheers from the Lower Coosa.
He is the Man! Jason is too.
I agree
“If the principal gets mad, tell them to call me” - James Spann, LEGEND
I was thinking the same thing.
I found the 2011 tornado coverage by accident and ever since, I have watched all of the footage by James Spann as he is the meteorologist that every news, weather or television would be honoured to have even in the UK where I am from.
I admit I cried watching this because Mother Nature is unforgiving.
James Spann is not just a legend in Alabama and the USA, he is a legend worldwide for simply how much he cares about the people and not just the weather.
God bless to all those who lost their lives in this tragedy because losing someone that close to you to something like this must be heartbreaking beyond belief.
Thank you again James for being there for your people and lest us never forget the ones who was taken from us too soon in this tragedy.
Very well said!
His reporting on the Tuscaloosa/ Birmingham tornado became so riveting that the Rainsville/de Kalb county EF5 got so little notice that hardly anyone knew 35 people had been slaughtered until the next morning.
@@kenperk9854 No!!! Damn
Amen
Well said bro
Who's still watching this in 2023? This was a year of devastation that still affects many today.
2024
2024😢 my friend Blake peak died in Tuscaloosa. Its crazy cause he is from Rosalie up here in Jackson county and he was just visiting friends in Tuscaloosa but there was also a deadly tornado maybe a mile from his parents house in Rosalie. Terrible day that I will never forget
April 2024
May 2024
May 2024 too!❤
One of the things I respect the most about James and Jason's work that day is how they didn't hesitate to call out tornado emergencies as they saw them. They didn't wait for NWS to officially say it. They knew they're the primary eyes, ears, and warning system for most of the folks in their area, and they knew they didn't have extra seconds or minutes to spare. I think James especially understands the authority he holds with people and understands how to use that judiciously.
I got chills when James said that this event was Alabama’s 9/11. We have some big names with ties to the state of Alabama who get a lot of attention: Nick Saban, Charles Barkley, Joe Namath and so on, but this man is a true legend and a real hero.
I worked in broadcast news many years ago; during most severe weather events, a station’s ratings jump 10-15%, as more viewers tune in to get the latest information. I’ve never heard Spann or ABC 33/40 management mention it, but their numbers during severe weather coverage must be huge-and rightfully so; Spann and his team set the standard for this type of coverage and I’ve watched it on a lot of markets, including OKC, Dallas, Atlanta, Raleigh, Little Rock, Memphis, New Orleans and even Boston. Mr Spann is absolutely the best.
@@garydean8295 How about Gary? I can't remember his last name, but Val Castor is his #1 chaser. He is still around I think. I would tie him with Spann, but he is in a different state I think.
@@allanmcelroy9840 his name is Gary England and he's a meteorologist in Oklahoma. I'm pretty sure he's still around. He's amazing at his job and I would even say he's a little bit better than James Spann.
@@froey198033 Absolutely. Both are fine men who do incredible work, but I would put James Spann a VERY close honorable 2nd place to Gary England. If they are in seperate states, then each state has their own "hero" weatherman who cares.
@@allanmcelroy9840 they are both the goats.
I remember the day before. I was reading in the parking lot of St. Vincent’s East Medical Center. On the radio, when asked what Alabamians should anticipate on April 27, 2011, a man paused and then said that many people listening to his words in that moment would no longer be alive by midnight on April 28, 2011. May God be with all of the victims and their surviving family and friend victims.
Wow. That’s something right there. Thanks for sharing your story
Wow. As the 1st commenter said. Just wow.
I am someone from outside of Alabama, I stumbled upon that archived video footage of your full coverage of 2011 on UA-cam and just watch your broadcasts just to see how things are like from that side of the world. Thank you for uploading it to document history for everyone in the world.
Watching that footage I could sympathize with the anxiety and worry Alabama's citizens went through and the standing rock you, Mr. Spann and the rest of the Weather Xtreme crew were for the great state of Alabama.
You all should be blessed to have such an awesome and prolific weatherman. This is not just a job for Mr. Spann, but an absolute passion and a service to the entire state of Alabama. I wish my state had someone as knowledgeable as you. I appreciate what you've done for your citizens, Mr. Spann and I hope you are around to do much more in the future!
He is one of the best!
Thank you for your words. I live in north Alabama. The town I live in was hit that day. We lost 5 people in one family that day. We lived in a storm shelter all day that day.
10 years ago, i didn’t know much about this. 10 years later, I know almost if not all about it now.
Oh how the times have changed
And with the earth's weather changing with so much speed, we should expect something worst next time. May God be with us
@@NadorFootage we haven't seen severe parameters even remotely that high since that fateful day and by the grace of God I hope it never happens again
This is without a doubt, the very best weatherman I have ever seen or heard in my 70 years. This man deserves a medal, but there is not a medal made for this mans dedication and great work. We need more weathermen like this man. Thank you for you great work and above and beyond dedication. Without a doubt, you saved many, many lives with your dedication to your work. VERY, VERY WELL DONE SIR TO MR. JAMES SPANN.
Mr Spann, you are a hero. There is nobody on this planet that could’ve done a better job than you. You saved countless lives that day. I tip my hat to you, from Massachusetts.
Watching from the UK I wanna say I have so much respect for you guys. You guys are heroes for what you did that day. The state of Alabama is lucky to have you.
I feel like no one remembers smithville Mississippi, the destruction there was absolutely terrible, it was one of many EF5’s that happened on that day. The tornado went right through the main strip
Hard to believe this tragedy occurred 10 years ago. If it wasn't for Spann and his team's hard work this would have been far worse
The 2011 Super Outbreak was the deadliest in Alabama since 1932. The Tuscaloosa area was previously hit in 1932 by an F4 during the Deep South Outbreak of March 21, 1932. 79 years later on April 27, 2011, Tuscaloosa was hit again. It was a high-end EF4 tornado. It almost topped EF5 status.
James Spann, you did a great job. I watched it live and here I am again. Maybe this time I won't cry.
The 33/40 team saved thousands that day. Maybe 10s of thousands. So many had no power. No tv. Only cell phone feeds of james and crew to give them warning. Siren system was down due to no power. So even the worst form of warning was down.
NOAA Weather Radio was also down in portions of northwest Alabama after a transmitter was taken out in the morning storms. So in some cases cell phones were the only way people were able to receive warnings. One reason I now encourage people to have at least 2 ways to receive warnings.
I like that comment "If your principal gets mad have him call me!"
I have 3 kids I would of kept them all home along with my wife or myself with them!
Sir you had a day that words and pictures can't describe! Bottom line is YOU AND YOUR TEAM SAVED ALOT OF LIVES!
GOD BLESS 🙌🙏
I dont even live in Alabama but its obvious this dude is the GOAT!!!
"Well done, good and faithful meteorologist."
This guy is a goddamn hero. I live in Grimsby, England and the weather people here struggle to predict a drizzle and here's this absolute machine tracking 62 tornadoes over 10 hours. You sir are an absolute hero.
And he's far too hard on himself. It was an impossible task saving everyone. Many of the fatalities were older people who may have struggled with mobility.
Without James and this crew the death toll would likely have been unimaginable.
“If your principal gets mad tell him to call me” You can tell this guy cares more about the people of Tuscaloosa and lot more then himself, legend
24:22 you can really tell that James truly cares about the people in his state, barely holding back the tears while going through some of the names of the people who sadly lost their lives that day.
I watched the coverage on that day and couldn’t believe the violence of those storms. Watching it now, I still cannot believe how bad those storms were. James, Jason Simpson, John Oldshue, John Brown, Brian Peters, Mike Wilhelm, Ashley Brand, and all the other spotters and Birmingham/Huntsville meteorologists were truly lifesavers on this day. Prayers to all the family members of the 252 lives lost that day in the state of Alabama.
Yes I noticed that too. It sounded like he was barely holding back tears. I wish he would allow himself to cry if he needs to. But I do understand why he doesn't. But you can definitely tell he cares alot for everyone in Alabama.
@@peachxtaehyung it was especially noticeable when he mentioned Will Stevens, as you can hear his voice start to really crack. He is such a good man and I wish we had more like him here in Ohio where I’m at. We have good meteorologists, but not to James’ level. You can really tell that he would do just about anything for his state.
@@jeremybelcher1727 probably because I believe he has said he either had a son in college or was about to go to college so he can relate to how his parents must feel. Just like when he was on the phone with someone the day of the outbreak from I believe the University of Alabama after it hit near there when James asked how the University was and said something like "there's lots of momma's and daddy's wondering how their kids are" and his voice deepened and cracked when he said that.
@@jeremybelcher1727 and also yes I know I'm jealous of the people in Dixie alley for having people like James spann and Matt laubhan (tupelo Mississippi weather station wtva) etc. I wish we had them here in the dfw market. Ours are good but nothing like Dixie alley mets
@@peachxtaehyung Matt Laubhan is another great one. Jason Simpson at WHNT (and also with James at 33/40 during this outbreak) is great as well, and you can tell that he learned a lot from James and uses that knowledge to keep the people of North Alabama safe.
25:45 I was holding it in until this point....”we will find out in another place and another time” Amen to that!
I'm sure that somebody/bodies have already said it but - "tell your principal to call me" may be the greatest weather man line ever spoken. He may not understand it, but Mr. Spann, you are a G.
Edit - I can't remember the guys name that said 'if your parents aren't home, turn the TV up and go to the basement'. You, sir, are on Mr. Spann's level.
History doesn't need to judge you guys. You went above and beyond and then a lot more. Its incalculable how many lives you saved. Huge respect for your actions and coverage and warnings and advice. And, more importantly than anything, thoughts and prayers for anyone still affected.
That second meteorologist you're thinking of is Dave Freeman during coverage of the 2007 Greensburg, Kansas, EF5, who told kids specifically what to do for themselves and how to warn their parents
That and Spann's "tell your principal to call me" are probably my two favorite moments of weather coverage that I've ever seen. Simply excellent
I was in Kindergarten on April 27th, 2011. I don't remember much from that age but I do remember this tragic event. School was let out early and I remember James Spann on the news when I got home. I remember watching the weather the rest of the day and watching the tornado rip through Tuscaloosa which was scary, especially for me. I'm in high school now and every time a big weather threat happens, I always remember April 27th, 2011.
I live in Middle Tennessee. Didn't know how bad the storms were until the next day. Many people traveled to our area and up into Kentucky looking for basic supplies like gas, water, canned food. When we ran out of what they needed, many had to go further north. So shocking and sad. James did a great job informing people.
I was one of those travelers. Everything was shut down, even the Browns Ferry Nuclear plant had a critical situation that they were able to get under control.
Tenns of thousands of people in North Alabama were taking everything they could get all the way to Nashvill including motels and hotells . North Alabama didn't get power restored for several weeks.
Jesus Christ
Absolutely perfect James! May those who perished never be forgotten. 🙏🙏🙏
James Spann, your a legend in the Weather Community. Your great at doing this.
God Bless those souls who were lost that day. Really couldn’t imagine being a part of that. God bless you James. 🕊🕊
My buddy and I were manning the Central Alabama Skywarn Amateur Radio Network that night...and day...then that evening. It seemed like every new cell was another tornado. We were running half the time off utility power and the other half off generator. At least the internet and our radio net stayed up most of the time. I hope none of us ever sees another outbreak like that one. James and the crew at 33/40 were a great help in passing information from us and then back to us.
I know I’m late but I just want to say thank you. I just became a certified spotter recently and I want to get my ham license soon. I’m insanely interested in weather and also interested in helping people so they kinda go together perfectly
James Spann thanks for all you do and did that day. It's was so heartbreaking that day...I'm from Tuscaloosa. God bless those who loss their lives and their families.
After I saw that James is right, we as a country got to do better together! No Democrats, no Republicans, no left wing or right wing, this storm was serious and took lives in them states!
James, I’ve interacted with you several times via email and via the WeatherBrains podcast.
I’d like to take the time to write this note with my feelings of your coverage that day.
I come from a military background. It’s a place where merit, character, and reputation still mean something professionally. I was in for 13 years, and I have earned, given, and recommended many medals in my time as a military leader.
When your receive a medal, it’s a big deal. You are stood up in front of your peers, superiors, and your subordinates so you can be recognized for going above and beyond. During your award ceremony, your award recommendation is read aloud so all can hear. There is a phrase in each and every citation from a “lowly” Achievement Medal all the way to the Medal of Honor. It’s not a copy/paste thing, rather it’s there as a reminder of what right looks like.
That phrase is as follows:
“Your dedication to duty, selfless service, and actions above and beyond the call of duty are in keeping of the highest military standards. You bring credit upon yourself, your unit, and the United States Army.”
That phrase applies to you as well, James.
Your selfless service and dedication to duty rival even the highest of those military awards.
The same goes for every meteorologist working that day and the days immediately after. They embody the spirit that I had the honor of learning during my time in. You and those like you are the example of what right looks like when weather turns bad. You are a credit to your station, your viewers, your state, and the professional weather enterprise.
Thank you for what you do.
HOOAH!
We need to develop a system of community tornado shelters. Many of the people that died or were seriously injured lived in mobile homes or substandard housing. They had no shelters to go to, and and many still don't. If we are going to prevent this kind of death toll again, we need the political wiill to develop community shelters, something we still haven't done.
Many Alabama county EMAs built community shelters after this outbreak. Still not enough I'm sure, but many have been built across the state since this outbreak.
It should definitely be a requirement for mobile home parks to have sufficient shelter for its residents
@@StormHunter71 It should indeed. I, along with several others from the storm spotting community, appeared before a number of county boards of supervisors and city councils in the year after the 2011 disaster. Out request was that we should at least require all new build mobile home parks and campgrounds should have some form of shelter for at least 70% of the capacity of the facility. The cost of adding shelters, even just above ground strong rooms, is minimal compared to the overall cost of construction. Unfortunately, not one of those legislative bodies chose to require shelters. Money was a more important cost than people's lives.
@@sarjim4381 i live in a small town in Indiana and the mayor and the fire chief have never felt that building shelters in the areas several trailer parks was financially worth it.
@@wendyrferrell1589 Indiana isn't subject to the same types of deadly outbreaks we see in Alabama. Indiana has had some terrible tornadoes in the past, the 1965 Palm Sunday outbreak being one of the worst, but it's still quite rare. If you regularly have tornadoes that kill 100 or more residents in an area with 10-20 mobile home parks, the issue of it being "financially worth it" changes.
James and Jason and the crew saved so many lives that day. It saddens me to see him beat himself up over what he "didn't do" (rather, what he couldn't do). If it is any consolation, we need to remember what he did do that day because he spread the word and he saved lives; many lives.
God bless Alabama and all the people who were affected.
Mr. Spann, thank you for all you do, and I love that you are not afraid to show that you are a man of faith.
Mr. Spann, thank you for your heartfelt tribute to the people who lost thier lives due to the tragic weather 10 years ago, there was another meteorologist just like you from my area I'm from. His name was Tim Hetrick, not sure if I spelled the last name correctly. He lost his battle with colon cancer a few short years ago, but I honor that man as well. He had a passion for his work and for his people, RIP TIM, CINCINNATI MISSES YOU, CHANNEL 12 NEWS
Yeah Tim hendrick. Good man. I liked him and Steve Horsemeyer. Have no idea where he is.
If the principal gets mad tell them to call me.. SAVAGE .. wonder if principals called?
I hope someone did...so they could thank James for saving their life!
Most schools were closed that day thankfully. But then again some kids may have been better off in a school building. Lots of mobile homes here. I was in Washington DC on a field trip when this happened. I had no idea how bad it was til I got to the hotel room and turned on the tv
James Spann, what a hero!!
I’m from the UK and I remember waking up most mornings seeing the coverage on the morning news, it was devastating and very very shocking to hear about the stories and lives lost 😞 😢
Very touching and moving tribute to the people who lost their lives in that horrific outbreak. Prayers for you all on this day and always from your long distance neighbors up here in Ohio.
So many prayers going out to the victims of this devistating tornado that claimed so many lives, especially children. 10 years later..as your names are being read, you are still being thought of and remembered.
I was 7.5 months pregnant with my second son and my first son was only 15 months old that day. The big EF5 clipped the end of our subdivision near Harvest, AL. My husband saw that sucker out the kitchen window - he said it was just columns of lightening. My 15 month old son was screaming from the pressure of the tornado popping his ears. All we could do was pray to God to have mercy on us.
Just ten months later, an EF3 tornado followed the same track near our house and devastated many of those same homes and businesses.
Now, ten years later, you can still see remnants of those tornadoes in the landscape. That day and the next week will be a time I will NEVER forget.
I'm glad that you're ok
I’m from OH and wonder how many that lived through that day invested in underground shelters. We thank the good God you all are okay.
This was a heartbreaking day 😢
I remember this like it was yesterday. I was a freshman in high school in the D/FW area in Texas, and on the 26th had one tornado jump over my school, and another jump over my sisters school. James, for what you have done for the communities in Alabama, and for the weather community, I can't thank you enough for everything.
funny thing is, James actually did cover weather in the DFW area for 2 years in the 1980s for KDFW (now Fox 4, was CBS at the time he worked there) and was dubbed the best weatherman in DFW during that time beating out DFW Weather legends Troy Dungan of WFAA and Harold Taft of KXAS NBC 5. i saw that fact on Wikipedia. i guess being in a "Tornado Alley" TV Market for 2 years help James get a good understanding of this major tornado super outbreak. 10 years ago.
James probably got tons of sleep after what he did for Tuscaloosa and the state of Alabama. I saw this on YT that day and my mouth dropped!! And I'm from the Motor City!! This storm was a beast 10:19-10:41 and looking at this 10 years later!!!....WOW!!
Thank you James for your hard work and dedication!! 🙏 to the families who lost their loved ones that day. God Bless You!!!
#ROLLTIDE
Sadly he didn't sleep because so many people still died that day & he blamed & still blames himself for it.
I was 5 month’s pregnant with my daughter when this happened. I remember it like it was yesterday... definitely made me weather aware for the rest of my life
my aunt who’s from Tuscaloosa was also pregnant with my cousin. he was born 5 months after the tornado struck. I’m so glad my aunt was okay or she and my cousin wouldn’t be here today
These kids can say they survived a tornado now. Show off how tough their moms are
“Don’t be scared, be prepared!” -Ryan Hall Y’all
Is anyone else binge-watching April 27th tornado videos? lol
Much love to you all from the Netherlands. I wish we had a weather team half as good as you folks do.
Thank you to ABC 33/40 and James Spann for this look back. And a special thank you to James Spann for all the lives he has saved over his career. James, you earned every dollar of overtime you made on April 27, 2011.
The legend James Spann it wont be another him.Greetings and Blessings from Texas.
I live in Ohio and this for me is an event ill never forget. James and Jason are absolute legends and saved so many lives that day. Much love from Ohio!
Me too. They were saying the day before Ohio might get this outbreak. I was so relieved it fizzled before it got here.
Hi James, how amazing to list all the names. I live in the UK but I watch everything you do, because you are a rare treasure. I watched the entire live coverage of that day and you were outstanding. Heartbreaking tragedies but you did your best in an absolutely dire situation. It did happen on your watch but theres a reason it did, because without you that list would have been much bigger. Much love to you and your wonderful state from the UK.
I live in Ohio. The 2019 Dayton tornado barely missed where I lived. Since then I researched everything on tornadoes I could find and found James Spann. Surprisingly I had never heard of the April 27, 2011 outbreak as I am a math teacher and can’t stomach mainstream media due to its clear bias and lack of reason. Spann is so different! I have learned so much from him and respect him immensely. God bless him and the state of Alabama!
The series called Storm Chasers has some good coverage of it. It's the 1st episode from season 5. Most of the episodes can be found here on UA-cam.
The media is biased. I am also an ohioan. Aunt was up in St. Paris when it happened and I just got done with work that night. We have our own meteorologists here too. Just because the media is biased, do not take our tv meteorologists for granted!! Sooo many tv meteorologists get paid less than what they deserve! Be thankful we have em!! Jamie Simpson ( i think is what his name is) saved sooo many lives memorial day weekend in the Dayton area.
@@perfectlybroken7731 What's "biased" about a tornado? It's either there or it isn't. It doesn't care about your political persuasion; it's an equal-opportunity killer. Tornado and severe weather events aren't "fake news." Only an idiot would refuse to listen to the radio or TV if severe weather threatened just because he had to "Own those libs."
“These people died on my watch”….. powerful words spoken by probably the best meteorologist in the country. Sir you, Jason, and ABC33/40 did the state of Alabama a great service
i remember this day, i think i was 8. i remember staying at my moms work because we had a 2 hour delay & i just remember my mom watching the news. i got to school & everything was perfectly fine until the sirens started going off, we all went to the hallway with textbooks over our heads. i think the tornado either was super close by us, because i remember my mom hovering over me and a bunch of screams. when we finally got home i remember my parents at the window because the power had gone out, i also remember the next day when we went to go look at the damage probably 5-10 minutes away from our house & all you could see were foundations. i am still to this day absolutely terrified of tornados.
This tornado is brought to you by Ford...lol...in all seriousness tho god bless all the people of Alabama
James, I undertand how bad you must feel about the loss of life after this outbeak. But I have to ask; What more do you think you could have done? I watched 33/40 the night before the outbreak. You were telling people 24 hrs ahead of time that the atmosphere was a powder keg. You started warning Alabama on your weather podcasts the day before that. THE DAY OF the outbreak, Jason was on early with the morning convection and repeated over and over that the afternoon storms would be much worse due to the sun heating the powder keg atmosphere. Finally, when the aftern storms approached you tracked, watched and warned people 25 minutes ahead of a city strike for EVERY tornado that day. You cant save anybody if people wont heed your advice. The only thing more you couldve done was go door to door and drag people out of their homes and put them in a ditch. You and Jason did a fantastic job that day. NOT A SINGLE BIT of damage or a single life was your fault; directly or indirectly...Just think of the 10's of thousands you DID save. You sir, are a hero and one hell of a weather man and strom tracker.
Thank you James. Countless lives saved over the years simply by your determination to go on air LIVE and stay on air live during severe weather - in the face of those who complain about missing their daytime shows. Your Town Hall Meetings in small communities across the state, school visits to teach storm safety, and embrace of new technology has led the way in weather coverage not just here - but in other television markets around the south. You're a true state treasure and we love and thank you.
I have so much respect for this man. I grew up watching him, and now my son does too.
I was in my early 20s when this hit, and working at the double tree in downtown bham. We got hit twice. Once in the morning and again in the afternoon. The sky was a sickening green, and there were no natural sounds outside. It was so strange to walk outside and hear only the clicking of the traffic lights.
I went to class that day, and went to work when it hit. What a day.
Insulation showered the city for weeks afterwards. I had to fly shortly after the storm and it looked like an angry hand had scraped the ground.
1:48 EF-4? There are rumors that a mobile Doppler on Wheels measured winds of 278 mph inside the Tuscaloosa tornado. 278 mph is an F-5 on both the original and enhanced Fujita scales.
EF ratings by the NWS are made based upon damage, not on wind speed alone.
You guys should not blame yourselves for the people that died. I am sure that many of the people who died were people who ignored your warnings and stayed outside or in the windows trying to see the tornado until it was too late to run.
Just know the lives you all saved that day and since honor those that were lost. The weather and destruction that day paint a terrifying picture of the fallen world we live in, but your zeal to improve warnings, and the numerous communities who came together to pick up the pieces, highlight God's redeeming love for the human race. Keep working; we need more folks like you.