Did you know that Cranford can boast about its very own, home-grown, weather warrior?
Matt Schrier, a sophomore at Cranford High School, has been interested in weather and meteorology since elementary school. When asked why, he answered, “ . . . because anything can happen to anyone, any place, and at any time. Weather is constantly changing, and the impact of weather is so easily felt across the country.”
Matt has developed a page on Facebook called Tri-State Severe Weather Center. The page was set up in April of 2011, but really took off in use and popularity after Superstorm Sandy. On the page, Matt monitors various weather conditions around the tri-state area, and posts daily forecasts and updates regarding severe weather events, such as winter storms, severe thunderstorms, and hurricanes. As of now, the page has 3,330 “Likes” and followers, and it continues to grow!
In order to put together an update, Matt uses a combination of information sources. “For a morning or evening update, I look at several different forecasts for the region, and then combine them to make my own. For severe weather updates, those typically are posted as conditions warrant, but I do look at various different Doppler radars and satellite images to determine what certain locations could see significant weather. I also utilize the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center’s website (spc.noaa.gov) for guidance regarding severe thunderstorms and tornadoes.”
And why does he maintain the page so diligently? “I operate my page because after Superstorm Sandy, I realized that people really should be more aware of changing, dangerous weather conditions. I feel like I am able to help solve that problem by offering my forecasts and severe weather updates. It’s all about preparedness and helping others.”
Looking to the future, Matt hopes to go to college and study meteorology. His wish is to become a trained storm spotter along with two of his friends, one of whom lives in Illinois and the other in Delaware. “Both love weather as much as I do, and that makes our friendship awesome.”
Be sure to check out Matt’s Facebook page at Tri State Severe Weather Center
We are predicting a really bright future for this young man! (see what I did there?)
Joe Cooney says
I’ve been following Matts Post on Facebook along time now, I don’t pay attn. to the news and weather channels no More, As a Outdoor worker, I rely on good forcast, and Matt is So Accurate.. Knowing He was A Youngster still In H.S., I was a little weary, But I realized how wrong I was.. I Hope that Matt continues His Love for Weather and Wish Him Luck for His Bright Future!!!!!!! And I Hope He Dosn’t Forget His Facebook Fans and Keeps up His Daily Post..