Something new is coming to Alabama’s weather world.
In a video message posted to The Alabama Weather Network’s platforms, James Spann announced the launch of a new 24/7 digital weather channel dedicated to serving all 67 counties of Alabama. This is welcome news to many Alabamians.
“This is James Spann, Chief Meteorologist for ABC 33/40 in Birmingham,” he began. “I’ve been a professional broadcast meteorologist for 47 years, mostly right here in Alabama. I love this state. I know it better than anyone, having traveled its back roads for four decades. I know the people, the culture, our geography, and our microclimates.”
For Spann, the announcement marked the realization of a career-long dream.
“For years, one of my dreams has been to provide weather for all of Alabama with a statewide network,” he said. “I’m absolutely thrilled to announce that my dream, is coming true.”
The new service, called The Alabama Weather Network, will launch August 11 and provide constant, comprehensive weather information for the entire state. Spann emphasized that the groundbreaking network will be the only 24/7 digital weather channel covering Alabama.
“We’ll provide weather information for all 67 Alabama counties. Get your weather anytime you want, no matter where you live in Alabama,” Spann said.
“But when the weather turns dangerous and there is severe weather anywhere in the state, whether it’s a tornado, a hurricane, a flash flood, or a winter storm, we will be on the air covering it live for as long as it lasts with a statewide team of storm spotters, an amazing camera network, and cutting-edge technology.”
The Alabama Weather Network will be accessible across a wide array of platforms. Viewers can watch via phone, tablet, Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast, and on social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
“In fact, you can start following the Alabama Weather Network right now on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube,” Spann encouraged.
“I am so excited; I cannot wait. The Alabama Weather Network begins August 11th,” he concluded.
According to AL.com, the network will also stream on Amazon Fire, as well as through a dedicated app and website. Its production studios are based in Birmingham.
In addition to round-the-clock live coverage during severe weather, the channel will air statewide forecasts updated every 20 minutes, targeted forecasts for beaches, lawn care, and gardening, and recorded programming featuring Alabama events, activities, and places to visit.
“There’s a hunger for adequate good weather coverage, and a lot of our rural parts of the state don’t have that. This will fill some holes,” Spann told AL.com. “We’re going to have the resources to do it right, resources I’ve not had. So, it’s an absolute dream come true for me.”
The network will also place a strong emphasis on preparedness, helping Alabamians plan ahead for inevitable storms while educating both lifelong residents and newcomers.
“Some people are new here and this weather can be terrifying,” he said to AL.com. “You come here from Portland or Boston and all of a sudden tornadoes are flying around. We have to take care of those who’ve lived here forever and people who are new here. We can do that in addition to obviously giving them short-term warnings so they know when it’s time to get to a safe place — respect the polygon and all that.”
Spann will continue to serve as Chief Meteorologist for ABC 33/40 while also appearing on the Alabama Weather Network. He is one of four owners of the network, alongside Bill Murray, John Oldshue, and Bill Hardekopf.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
