Elyse Smith

Forever grateful for my alma mater that gave me the knowledge and tools to get me to where I am today. This in addition to the lifelong friendships and mentors I earned along the way. Happy Valpo Day! 💛🤎

Another AMS Annual Meeting for the books! This one in particular was extremely rewarding with several “full circle” moments I could trace back to nearly 10 years ago in my career. 💪

More than that, these meetings make for the best reunions with friends, colleagues and mentors from across the country. And that alone can be even more important than any “formal business,” especially now. 🫶

High impact winter storm in Texas: ✅
AMS Annual Meeting in Houston: ✅
My schedule: 💥

As always, head over to ABC13-Elyse Smith for the latest as we gear up for a winter storm in Southeast Texas.

It’s a big day back in Buffalo 🏈

Grateful to have experienced this fan base in this legacy of a stadium. Thanks for the memories, Ralph ❤️💙

Get hype. 🦬

Who will I see at the game later?!

Heard it’s battle red day? ❤️

Yep, it’s going to be a battle alright. 🤠

Grateful is an understatement. 💙

Thankful for all of you who continue to follow along on this journey with me. From Jeff City to Buffalo and now Houston, it’s been an amazing ride so far! ✈️

NYC anniversary 🗽

One year ago I got the call that I was being flown to New York City to help ABC News cover a historic storm. Ever since, I’ve had the honor of contributing to the network again and again on multiple shows, sets, in the field and even at home in Houston. As someone who never dreamed they’d have this chance, I’m so grateful my hard work and dedication has led me this far and is recognized by those all the way at the top.

Today’s motto: big hair, bigger dreams, biggest smile 😊

Grateful to have spent the last few days in NYC with ABC News Live covering the tropics and forecasting across the country. Of course, the trip wouldn’t be complete without checking out the new set at Good Morning America! 🤩

Producing stories for the 125th anniversary of the 1900 Storm was another full circle moment. I read “Isaac’s Storm” during my undergrad as it was part of our curriculum. Being able to now cover the story and see it all in real life was so fascinating and fulfilling!

Full story: https://abc13.com/post/how-historic-storm-sept-8-1900-shaped-galveston-islands-maritime-industry-125-years-later/17772869/

125 years ago today, a strong hurricane (equivalent to that of a modern day category 4) made landfall in Galveston. It’s the deadliest natural disaster in US history to date. The 1900 storm forever changed the island, but the resiliency of its people after the storm is why Galveston is what it is today. 💪

In honor of the anniversary, we’re speaking to a native Galvestonian who’s a maritime history expert. Hear his take on how Galveston was shaped by the storm at 4 pm on ABC13. 📺

Grateful is an understatement 🫶

I’m not over exaggerating when I say this story has been years in the making. To be the first on-air meteorologist to cover this story in this way was a huge honor… and knowing how amazing of an opportunity this was, I definitely felt the pressure. 🎥

Not to be left unsaid, this story was born of collaboration and my connection to the greater weather, water and climate enterprise (as we call it). Specifically, an ECLA one… HUGE shoutout to David. I would like to hope this story also serves as an example of sectors coming together in a mutually beneficial and meaningful way. We are one big team when it comes to advancing our field and protecting the communities we serve. 💪

Part 1: https://abc13.com/post/new-radar-horus-is-being-developed-national-weather-center-norman-oklahoma/17337673/

Part 2: https://abc13.com/post/13-how-history-shaped-generation-weather-radar-being-developed-tornado-alley-horus/17350138/

Part 3: https://abc13.com/post/13-timeline-future-phased-array-radar-technology/17362859/

Because of my work schedule over the holiday weekend, I have been covering the flooding in Central Texas every day since it began Friday. While this technically is not my coverage area working in Houston, the news is just heartbreaking and hits close to home for my local community. The daily developments and devastating news is definitely taking its toll on so many across the state. So here is a link to our website for ways you can help those impacted by the floods, either near or far.

https://abc13.com/post/texas-flooding-how-help-following-deadly-flash-flood-guadalupe-river-amid-search-camp-mystic-girls-kerr-county/17000575/

As someone who’s paid to talk for a living, especially about the weather, it’s rare to find me at a loss for words. I find myself still trying to wrap my head around the scope of what has happened and continues this evening to our neighbors in Central Texas. 💔

I was on shift Friday morning when the flood alerts started to come down to our west. In particular, one that warned of a 20 foot wave coming down a local river. What in the world… I was stunned, and couldn’t even comprehend what that would look like. It was then during our 7 am streaming newscast with Jeff Ehling when we got the first raw footage of the rushing waters, and what was flowing within them. 😔

It too has taken me a few days to process the scope of the devastation and the disaster that has unfolded across Central Texas. It was the perfect storm in the worst way… where the rain fell, when the rain fell and the resulting power of the extreme floodwaters. And to think the risk is still there with more rain in the forecast. ☔️

Few final thoughts tonight… my heart hurts for those we’ve lost in this catastrophe, which doubles when I think about how long it’s going to take for these hard hit communities to recover. I truly hope we continue to come together to help lift these people up in the face of such devastation. And a huge show of gratitude for the first responders and meteorologists who have worked tirelessly both before and during this flood event on behalf of the communities they serve. 🙏