Commentary: Alabama Weatherman Holds the Line, Stays on Air Even as Tornado Barrels Toward His Wife at Home

The job of any broadcaster is to remain professional at all times while on the air. One weatherman in Alabama took that task to heart as tornadoes ravaged the state and approached his own home on March 25.

Emmy-winning weatherman James Spann was reporting on the tornadoes that day for WBMA-LD, The Washington Post reported.

During the broadcast, Spann initially explained that he was checking to make sure his family was safe.

“What I’m doing is texting my wife to be sure she’s in the shelter,” he said.

After a few minutes passed, Spann took a longer break as his colleague took over the tornado coverage. After less than 15 minutes, Spann came back on air and explained the situation, The Post reported.

“The reason I had to step out — we’ve had major damage at my house,” he said. “I had to be sure — My wife is okay, but the tornado came right through there and it’s not good. It’s bad.”

The Hill reported that Spann was recently referred to as “Alabama’s most recognizable and influential TV weatherman” by a local news outlet, AL.com.

In addition, he has gained several followers