Lynn Walton presided over the meeting. Ryan Kelly provided the opening prayer and Lucy Sanguinetti led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Lynn led the club in the Four Way Test. The meeting was held at the Holiday Inn in Hattiesburg and via Zoom.
Lynn reminded members that board elections will take place soon. Candidates include:
Stew Deen 2021-2023
Shirley Moore 2021-2023
Mark Killingsworth 2022-2024
Matt Rumph 2022-2024
Bill McLeod 2022-2024
Mike Ratliff 2022-2024
Lucy Sanquinetti 2022-2024
Kathryn Anthony 2022-2024
Ryan Kelly as president-elect 2023-2024
She also reminded members about the Rotary Foundation and its Endowment Fund. Members are asked to contribute before the end of this fiscal year, which is June 30.
A.D. then introduced today’s guest speaker, Patrick Bigbie.,WDAM Chief Meteorologist. Patrick is a native of Seale, Alabama. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of South Alabama.
Patrick notes that television weather has undergone a multitude of changes in recent years, largely due to improved technology. Social media is also driving many changes. Social media has an impact on brand loyalty.
Our weather has been very active thus far this spring. We recorded 87 tornados since March 1. Mississippi is ranked number one for tornadoes in the United States.
Many improvements have been made to the warning system. The lead time for warnings in the 90’s was between 5 and 10 minutes. Today residents have a 20-minute lead time. There has also been an increase in the way residents can receive their warnings. Storm fatigue is being studied and it is believed that it is real and can have a negative impact on safety.
Patrick says global warming and climate change are real issues, however, it is unclear how much, if any impact they are having on our weather. Weather data has only been around for about 75 years.
There being no further business to come before the club, Lynn thanked Patrick for his presentation and then adjourned the meeting with our motto: “Service Above Self.”