With Hurricane Helene making its way toward North Carolina last week, residents turned their attention away from the usual news outlets and to Ethan Clark, a 21-year-old college student who manages the online weather platform North Carolina’s Weather Authority.
Ethan’s weather journey began in middle school when he started sharing forecasts with friends and family. His platform gained significant traction during Hurricane Matthew in 2016, as more people began to seek out his reports. “People appreciate the detailed info during storms,” Ethan noted.
He’s not just a casual enthusiast—Ethan has taken both basic and advanced meteorology courses, holding certification from the American Meteorological Society and the National Weather Service’s storm-spotter program.
Ethan Clark, North Carolina’s Weather Authority
As Helene approached, Ethan’s follower count surged. His clear and engaging updates resonated with many residents, who appreciated his careful approach. “I take pride in my accuracy and don’t rush my forecasts—especially during storm events,” he explained. “I finally voiced my worries about this storm, which is rare for me.”
People praise Ethan not just for his forecasts but for how he interacts with his audience. He answers questions in real-time on social media and conducts live sessions to demystify complex weather patterns. His visually appealing weather maps help followers easily grasp storm trajectories and potential impacts.
“The info was straightforward and free from the sensationalism typical of local and national news,” a follower commented.
With over 550,000 Facebook followers, the North Carolina’s Weather Authority page has gained considerable recognition. Many residents credited Ethan’s detailed updates for making early evacuation decisions, with some claiming his insights literally saved lives.
“I didn’t realize the impact I had until now,” he remarked.
While mainstream meteorologists provide broader forecasts, Ethan’s localized updates cater specifically to communities, strengthening his connection with both Western and Eastern North Carolinians.
Studying environmental science with a focus on meteorology and natural hazards at North Carolina State University, Ethan balances academics and his rigorous weather updating schedule. “I’ve had no social life lately,” he laughed, “but I’m committed to keeping everyone informed.”
With local journalism struggling to provide rapid and reliable information, Ethan believes his platform fills an essential role. “Traditional media seems focused more on national news, which doesn’t resonate with local concerns,” he observed.
Looking ahead, Ethan hopes to expand his coverage beyond North Carolina or forge a career in meteorology. For now, though, he’s ready for a brief respite from the whirlwind of late nights and urgent updates.