World Meteorological Day is a global holiday observed on March 23. The day honors the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), which collects data to better understand the weather and its impact on our lives.

Without the data collected by the WMO, it would be impossible to get accurate daily weather forecasts. Many people plan their day – from how to dress to what to do – around what the weatherman says.

Alabama Power employees enjoy hearing updates from Communications Specialist Dennis Washington. He studied meteorology at Mississippi State University.

Dennis Washington.

“I’m fascinated with weather – have been since I was a kid,” Washington said. “I remember standing in the driveway with my dad growing up in Montgomery when the civil defense sirens were sounding, trying to see if I could spot a tornado.”

Washington earned his certificate of meteorology from Mississippi State in 2001 during his 18-year career at Birmingham’s FOX6 WBRC-TV. He spent the next 12 years chasing tornadoes and hurricanes for viewers.

“We learned that our viewers were more likely to seek shelter from a dangerous storm if they see a video instead of a meteorologist standing in front of a map,” Washington said. “That’s when we purchased the equipment we needed to safely chase storms and stream live video from our storm-chase vehicles back to the TV station.”

Washington left FOX6 in 2013 to start his own business. In 2016 he began working as a part-time contractor for Alabama Power’s Public Relations, a job that became full time in 2019. Washington’s job responsibilities include keeping the department informed of potential severe weather and using his knowledge and experience to shape storm communications strategies for customers.

“Weather affects a lot of what our company does, so I try to make sure our team is aware of potential severe weather threats,” Washington said. “This allows them to not only prepare themselves and their families but it also allows them to inform our customers and key stakeholders on how they can prepare.”

Washington said the key ingredient to avoiding severe weather threats is communication.

“You should have at least two methods of receiving severe weather alerts,” Washington said. “Smartphone apps, such as the Alabama SAF-T-Net, are great choices as well as a NOAA Weather Radio, and then make sure your friends and family are aware. Don’t assume they know a dangerous storm is approaching their location – be a hero and call them or text them.”