Weather & Radar storm chaser's Blog with Jonathan Petramala

Weather & Radar's Jonathan Petramala is a seasoned journalist specializing in extreme weather. Here’s an account of his most impactful storm encounters and experiences.

Jonathan has been a professional journalist for over 20 years and shifted his focus to extreme weather and storytelling in 2018. Since then, he has chased a variety of events, including flash floods, tornadoes, and hurricanes. His first tornado chase was in Tescott, Kansas, in May 2018 during a severe weather outbreak, and he intercepted his first major hurricane, Hurricane Florence, later that same year.

“Documenting these events is crucial for fostering empathy and mobilizing aid. My coverage often directly leads to volunteer and support efforts, making the risks worthwhile,” explains Petramala.

One of Jonathan's proudest moments was during Hurricane Beryl in Carriacou in June 2024. He and his colleague, Brandon Clement, were the only journalists on the island and provided critical communication and insight into the devastation. Their reports helped coordinate emergency responses and facilitated rapid aid delivery, including bringing Starlink terminals to restore communication.

While extensive preparation minimizes fear, there are still dangers. During Hurricane Beryl, the roof of their shelter was torn off, exposing them to flying debris and gusts over 140 mph. Staying calm, they relocated to safety, ensuring they could continue their vital work. Another adrenaline-filled moment occurred on May 3, 2024, when an erratically moving tornado and lack of radar service put Jonathan in a tight spot, relying on visual cues and last-minute decisions to steer clear of the tornado.

Weather & Radar is proud to have Jonathan on the team. His excellent journalism helps us reach out to our users and give them a firsthand and timely look at the exciting world of weather. You can follow Jonathan's content on Weather & Radar by checking our news stream on the app. If you always want to receive Jonathan's most exciting coverage, turn on your news alerts in the settings!