'I tell you where it goes and some of you are like that's where it's gonna go but the reality is this could be changing directions,' he says on-air.
Being a meteorologist on television is a serious business. Often the presenter is busy with all the nitty-gritty of the report and stays away from expressing their emotions on-air. However, Matt Laubhan of WTVA in Mississippi was monitoring a tornado when he stopped and prayed for people's safety in Amory, reported God.dailydot.
I don't think I've *ever* heard a meteorologist say a little prayer or "oh man" on air. #mswx
— Eddie Sigala 💉👌🏼🥰🇺🇦🇺🇸 (@eduardokenya) March 25, 2023
Amory, Mississippi is southwest of Tupelo, and about 15 miles west of the Mississippi/Alabama state line. pic.twitter.com/lUbfRZNqag
While talking about the tornado in the east of Amory, he says, "We are assuming it is 65 miles/hour. I would say the western few streets of Amory are now less than two minutes away. It's a strong, life-threatening tornado that is going extremely close to Amory or through the northern part of Amory."
"You all trust me too much. I tell you where it goes and some of you are like that's where it's gonna go but the reality is this could be changing directions. So, Amory, we need to be a tornado-safe place," he adds.
You cannot convince me local news isn’t going to survive. You can’t convince me local news isn’t critically important. You can’t convince me that AI can ever replace what this local meteorologist is doing here: pic.twitter.com/1vTW3lNteS
— Cassie (@CassieFambro) March 26, 2023
He continues his weather report and says, "We have a new scan coming in as we speak. Oh, man north side of Amory this is coming in. "Dear Jesus, please help them. Amen." "This is going to cross the highway 6 bridge within the next 20 seconds or so."
Much respect for a moment of vulnerability and humanity and some pause about this. Maybe not everybody is as religious as this meteorologist, but I’m sure he was praying for everyone in Amory - faithful or not. An unselfish gesture, expressed in the open.
— steve (@JingleBeau4) March 25, 2023
The video was posted on Twitter by @rawalerts. It went viral with more than 1.9 million views. The video is captioned, " #WATCH: As a meteorologist Live on air from WTVA overwhelmed as a major tornado hits Amory, Mississippi. Heartbreaking video shows meteorologist Live on tv on WTVA overwhelmed as a major tornado hits the town of Amory after multiple Violent and devastating tornados passed through parts of Mississippi tonight. Reports of Multiple have been killed throughout multiple towns from tonight's tornado."
As a former broadcast meteorologist - it is also a very impressive job communicating the storm path and danger. He did well to keep the people of Amory as safe as he could
— Nick Engerer (@nickengerer) March 25, 2023
Many on Twitter were worried about people's safety and appreciated Matt Laubhan for warning them. @BucFanInAUAP commented, "The last time I saw a meteorologist lose it like that was during hurricane Harvey. They deserve our thanks. Not very well acknowledged but their profession saves lives." @eduardokenya wrote, " I don't think I've *ever* heard a meteorologist say a little prayer or 'oh man' on air. #mswx Amory, Mississippi is southwest of Tupelo, and about 15 miles west of the Mississippi/Alabama state line." @nickengerer expressed, "As a former broadcast meteorologist - it is also a very impressive job communicating the storm path and danger. He did well to keep the people of Amory as safe as he could."
@itibitiremi pointed out, "Matt is one of the best of all time. Proud to have him as our local weatherman. He's a good man. His work has saved a lot of lives, including mine." @GuyYocom commented, "This guy is good. He knew the strength, speed, most likely path, and actions people should take. Conveyed urgency without being overly melodramatic. All respect for these meteorologists, in small markets especially." @algirhytmwrote, "This guy loves his job and cares about the impact he can make. We need more people like this in the world." @AwkwardPuff66 commented, "Having met the man several times, Matt is always sincere and a sweetheart who cares deeply."
We need more people like his weatherman. The compassion for those he serves is surpasses only by his sense of duty to them. Sending prayers, money and anything else I can to the people of Mississippi from California.
— Phyrman1 (@Phyrman1) March 25, 2023
People living in the city of Amory said they have never seen anything quite like the destruction caused by the recent tornado. About two people were killed during Friday night's storm, according to WVTM13. A resident, Trey Brunetti, said that he had to be pulled out to go to the neighbors. "We went to Earl and Izette's and got in the storm shelter. And you know, we had just got in there and it was like the whole house was shaking. Like, just the rumbling, and then the doors flew open. I don't know. It's hard to describe. The sound of it. Your ears popped. It's wild!"