Michelle Muscatello and T.J. Del Santo
EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — With only one click on on a pc, one girl launched herself into weather history.
Just days earlier than Woman’s History Month begins, Liz Leitman couldn’t wait to go away her mark. Leitman is a meteorologist on the Storm Prediction Center (SPC) in Norman, Oklahoma.
“My interest really started out when I was very young and I was afraid of thunderstorms,” Leitman mentioned with amusing whereas talking to 12 News Meteorologist Michelle Muscatello.
“It started as a fear, turned into a fascination,” the St. Louis native added.
At the SPC, weather situations are fastidiously monitored throughout the nation. Watches and warnings are issued when it seems like severe storms or tornadoes may develop in a sure space.
“There was a lot of anticipation and excitement going into the day,” Leitman recalled.
It was Wednesday, Feb. 15, and the components have been coming collectively for the potential for severe weather over Oklahoma and Texas.
“I was on my first lead forecaster training shift that day,” Leitman mentioned.
On that day, Leitman turned the primary girl in history to subject a severe thunderstorm watch.
“After I issued the watch, my coworkers gathered around watching and we all kind of celebrated together,” Leitman mentioned with a smile.
When requested if she anticipated the response she bought from folks all around the nation, Leitman mentioned, “I never expected it to blow up like it did.”
She immediately went viral on social media. Her Twitter post has greater than 4,700 likes. National tv and newspapers got here calling, asking to inform her story.
Muscatello advised Leitman, “It was a little surprising to me in 2023 to have a woman send out that first watch.”
“Over the 50 years or so of the [Storm Prediction] Center, there’s only been 36 lead forecasters,” Leitman replied. “Once you get to that position, you don’t leave. Most of our lead forecasters have 10 to 15 or 30 years of experience, and so those opportunities don’t come around very often.”
Her forecast was right. Severe thunderstorm and twister warnings have been issued in Oklahoma.
Leitman had a message to all younger ladies who’re desirous about a male-dominated subject, particularly STEM fields: “Believe in yourself. You know what you’re capable of, so don’t try and let anyone else determine your path or tell you what you should do. If you have the determination and persistence – go for it.”
She added that over the subsequent a number of years, as folks depart or retire from the Storm Prediction Center, she’ll be capable to get that promotion to full-time lead forecaster. She’d be the primary girl to carry that place.
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