James Spann went through a scare when his home was hit by tornado while he was doing a live-on-air coverage of the situation.
On Thursday afternoon (March 25th), James Spann’s home was hit by a tornado as he was warning viewers at home about the severe weather conditions.
He has worked as chief meteorologist at the ABC affiliate in Birmingham, Alabama, for nearly 25 years.
James Spann’s house hit by tornado
During his live-on-air report on Thursday (March 25th), James learned that his home in Alabama was hit by a tornado.
The meteorologist was warning viewers at home about the severe weather conditions when he received a call from his wife.
He stepped away for 10 minutes and when he returned, James revealed that his home got damaged but that his wife was fine.
“The reason I had to step out, we had major damage at my house,” James said when he came back. “My wife is OK, but the tornado came right through there and it’s not good, it’s bad. It’s bad.”
A viewer shared the live-on-air coverage video as James learned that his house was damaged.
James Spann shares house damage
The meteorologist took to Twitter to thank his followers who have reached out after learning about his house.
“Had a scare today,” he wrote. “As I often say, tornadoes happen to real people, at a real place, at a real time.”
James shared a picture from the damage in his backyard caused by the tornado on Thursday afternoon.
Viewers send heartfelt messages
Many viewers and fellow co-workers took to Twitter to share kind messages to James Spann.
ABC 13 Houston meteorologist Travis Herzog wrote: “James, you are an inspiration and role model to us all. You took care of your wife on live TV to make sure she was getting into the shelter, you stepped off camera to make sure she was okay after it passed, AND then you got back on for hours to inform your community. Well done.”
“Very glad your wife is safe and home intact, James. I have an incredible amount of respect for the work you do and your dedication to our communities,” said sports anchor Simone Eli.
“You are a hero! You stay on the air to keep Alabama safe, while your own house was damaged. Thanks for all you do,” wrote a viewer.