Friday, September 03, 2010
65° Mostly Cloudy
Hi: 89° | Lo: 65°
Mostly Clear
Mostly sunny to partly cloudy with isolated PM T-storms. Becoming windy PM. High: 89°. Wind: SW/NE 15-25 mph.

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Brian James
Meteorologist

School: University of Oklahoma
Hometown: Grand Rapids, Michigan

Brian James may not be a native of the Texas Panhandle, but no place else could make him feel more at home. He grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where his fascination with weather began with blizzards and lake effect snow. But, it was an interest in powerful thunderstorms and tornadoes that led him south after high school. He graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 1997 with a bachelor of science in meteorology. While in college, he was a storm chaser for KOCO in Oklahoma City and that paved the way for his first job in television. Right after graduation, he became the Weather Producer and Storm Chase Coordinator for KOCO. From there, Brian moved in front of the camera when he took a job in Cadillac, Michigan at WGKI. His next opportunity took him to WEYI in Flint, Michigan where he spent three years as the Morning Meteorologist. While at WEYI, Brian earned the prestigious Seal of Approval from the American Meteorological Society. Brian’s first go-round with KVII started in March of 2003 and briefly ended in October of 2007. After six months away from the fun and friendly confines of the Texas Panhandle, he returned to Channel 7 in May of 2008. Brian and his wife, Amanda, and their daughters, Olivia and Charlotte live in Amarillo. Besides storm chasing, Brian's interests include playing golf and racquetball, spending time at the gym, snowboarding, and fly fishing.

Recent Stories by Brian James

The evolution of storm chasing   

Thanks to movies like “Twister” and reality shows like “Storm Chasers”, people everywhere are itching to go storm chasing:  to catch the big one, to defy death and experience the fury of a tornado up close. But contrary to the way it’s portrayed on TV or in the movies, storm chasing is not wall-to-wall action.

Storm shelters and what’s safest?   

Not every city has community shelters, so what kind of shelter for the home is the safest?

Being prepared for Flash Floods   

Each year, more deaths occur nationwide due to flooding than from any other thunderstorm-related hazard, and the reason is simple: People underestimate the force and power of water.

More stories »

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