The forecast called for fun and lots of laughs this past Saturday as two of Birmingham’s meteorological icons held book signings at Jasper’s Lavish Coffee Bar.
James Spann, who serves as the Chief Meteorologist for ABC 33/40, and Wes Wyatt, Chief Meteorologist for WBRC Fox 6, spoke to patrons, signed dozens of books, sold merchandise, and posed for pictures as the city of Jasper provided a hearty welcome to two of Alabama’s most beloved weathermen.
“I always love visiting Jasper,” Spann said. “Everyone is so kind, and I hear so many stories of high-impact weather events over the years (especially tornadoes). I love hearing those stories.”
Even Spann himself has been impacted by a severe weather event in Jasper. He says the April 3, 1974 tornado that tore through Jasper and caused significant damage had a “huge” impact on his life.
“I was in high school and had an amateur radio license. The school gave me three days off to volunteer as a communicator in some of the hardest hit areas (this was part of a super outbreak of tornadoes, like April 27, 2011). My first stop was Jasper, specifically at the People’s Hospital, now the Jasper Civic Center. I saw things there a 17-year-old shouldn’t see, but I think it was necessary to prepare me for a long career in weather,” he remembers.
Spann was on hand this Saturday to promote his autobiography, Weathering Life, and All You Can Do Is Pray, a book about the April 27, 2011 generational tornado outbreak in Alabama and beyond.
Wyatt, who joined Spann at the signing table, was in Jasper promoting his new book, Bread, Milk and a Chance of Snow.
Originally from Tuscaloosa, Wyatt arrived at WBRC in 2010 and served as Weekend Evening Meteorologist and Severe Weather Analyst before becoming Chief Meteorologist. He is a graduate of Mississippi State University, holding a bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Meteorology, and he also received his master’s degree from the University of Alabama.
“Hosting my first book signing for Bread, Milk and a Chance of Snow at Lavish Coffee Bar in Jasper was truly special. Seeing such incredible support from the community reminded me why I wrote this book—to connect with others through shared stories and experiences. I’m so grateful for everyone who came out!”
Copies of Wyatt’s book can be purchased at weswyattbook.com, while Spann’s can be accessed at spannbook.com. WL
