Discover the science behind one of nature’s most powerful forces in this engaging lecture on hurricanes. Meteorologist Tom Johnstone will explain how and why hurricanes form, how scientists study them and how forecasters predict their movement and intensity.
The program will explore the latest advances in forecasting, including how machine learning is transforming the ability to predict hurricane tracks and strength. Johnstone will also examine trends in tropical cyclones and discuss practical ways to prepare for their impacts. Along the way, he will share firsthand experiences from three major Gulf Coast hurricanes, including one that ultimately devastated the Buckeye State.
Johnstone retired last February after a 33-year career with the National Weather Service. Most recently, he served as Meteorologist in Charge of the National Weather Service office in Wilmington, Ohio, where he led a team responsible for forecasts and warnings for much of southern Ohio. Over the course of his career, Johnstone worked in eight National Weather Service offices across six states. Career highlights include managing the offices responsible for areas affected by the landfalls of Category 4 Hurricane Harvey in 2017 and Category 5 Hurricane Michael in 2018.
Originally from Cincinnati, Johnstone is a 1986 graduate of St. Xavier High School. He studied atmospheric sciences at Ohio State University and earned his bachelor’s degree in 1991. His fascination with weather began at an early age after the 1974 “Super Outbreak” of tornadoes impacted his community. Debris from storms dozens of miles away in Indiana landed in his backyard, sparking a lifelong passion for understanding how the weather works.
Johnstone now lives in Nashville with his partner, Laura. He has a 21-year-old daughter, Katie, who is studying civil engineering at Texas State University.
