February 18, 2025

Weathering the Storm

Katrina Tipple’s interest in weather began in 2024 when Ohio was hit by back-to-back tornadoes. For many with weather anxiety, these events would trigger an instinct to avoid anything related to storms. However, Katrina’s severe storm anxiety pushed her in the opposite direction. She chose to learn more about the weather, believing that knowledge could help her confront her fears. Katrina not only educates the public about weather patterns and storm safety, but she also inspires others to face their fears with knowledge.

Katrina’s journey began when she enrolled in courses through Fairfield County’s Emergency Management Agency. It didn’t take long for her to develop a deep interest in meteorology. You can now find her measuring wind speeds, watching the sky for color changes and cloud formations, tracking precipitation, and reporting her findings to the weather service.

“We’ve got ice coming tonight, and I’ll be out there measuring with my ruler,” Katrina says excitedly. Last winter, she couldn’t contain her enthusiasm when a snow squall warning was issued. It was a weather event she had not experienced before, and she was ready to go outside and see it firsthand.

Katrina is now using her experiences and training to help others. In December, Katrina spoke at the Center for Independence about her struggle with storm anxiety and how it drove her to learn about the weather. On July 12th, she will speak at a Storm Chaser Conference in Pennsylvania about weather safety and the journey that led her to where she is today. When asked if she would ever storm chase, Katrina said, “I don’t know; for now, I safely observe from the house.”

Katrina’s success in public speaking and growing expertise in weather are just the beginning. She’s utilizing social media to share her wide range of interests. Katrina hosts an online music program, shares life lessons with her followers, and will be doing her first live-streamed food review this week. When Katrina is not sharing on social media or helping track the weather, you can find her enjoying her cats, Gus and Willow. You also might find her outdoors camping, fishing, and boating.

Katrina has proven that fear can be transformed into strength. Through her talks, she motivates others, demonstrating that our fear can often guide us toward unexpected and positive journeys.

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