College Student Gets Praise for Hurricane Helene Weather Reports: 'Hopefully, I Am Helping'

Mar. 15, 2025

Ethan Clark.Photo:Ethan Clark

Ethan Clark

A college student in North Carolina has been getting a lot of attention for sharing real-time weather information and updates to his followers duringHurricane Helene.

“I just wanted to make sure North Carolina is not forgotten about,” Clark says in a statement to PEOPLE on Friday, Oct. 4, about his work. “Forecasting weather is my passion, and I want to keep doing that for the people of North Carolina. I appreciate that people are reaching out and noticing all the work I’ve been doing for years.”

“I take great pride in the work I do. And I don’t like to rush it. Even during storm events, I don’t like to be the first person with doomsday forecasting because it changes so many times,” Clark, who, is not a certified meteorologist but has taken meteorology courses, told the outlet.

The information has also made an impact when it came to people’s safety. On Sept. 30,Clark shared a messagehe received from a woman who was visiting Black Mountain with her husband when they were caught up in the hurricane.

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“Scary few days, but my brother in law in Virginia found your page and my mother in Erie were both able to follow updates from your page and help us find a route out and home. Happy to report we’re all safe,” read part of the woman’s message.

“My husband and I are almost back to Erie, and my in laws made it to family in SC," she added. “Thank you for all you’ve done and all you’re continuing to do to spread awareness and information to so many people. You’ve been such a blessing!”

In another post from Oct. 1, Clark acknowledged the gravity of the situation North Carolina faces following Helene, but is optimistic that the state can rebuild.

“I’m just a college kid with a deep love for this state,” he wrote. “While it seems many folks have found me, I want you to know nothing changes with this page. I’ll continue to provide the weather and keep taps small and large towns in between to the best of my abilities.”

“And I still have a goal to help/ save lives through this platform in some way or another,” he continued. “Apparently, I’ve saved lives. People claim I am a hero; I don’t know about that. Hopefully, I am helping you and getting the story out.”

To learn more about how to help with relief, recovery and rebuilding efforts from Hurricane Helene,click here.

source: people.com