Weather
CT Forecasters Hit With Personal Attacks After Henri Was A 'Dud'
One popular meteorologist said she received "venomous messages insulting my intelligence and my appearance."
CONNECTICUT — At one point, Tropical Storm Henri was projected to cause power outages to more than 500,000 Connecticut residents and some people were expected to lose power for up to 21 days. Clearly, Henri underperformed compared to initial projections.
About 34,000 people lost power at the height of the storm, and most will have their power restored by Monday night.
And because Henri didn't live up to expectations, some folks have taken out their frustration on local meteorologists. Fox 61 chief meteorologist Rachel Frank shared some of the hate she's received on social media. (Editor's Note: It should be noted that all the local television stations and media began early Sunday explaining how Henri was tracking further east and that meant fewer power outages and more rain for Connecticut.)
Find out what's happening in Across Americafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
I am lucky to have a career I love. But this week has been challenging. I’m on day 8 of work. Missed my cousin’s wedding. Now I’m getting venomous messages insulting my intelligence and my appearance. I’m “pathetic,” “dumb,” “sensationalist”. “A blonde that won’t stop talking.”
— Rachel Frank (@RachelFrank_CT) August 23, 2021
I know I should have a thicker skin. But I’m a person and I have reached my limit.
— Rachel Frank (@RachelFrank_CT) August 23, 2021
Numerous people on social media shared positive messages with Frank.
Super unfortunate! You are a great meteorologist who have helped me along my path in becoming a meteorologist. Let the haters hate. No matter what, you are great.
— Zack Duhaime (@theWeatherlord) August 23, 2021
Forge through the headwinds Rachel. You do outstanding work! Much respect.
— Lee Goldberg (@LeeGoldbergABC7) August 23, 2021
And NBC Connecticut meteorologist Bob Maxon raises an interesting point concerning Henri's full impacts on the state.
Find out what's happening in Across Americafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
"It was a dud!" Not really a dud when you need a ruler to measure some of the rain amounts. Will it ever end? #NBCCT https://t.co/LXVZIP6Vtm
— Bob Maxon (@bobmaxon) August 23, 2021
What you need to understand, when it comes to forecasting tropical systems, we have to follow the @NHC_Atlantic forecast track and the resultant forecast impacts....which yesterday could have been severe. Also, tropical storms in the NE US do strange things, like the Sandy curve. https://t.co/u3H6qlBlm2
— Bob Maxon (@bobmaxon) August 23, 2021
Karl, thank you for the kind words. We work hard and try our very best, like your teams you work with and cover. Nobody I know has ever come to work saying " let's really stink it up today" We know the challenge and are always amazed by nature and what it can do. #ThankYou https://t.co/iplVEZH12N
— Bob Maxon (@bobmaxon) August 23, 2021
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
