Elyse Smith
Growing up in the Chicagoland area, Elyse's interest in weather was sparked by a tornado siren that was next to her backyard at her childhood home. Her curiosity for the weather never ceased, eventually leading her to Valparaiso University in Northwest Indiana from which she graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Meteorology with minors in Mathematics & Theatre in 2017. While attending Valpo, Elyse gained experience through her internships with James Spann and Tom Skilling, and served as the Social Chair, Vice President, and President of the Northwest Indiana Chapter of the AMS/NWA. After graduation, she stayed involved with both the American Meteorological Society (AMS) and National Weather Association (NWA), volunteering on several boards and even presenting at national conferences. Elyse is currently serving as the Program Chair of the AMS Early Career Leadership Academy, from which she is a graduate of as well.
And when she's is not at the office or out in the stormy weather, Elyse enjoys yoga, reading a great book, and attempting new recipes. Her favorite sport is football, but don't blame her if her NFL team loyalties lie outside of Texas. And as an avid cruiser, she's ready to plan a vacation from Galveston! Elyse is looking forward to exploring Houston and discovering what this part of the world has to offer.
Elyse's Stories
Small chance for severe storms Thursday, air quality remains bad
We are on Weather Watch Thursday for possible severe storms, and the smoky haze will reduce the air quality once again.
National Hurricane Preparedness Week reminds you to get ready now for storms
Do you remember the last time you stocked your hurricane kit? Experts want you to know this is the time to get it done.
Does recycling actually make a difference? New report details how there's a 'plastic waste crisis'
Does recycling make a difference? A new report claims that the plastics industry and major oil companies have known for decades that recycling is not a solution for managing waste.
How does Houston manage recycling? ABC13 gets insight on the process
About 91,000 tons of recyclables, including paper, aluminum, glass, and plastic, were processed in the city last year, representing just an 18% rate. So, what are waste managers urging? ABC13 got you answers.
New EPA program could bring better air quality to Houston Ship Channel communities
In observance of Earth Day, ABC13 Meteorologist Elyse Smith spoke to the Ship Channel community, who said Houston's air quality problem is not being addressed the way it should.
How climate change is connected to wildfire smoke pollution
Houston is dealing with a sustained haze from Mexico and Central America wildfires. While climate change doesn't necessarily cause the fires, it may play a role in whether the smoke hangs around, and that could pose a risk to your health.
What are those fuzzy caterpillars crawling across southeast Texas right now?
Texans should be familiar with those fuzzy little critters in shades of yellow, brown, or black. But should we be concerned about them? ABC13 gets that answer.
How severe weather and tornado trends have changed over the past four decades
It's a conversation across the weather community for years - the traditionally defined tornado alley and time to expect severe weather are changing.
Study links Earth's warming climate to pollen and longer allergy season
According to a study, as more carbon is released into the atmosphere, those molecules help trap heat from the sun. This helps gradual warming, which means warming temps can occur earlier in the year, and plants release pollen sooner.
Why wasn't a weather plan enacted before NRG Park was hit with hail during RodeoHouston?
ABC13 looks into why a weather plan was not enacted on Friday when hail hit NRG Park during the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo despite severe storm warnings across the area.