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
ABC13 Weather Watch: Rainmaker could bring street flooding Thursday and Friday
A rainy weather system predicted for Thursday and Friday could bring street flooding, prompting an ABC13 Weather Watch.
Texas wildflower season in 2025 could be the best yet, thanks to winter snowstorm
The 2025 wildflower outlook is good for southeast Texas with the peak bloom expected in mid-late April. Plus, thanks to the cold snaps this winter, experts tell ABC13 the flowers could last longer into June this year.
Wildfire risk expected to continue into Spring after 11 acres burned in west Harris County
ABC13 Meteorologist Elyse Smith spent the weekend monitoring the wildfires in southeast Texas, including one of the largest that has burned more than 10,000 acres near Fredericksburg.
Oak pollen counts skyrocket, welcoming start of allergy season in Houston
Spring may be just days away, but allergy season is already here. Here's why you might be sniffing and sneezing so soon.
Women's History Month: Celebrating women in Houston's energy field
Hear from three women holding positions in the nation's energy capital in Houston and what they believe it takes for women to be represented in the field.
Wildfires burn across Texas after high winds and fire danger Tuesday
Parts of Texas continue to burn after high winds swept across the state Tuesday. Here's how local wildfire risk could increase over the next few weeks.
Top meteorologist at Houston NWS retires early amid Trump administration staffing cuts
The impact of the Trump administration's NOAA staffing cuts is starting to be seen nationwide. Houston meteorologist Jeff Evans confirmed that the Houston office is now understaffed.
February 2025 in southeast Texas was marked by climate extremes between record heat and deep freezes
February 2025 weather in southeast Texas was anything but typical. It can be labeled a month of extreme highs and lows for southeast Texas.
Future of Houston: How to make your home more resilient to power outages
All eyes are on the Texas power grid as a freeze line arrives in Houston. Here's what you can do to avoid losing power if the grid fails.
Comparing this week's freeze to that of 2021 based on the forecast and the grid
As we prepare for temperatures to plummet this week, we can't help but think about the February 2021 historic freeze. Here's a look at the comparisons, hopefully, easing any nerves.