My name is Gerard Jebaily.  I’m 27 and was born in Florence, SC where I currently reside.  My obsession with meteorology began when I was six and Hurricane Hugo devastated the state.  However I have traced my interest back to when I was four and I brought home a picture to my mom of a tornado drawn with crayon.  I was an Advanced Certified Skywarn Spotter at 12 and by the time I had my driver’s license I was regularly spotting/chasing storms all over the Pee Dee.

 

I received my degree in Meteorology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.  My college education began at Francis Marion University.  In 2003, I transferred to The University of Oklahoma.  Aside from the university being located in the most extreme severe weather prone part of the country, it is also known for being the most prestigious, well funded school to study meteorology.  The top meteorologists in the world, the cutting edge of meteorological research and technology, and the students and teachers of meteorology are all located in the National Weather Center.
In pursuit

While studying at OU, I began chasing with many of my fellow students learning the tricks of the trade.  I soon began chasing in my own vehicle with only a map, cell phone and a Sony Digital Camcorder.  In summer 2004, I attained my HAM radio license from the FCC and over time my arsenal of equipment built up in my vehicle to the point that it is now.  I chased mostly around Oklahoma, Kansas, and Texas witnessing numerous storms and tornadoes. 

Chasing storms is not my “job”.  It is more of a hobby and service to the community.  I enjoy seeing and documenting such amazing events and phenomena but storms can be very dangerous things.  I provide real time weather measurements to the National Weather Service so they can issue warnings to help protect life and property.  I can accurately measure every thing from wind velocities, rain measurements, hail size, and further.  Anything that could be threatening or hazardous, I report in.  Trained spotters are invaluable to the National Weather Service because radar and satellites cannot see what’s really going on near the ground, which is where damage occurs.

Outside of my love for meteorology, I’m a normal guy.  I like to do lots of other things that are not weather related.  Like many guys, I love football.  I play the trumpet and joined the Pride of Oklahoma Marching band while at OU.   I have supported my Oklahoma Sooners in three big 12 title games and two National Championships.  I love my home state of SC and love to do all the outdoor stuff like deep sea fishing, freshwater fishing, and hunting.  I enjoy a fun day at the beach or the lake and love some Carolina BBQ, chicken bog, and a tall glass of sweet tea.  I also have many skills and talents.  I am a whiz at all things mechanical, electronic, or computer related.  I can fix almost anything you put in front of me.  To most people, I have what is known as “the knack”.   

 
  I will probably go on to graduate school at some point and get a masters degree.  From there I would like to become a teacher at a local college or university and teach lower level conceptual meteorology as an elective course to students.  I found that after teaching meteorology to the local chapter of The United States Power Squadron that I have a talent and love for teaching.  People today are fascinated by the weather and like to learn about it.  The weather affects everybody in some way no matter what your job, career, business, major, or daily life.  I would love to open people’s minds to understanding how the weather works.  With every day talk about climate change, global warming and exceptionally active hurricane seasons, many people want to know more.  In addition to teaching, I would also like to become a private forecaster.  Companies will hire me to provide them with weather information that is specific to their location and business which will help them save money in the long run. 
Watch your back
   
Feel free to contact me about any questions you may have that are not answered in the FAQ list.  I am a busy but friendly person.  If you see me somewhere, don’t hesitate to wave and say a quick hello.