Student Receives Praise for Hurricane Helene Weather Reports: ‘Hope I’m Helping’

Ethan Clark, a 21-year-old college student, is the founder of the Weather Authority of North Carolina.

The weather forecast page has been hailed as a valuable resource for communities, particularly during Hurricane Helene.

“I just wanted to make sure North Carolina wasn’t forgotten,” Clark told PEOPLE in a statement.

A North Carolina college student gained a lot of attention for sharing real-time weather information and updates with his followers during Hurricane Helene.

Ethan Clark, 21, who studies environmental science at North Carolina State University, is the founder of the North Carolina Weather Authority. With nearly 600,000 followers, the page provides forecasts and updates tailored to specific communities, which took on greater resonance amid last week’s deadly storm.

“I just wanted to make sure North Carolina wasn’t forgotten,” Clark said in a statement to PEOPLE on Friday, Oct. 4, about his work. “Weather forecasting is my passion and I want to continue to do it for the people of North Carolina. I appreciate people reaching out to me and noticing all the work I’ve been doing for years.”

Related: Videos Show Mules Bringing Much-Needed Supplies to Areas Affected by Hurricane Helene

What makes the North Carolina Weather Authority page appealing to Clark fans, according to News weekis a focus on audience engagement, which includes answering weather questions in real time and providing maps showing storm tracks that are easy for viewers to understand.

“I’m very proud of the work that I do. And I don’t like to rush it. Even during storms, I don’t like to be the first person to predict the end of the world because it changes so many times,” he said. said Clark, who is not a certified meteorologist but has taken meteorology classes, the outlet said.

Related: Florida College Student, 21, Goes Viral Documenting How She Sheltered on Campus After Hurricane Helene

And not just weather forecasts, but the North Carolina Weather Authority has also released situation updates in the wake of Hurricane Helene, whether from local county government, college or the North Carolina National Guard – even a lost dog looking for its owner.

This information also had an impact on personal safety. On September 30, Clark shared a message he received from a woman who was visiting Black Mountain with her husband when they were caught in the hurricane.

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“Scary few days, but my brother-in-law in Virginia found your page and my mom in Erie was both able to follow your page updates and help us find directions to and from. I’m happy to report that we are all safe,” part of the woman’s message read.

“My husband and I are almost back in Erie, and my in-laws have joined my family in South Carolina,” she added. “Thank you for all you have done and all you continue to do to raise awareness and inform this many people. You have been such a blessing!”

In response to that post, Clark later wrote in the comments section of that post, “But I didn’t think I saved any lives, I’m just here to tell you the forecast.” First responders and the National Guard do it all!!! Thank you for their service.

Related: From Crying on the Ice to ‘Bucket Brigades’: Inside North Carolina’s Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts

In another Oct. 1 post, Clark acknowledged the severity of the situation North Carolina faces in the wake of Helene, but he is optimistic about the state’s ability to rebuild.

“I am just a student with a deep love for this state,” he wrote. “Although it seems like a lot of people have found me, I want you to know that nothing is changing with this page. I will continue to provide the weather and keep the taps of small and large towns in between, at best of my abilities.”

“And I always aim to help/save lives through this platform in one way or another,” he continued. “Apparently I saved lives. People claim I’m a hero; I don’t know anything about it. I hope I will help you and spread the story.

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

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