Archives: Episodes

Jim Deranek, family member of WSPL Morning Show Host Nick Deranek, joined Nick on his morning show to talk about the preparations he is taking in the wake of Hurricane Irma bearing down on the southern Florida coast.

WX NOTES with Nick Deranek

Heading into September, it is the peak season for hurricanes in the Atlantic basin, with most developing on average this time of year. The typical peak times run from around August 20th through October 20th, so the development of tropical storms and hurricanes now should not be too much of a surprise to anyone.

But continuing on what has been a very active few weeks for the Atlantic basin hurricane season, we've seen devastating impacts of Hurricane Harvey, a storm that the National Weather Service and National Hurricane Center deemed an "unprecedented" storm that dropped over 50 inches of rain in some of the surrounding areas of Houston.

Many homes damaged beyond in-habitability, families displaced, pets unfortunately lost. Some sources like Moody's Analytics put the damage estimates $80 to $100 billion. On September 3rd, Texas Governor Greg Abbott said damage sustained could estimate anywhere between $150 and $180 billion.

Just to think of that word, "BILLION." And not just several, or tens of billion, but nearly $200 billion. If those numbers come to fruition, it would be the costliest hurricane ever in the Atlantic basin. It overshoots the damage impact felt by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, which estimated up to $108 billion, or "Superstorm" Sandy in 2012 at $75 billion.

Now we turn to Hurricane Irma which has had devastating effects throughout the Caribbean and heads toward the Florida peninsula with category 4 winds near 135-150 MPH when it makes landfall. While there is some uncertainty left in Irma's track, newest models are beginning to agree that Irma will take a straight shot up through Florida, with expected widespread wind damage, flooding rains, and storm surge along the coastal areas. Those heavy rains could continue into Georgia and areas of the southern Appalachian mountains.

Then there are the impacts of José which could affect areas of the northern Leeward Islands along with the Virgin Islands that felt the full brunt of Irma, with possibilities of it tracking toward Bermuda in the following week. Katia, another hurricane, is affecting east-central areas of the Mexico coast in the Yucatan peninsula.

Friday morning (Sept. 8), I had the chance to talk with Chris Slocum, who is with Colorado State University's Department of Atmospheric Science about all of these storms, their impacts, and what is expected from each.

Nick Deranek is Studstill Media's News Director. He has been a trained weather spotter for over ten years, with the study of meteorology and atmospheric science close to his heart. WX (Weather) Notes will cover major weather impacts not only locally, but throughout the United States and Nick talks with different weather experts during major events such as these.

Bill Phelan joins Nick to talk about the opening of two new businesses in Streator, the Starved Rock Motor Inn and Roamer's Restaurant. (originally aired on Thursday, August 31st, 2017)

Starved Rock Motor Inn on Facebook

Roamer's Restaurant on Facebook

Streator City Manager Scot Wrighton joins Nick on the WSPL Morning Show for the monthly update of what's happening in Streator.

PROGRAMMING NOTE: Scot is on the WSPL Morning Show every Friday following a city council meeting (typically the third Friday of the month) at 8:20 to discuss items with Nick

Originally aired on Friday, August 18th, 2017

Streator Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jack Dzuris gives the August update with Nick on the WSPL Morning Show

Originally aired on Tuesday, August 8th, 2017

Friend of the WSPL Morning Show Karen Ranger joins Nick to talk about the upcoming Grand Ridge Fest and Round-up, happening Friday, August 18th through Sunday, August 20th!

Originally aired on Monday, August 14th, 2017

Carrie Hrasch joins Nick on the WSPL Morning Show to talk about the upcoming Korean War Veterans recognition event, similar to last year's World War II recognition event.

Originally aired on Thursday, August 10th, 2017

Streator City Manager Scot Wrighton talks with WSPL Morning Show Host Nick Deranek about some different topics going on following the July city meetings!

Originally aired on Friday, June 21st, 2017

Toni Pettit with Streator Neighborhood Watch joined Nick on the WSPL Morning Show for their monthly get together to talk all things neighborhood watch!

Originally aired on Monday, July 17th, 2017

Jack Dzuris from the Streator Chamber of Commerce talks summer events going on in Streator, including 4th of July festivities and Streator Ag Day!

Originally aired on Wednesday, July 5th, 2017