Meteorologist Disrupts Live Weather Broadcast to Warn His Kid of an Upcoming Tornado

A live weather report which aired last week in NBC4 Washington went viral after chief meteorologist Doug Kammerer, also a father of two, called his kids to warn them that a tornado is headed straight over their house.

Doug Kammerer was checking into the weather map to show the names of streets going to be affected by the tornado, and noticed that theirs was included. He did not hesitate to pause and got on the phone with his son to get him and his sister into the basement immediately, CinemaBlend reports.

You can see the viral moment live on national TV NBC4 Washington, 1 April.

The meteorologist also instructed anyone in the tornado's path to get in the basement and stay there for 10 to 15 minutes.

"Gotta warn my kids, because I know what my kids are doing right now. They're probably online gaming, and they're not seeing this," Kammerer said.

"Putting His Job as a Dad First"

Kammerer was on air tracking the storm for viewers.

"Kenton, you there buddy? Hey man, I want you to get down to the basement. We got a tornado warning," Kammerer said on the phone. "I want to make sure you and Cally get down as soon as you can."

"Right now?" Kenton can be heard responding to his dad.

"Get down there right now," Kammerer responded. "Get in the bedroom down there and wait 10-15 minutes okay. Do it now."

Kammerer then hung up the phone and continued with the broadcast.

Kammerer was thankful no one was injured during the tornado despite it being a "scary moment" for him. "My kids were home alone and I knew they would not be paying attention to the warning. As I was live on air, I was debating in my head if I should call them while I was on TV and I soon realized I had to make that call. I had to protect my kids," Today quoted his statement.

The tornado warning occurred Thursday night in DC area, according to NBCWashington.

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Sever Weather Damages in Tysons, Virginia

Thunderstorms that roared through the Washington, D.C. and prompted two tornado warnings made significant damages in Tysons, the National Weather Service assessed on Friday.

The storm damaged the canopy covering gas pumps at a Sunoco station in the Tysons area near Chain Bridge Road and International Drive, and another gas station nearby.

"I think this is going to be a confirmed tornado," Kammerer previously reported.

Many social media users commended the father instinct of Doug and for handling the situation with composure at the same time. Doug also confirmed that the children were home alone when the storm hit.

"Yes, had to warn my family! Kids were home alone and I knew they were not watching me on TV! They are safe. Thank you! Scary moment for me though, I was freaking out inside a bit."

Although this could be something any parent would do, it was a pretty unique moment to be tested on live TV amidst a weather emergency. After all, keeping the family safe is a dad's number 1 job.

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