Do You Have a Plan?

“We’ve been working on this for a very long time.”

The words came from James Spann, chief meteorologist of the Alabama Weather Network, shortly before the 24/7 streaming weather source launched.

“Think about all of the things we have been through together,” Spann said in his opening comments as the network launched. He recounted Hurricane Frederic in 1979. Hurricane Ivan in 2004. “Snowmageddon” in 2014. And no one will forget April 27, 2011, when 62 tornadoes tore through the state.

Then, over-the-air television was the primary source for live weather information. But with the advent of streaming, that’s changed.

For us, it wasn’t a question of whether we would sponsor it. It was, ‘How fast can we get on board?’ Paula Drake, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer for Regions

“They’re consuming media in a different way, and we want to be there for you,” Spann told viewers as the network launched.

Earlier in the summer, Spann and fellow co-founders shared their vision for the network with Regions Bank. From the beaches of Baldwin and Mobile counties, all the way to the Tennessee River Valley, the entire state would be represented.

“For us, it wasn’t a question of whether we would sponsor it,” said Paula Drake, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer for Regions. “It was, ‘How fast can we get on board?’”

The network, now up and running, provides forecasts for all portions of Alabama and will deliver live, wall-to-wall severe weather coverage for all 67 Alabama counties during tornado warnings and other major weather events. Beyond the Alabama Weather Network website, there’s the mobile app. The YouTube channel. Social media. All sources are covered.

For Spann, it’s the fulfillment of a dream to provide enhanced weather coverage statewide.

We’re leaning into that to increase severe weather coverage in every corner of this state, and we appreciate Regions Bank for signing on as one of our original sponsors. James Spann, chief meteorologist of the Alabama Weather Network

“No longer are meteorologists confined by the reach of a broadcast signal or legacy ‘markets’ in traditional broadcasting that are tailored around one or two major cities in a broadcaster’s coverage area,” Spann said. “Streaming technology removes all those boundaries. We’re leaning into that to increase severe weather coverage in every corner of this state, and we appreciate Regions Bank for signing on as one of our original sponsors.”

John Jordan, head of Retail for Regions Bank, said sponsoring the network directly complements one of Regions’ top priorities in serving customers – having a plan.

“James Spann and his team have taught us all to have a plan for severe weather. He tells people to be sure they can receive warnings, and know where to go to take shelter,” Jordan said. “Here at Regions, we’re focused on helping people have a financial plan. Know the tools and resources that are available to you. And remember we’re ready to sit down with you one-on-one, at no charge, to take stock of your finances and deliver a customized Regions Greenprint plan to help you reach your goals.”

That focus on planning, according to Drake, will show up as part of Regions’ long-term sponsorship of the Alabama Weather Network.

Here at Regions, we’re focused on helping people have a financial plan. Know the tools and resources that are available to you. John Jordan, head of Retail for Regions Bank

“James Spann has been delivering weather to Alabama audiences since 1978,” Drake said. “As he moved to ABC 33/40 in 1996, when the station was brand-new, the weather team launched a policy of going wall-to-wall, with no commercials, any time a county in the viewing area was under a tornado warning. That’s standard procedure for Alabama stations today. It wasn’t back then. And we think with the Alabama Weather Network, James and his team are setting another new standard.”

It’s a natural alignment. Spann and many additional professionals behind the Alabama Weather Network were born in the state. Regions Bank itself was born in Alabama, too.

“This is our home,” Jordan said. “We’re excited that Alabama has this new weather resource, and we’re proud that Regions Bank will be seen on this network as one of its inaugural sponsors.”

With the launch of the Alabama Weather Network, Spann will still be seen on ABC 33/40 television. He will deliver daily forecasts at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m., just as he has done since October 1996. And ABC 33/40 will carry Alabama Weather Network severe weather coverage during high-impact events affecting the Birmingham/Tuscaloosa/Anniston broadcast market.

We’re excited that Alabama has this new weather resource, and we’re proud that Regions Bank will be seen on this network as one of its inaugural sponsors.John Jordan

Having a Plan: