Max’s Mad Lab: Thank you and goodbye

GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) — After two years full of weather fun, it’s time for WNCT Meteorologist Max Claypool to say goodbye to Greenville.

From the unique climate influenced by the mountains in the west and the Atlantic Ocean in the east, I’ve seen tropical storms, severe weather and everything in between. A specific memory is May of 2023 when huge lightning storms rolled through Eastern North Carolina, followed by severe storms knocking down trees and hail.

Around this time, an out-of-control fire took over Croatan National Forest, taking weeks to be contained. The sky was filled with smoke for hundreds of miles, even being visible here in Greenville.

In July when tornado season was supposed to come to a close, an EF3 tornado touched down in Rocky Mount and Dortches, leveling a Pfizer building and causing significant damage to homes in the area. Later in the summer, offshore storms created big waves, leading to great surfing conditions.

In the fall came tropical storms Ophelia and Idalia. Ophelia caused big-time flooding through Pitt County. Fortunately, these tropical storms left minor damage compared to past weather disasters.

I couldn’t have asked for a better place to spend the last two years. Thanks and goodbye.

(Max Claypool will assume the duties of weekend meteorologist at a TV station in Memphis. We wish him the very best with his career.)

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