Scott Sistek
Scott Sistek is a Senior Digital Content Producer and meteorologist based in the Seattle area. A native of the Pacific Northwest, Scott has been a weather enthusiast since he was young, with a love for weather growing from a childhood storm experience. He earned his degree in Atmospheric Sciences from the University of Washington and began his career at KOMO-TV, where he spent over 20 years as a weather producer, online forecast writer, and blog author. Scott is also the co-author of the book 'Somewhere, I Was Right'. In his spare time, he enjoys watching baseball and softball and supporting local pluviophiles (those who love the rain).
74%
The Daily's Verdict
This author has a mixed reputation for journalistic standards. It is advisable to fact-check, scrutinize for bias, and check for conflicts of interest before relying on the author's reporting.
Bias
88%
Examples:
- The author has a tendency to include sensational language in their reporting, such as using phrases like 'Extreme wildfire behavior' and 'drenches Los Angeles, San Diego over Easter weekend'. This can create a misleading impression of the severity of weather events.
Conflicts of Interest
62%
Examples:
- In one article, the author mentions a possible significant severe weather episode without disclosing their potential conflict of interest in reporting such events due to their role as a meteorologist.
Contradictions
86%
Examples:
- In one article, the author contradicts themselves by stating that there were no reports of injuries but later mentioning multiple rescues from cars and houses due to flooding.
- The author claims a brief Tornado Warning was issued for Santa Barbara County but NOAA's Weather Prediction Center has reported that there were multiple sightings and reports of tornadoes throughout the weekend.
Deceptions
71%
Examples:
- In one article, the author claims that a strong area of low pressure continues to swirl along California coast and taps into some tropical moisture which turns it into an atmospheric river storm. However, this information contradicts NOAA's Weather Prediction Center who has placed many urban areas in South California in a Level 2 out of 4 risk for flash flooding due to the presence of heavy rainfall from the previous days.
- The author sometimes provides misleading information or omits important details, such as not explaining the cause of a severe weather threat or the nature of storms.
Recent Articles
California's Two Largest Wildfires: Park Fire in Chico and Gold Complex Fire in Plumas County Grow to Over 322,000 Acres with No Containment in Sight
Broke On: Saturday, 27 July 2024Two major wildfires, the Park Fire in Butte and Tehama counties and the Gold Complex Fire in Plumas County, are currently ravaging California, with the Park Fire being one of the top 10 largest recorded fires in state history. Both fires have prompted evacuations and impacted multiple communities. The dry conditions in California have contributed to their explosive nature, with above-average fire activity expected to continue through September. Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency for affected areas, providing relief measures for victims. 
Illegal Fireworks Spark $11 Million Hawarden Fire in Riverside, California: Six Homes Destroyed
Broke On: Sunday, 21 July 2024Illegal fireworks spark Hawarden Fire in Riverside, California on July 21, 2024, destroying at least six homes and causing over $11 million in damages. Residents evacuated as authorities search for those responsible. 
NASA's James Webb Space Telescope Reveals Stunning Images of Entwined Galaxies, Known as 'Penguin' and 'Egg'
Broke On: Saturday, 13 July 2024NASA's James Webb Space Telescope marks its second anniversary with captivating images of entwined galaxies, Arp 142 or Penguin and Egg. Located approximately 326 million light-years away, these interacting galaxies reveal a blue haze connecting them due to star formation. The JWST's advanced instruments have identified around 30 potentially habitable planets with crucial molecules for life. These galaxies, first interacting between 25 and 75 million years ago, will merge into one galaxy in the future. Record-Breaking Hurricane Beryl Signals Busy Atlantic Hurricane Season with 12 Predicted Hurricanes and 25 Named Storms
Broke On: Tuesday, 09 July 2024Hurricane season predictions rise due to record-breaking Hurricane Beryl and favorable conditions, with CSU forecasting an additional hurricane and two named storms, bringing the total to 12 hurricanes and 25 named storms. Beryl made landfall in Texas as a Category 1 storm, leaving behind power outages for over 2.25 million customers and at least seven fatalities. The Atlantic hurricane season is expected to be active due to near-record warm sea surface temperatures and the end of El Niño climate pattern. 
Mandatory and Voluntary Evacuation Orders Issued as Hurricane Beryl Approaches Texas Gulf Coast: Storm Surge Warnings, Heavy Rain, and Potential Flooding Expected
Broke On: Saturday, 06 July 2024Mandatory and voluntary evacuation orders have been issued for several Texas Gulf Coast counties as Hurricane Beryl approaches, expected to make landfall on Monday. The storm is predicted to bring dangerous storm surge, heavy rain, and potential life-threatening water rises in the affected areas. 
Tropical Storm Beryl: Texas Braces for Hurricane Landfall, Potential Flooding and Wind
Broke On: Friday, 05 July 2024Tropical Storm Beryl, which emerged over the Gulf of Mexico on July 6, is expected to intensify into a hurricane and make landfall along the Texas coast. The storm has already caused significant damage in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula and resulted in several deaths. Texas officials have issued disaster declarations and urged coastal residents to prepare for potential flooding, heavy rain, and wind. Historic Heat Wave: Western US Breaks Temperature Records, Death Valley Hits 127°F (53.8°C)
Broke On: Friday, 05 July 2024A historic heat wave sets new temperature records in the western US, with Death Valley reaching 127°F (53.8°C), and excessive heat warnings issued for Oregon, California, Nevada, and Washington. The prolonged heatwave is caused by a high pressure system and could last until mid-August, increasing risks of illnesses, power grid tests, and wildfires. Stay safe by drinking water, avoiding sunshine, checking on elderly or sick neighbors. 
Nebraska National Guard Deploys Helicopter to Aid in Iowa Flood Relief Efforts Amid Urgent Rescue Operations and Evacuations
Broke On: Saturday, 22 June 2024On June 22, 2024, a Nebraska National Guard crew and helicopter were deployed to Iowa to assist with flood relief efforts following heavy rains and storms that caused severe flooding in Rock Valley and other areas, leading to evacuations and urgent rescue efforts. Iowa requested aid through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact as at least two bridges and roads had washed out, power was turned off in Hawarden, and dozens of homes were inundated with floodwaters. Nebraska National Guard Deploys Helicopter to Aid in Iowa Flood Relief Efforts Amid Urgent Rescue Operations and Evacuations
Broke On: Saturday, 22 June 2024On June 22, 2024, a Nebraska National Guard crew and helicopter were deployed to Iowa to assist with flood relief efforts following heavy rains and storms that caused severe flooding in Rock Valley and other areas, leading to evacuations and urgent rescue efforts. Iowa requested aid through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact as at least two bridges and roads had washed out, power was turned off in Hawarden, and dozens of homes were inundated with floodwaters. 
Tragic Drowning of Brian Warter and Erica Wishard at Hutchinson Island: A Reminder of Rip Current Safety
Broke On: Thursday, 20 June 2024Two parents, Brian Warter (51) and Erica Wishard (48), drowned at Stuart Beach on Hutchinson Island, Florida on June 20, 2024 while vacationing with their six teenage children. They were caught in a rip current and unable to escape despite the teens' efforts. The tragic incident serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by rip currents and the importance of water safety awareness.
