S5E4: On the Radar: When Winter Hits the South- Science Communication, Infrastructure Stress‑Tests, & Interior Water Losses.

When winter hits the South, the impacts can be historic- and deeply disruptive. In this On the Radar episode of Disaster Discussions, host Rachael Penton Gauthier is joined by IBHS Managing Director of Atmospheric Research Dr. Ian Giammanco and Mississippi Live Weather Chief Meteorologist Matt Laubhan to break down a late‑January winter storm that delivered record snow, destructive ice, and dangerous cold across the Southeast. The conversation explores the meteorological setup behind back‑to‑back winter systems, the challenges of communicating high‑impact forecasts in regions unaccustomed to snow and ice, and how digital‑first weather platforms are reshaping public messaging.

The episode also highlights IBHS research on interior water losses, showing how extreme cold, power outages, and building design standards combine to make burst pipes, ice dams, and water damage a perfect example of compounding disasters. Together, the discussion connects weather science, infrastructure vulnerability, and real‑world impacts to explain why winter weather in the South ranks among one of the most destructive and high impact weather events.