Ashton Robinson Cook
Dr. Ashton Robinson Cook of Little Rock, Arkansas was born with a passion for severe and extreme weather.
Dr. Ashton Robinson Cook of Little Rock, Arkansas was born with a passion for severe and
extreme weather. He learned first-hand of the perils of severe weather at a very young age; his
family lived in a mobile home that was struck by damaging straight-line winds (possibly a
tornado) at the age of 3. This encounter fueled a passion for weather that continues through his
career along with a number of accomplishments – including becoming the first African-American
male to earn a Ph.D. from the University of Oklahoma School of Meteorology. His dissertation
involved the role of El Niño/La Niña on U.S. tornado outbreaks, and he has since begun work
integrating artificial intelligence and advanced statistical methods for weather prediction. Dr.
Cook has also been featured in multiple media outlets and professional organizations (including
the American Association of State Climatologists) for his research efforts at extended-range
weather prediction. He enjoys storm chasing as a hobby as well as football and travel.
- April 29, 2024
- When a Forecaster Issues a Tornado Emergency: Insights from the Front Lines
-
-
On May 3, 1999, the first-ever tornado to receive the "tornado emergency" distinction tore across central Oklahoma. That tornado was so high-end, and so close to a large metropolitan area, that forecasters decided to invoke "emergency" to convey a sense of the unusually serious peril.
- By Ashton Robinson Cook and Bob Henson
- July 12, 2023
- So You Want to Go Storm Chasing: Tips and Lessons Learned
-
-
Maestros Amber Liggett and Dr. Ashton Robinson Cook lead a discussion about storm chasing during the spring and summer seasons.
- By Amber Liggett and Ashton Robinson Cook
- April 13, 2023
- Storm Chasing Through the Eyes of Maestros
-
-
Meteorologists Amber Liggett and Dr. Ashton Robinson Cook highlight their experiences and lessons learned in storm chasing, emphasizing the reasons for storm chasing, anecdotes, safety precautions, forecasting techniques, and potential risks involved, with the purpose of informing and guiding those interested in the activity.
- By Amber Liggett and Dr Ashton Robinson Cook