JIM CANTORE REFLECTS ON HIS LEGENDARY CAREER: FROM THE ICONIC KNEE STRIKE IN 2014 TO A GRAVE WARNING ABOUT THE DANGER OF HURRICANES AND CLIMATE CHANGE – WHY WE NEED TO TAKE WEATHER SERIOUSLY AND BE PREPARED FOR THE STORMS AHEAD!

In an exclusive interview, Jim Cantore, the face of The Weather Channel, shares his unforgettable experiences from 2014, offering deep insights into the peril of hurricanes and the growing threat of climate change. What lessons can we learn from his storied career and his bold message about surviving the storms of the future? Click to discover what Jim Cantore has to say about the weather’s deadly power and how we can protect ourselves.

June 30, 2025

Time may pass, but memories remain vivid. For Jim Cantore, the name synonymous with hurricanes, fierce winds, and unyielding bravery at The Weather Channel, one cold winter’s day in 2014 is still as fresh as if it happened just yesterday. However, it wasn’t a day spent battling category five winds or witnessing historical floods. It was the day he encountered a completely unexpected and rather absurd threat, right in the heart of the University of Charleston campus in South Carolina.

“I still remember the feeling clearly,” Jim Cantore begins, his voice deep, reflective, yet his eyes still gleam with the sharp vigilance one has come to expect from the seasoned meteorologist. “It was January 28, 2014. We were covering an unusual snow and ice storm in the South. People weren’t used to that kind of weather, so it was crucial to get the message out about the danger, about staying inside, about icy roads, and the risk of power outages.”

He pauses, taking a sip of coffee. We’re sitting in a quiet coffee shop, far removed from the storms he relentlessly chases. “I was focused entirely on the camera, connecting with the viewers, explaining the cold front, the freezing temperatures, and the wind chills. Suddenly, from behind me, I felt a strange surge of energy. A faint noise, then a shadow charging toward me.”

It was Colin Marcelli, a college student, who would later be known for his reckless attempt at grabbing attention. “Honestly, I didn’t have time to think. It was pure reflex. I’ve spent my entire life reading the movements of the weather, predicting what’s coming. Maybe that reflex applied to threats that weren’t from nature, too.”

Cantore shrugs, a fleeting smile playing at the corner of his lips. “A quick knee strike. Just like that. The kid clutched his stomach and ran off. I turned back to the camera and carried on. At that moment, I thought, ‘Great, no disruption to the broadcast.’ It wasn’t until later when the video went viral that I realized how famous it had become. People called it the ‘legendary knee strike.’ It’s kind of funny when you think about it.”

A Smile with Underlying Concern

The story of the knee strike became a part of Jim Cantore’s legend, a quirky anecdote often shared during interviews. But behind that smile is a deep, unwavering seriousness about his work and the haunting reality of what he truly faces daily—the devastation wrought by severe weather.

“That incident was funny, but it’s just a small moment compared to what I witness whenever a storm makes landfall,” Cantore says, his tone turning more somber. “I’ve stood in the midst of hundreds of storms—Katrina, Sandy, Harvey, Ian, Michael. Each of those names is attached to a tragic story, to communities torn apart, to lives forever altered.”

He pauses, his gaze distant as if replaying those haunting scenes in his mind. “The danger of hurricanes, whether it’s snowstorms or tropical storms, is often underestimated. People tend to think, ‘It won’t happen to me’ or ‘I’ll be fine.’ But the harsh reality is hurricanes kill. It’s not just the winds and rain. It’s the floods, the tsunamis, the tornadoes spawned by hurricanes, the downed power lines, the fires, the lack of clean water and food, the blocked roads, the overtaxed emergency services.”

Warnings Ignored

Cantore emphasizes that his and his colleagues’ job at The Weather Channel is more than just reporting the news; it’s about educating and warning the public. “We’re not out there looking for drama. We’re out there showing people the raw truth of what’s coming. To help them understand that when we say ‘evacuate,’ we really mean ‘save your life and your family.’”

He recalls the stories that continue to haunt him: “I’ve seen people stubbornly stay behind, thinking they could tough it out. Then I had to watch homes get completely destroyed, neighborhoods submerged. Those who survived, if they were lucky, were left to face a completely different life. No homes, no jobs, no loved ones. It’s a scar, a huge one—both physically and mentally.”

“Especially the floods caused by hurricanes,” Cantore stresses. “Most of the fatalities from tropical storms aren’t from the winds—they’re from the water. Just six inches of moving water can knock over an adult. Twelve inches can sweep away most vehicles. And two feet of water can carry away trucks and SUVs. People often underestimate the power of water.”

Climate Change: The Greatest Storm of All

When asked about the future of extreme weather, Cantore becomes even more reflective. “If there’s a ‘storm’ bigger than any I’ve covered, it’s climate change. I’m not a climate scientist—I’m an active meteorologist. I observe and forecast what’s happening RIGHT NOW. But what I’m seeing, what we’re reporting, clearly points to a disturbing shift.”

He lists: “Storms are intensifying faster. They’re moving slower, dumping exponentially more rain in certain areas. Hurricane seasons are getting longer. Global temperatures are rising, giving more fuel to weather systems, leading to record heatwaves, unprecedented flooding, and storms more powerful than we’ve ever seen before.”

“We can’t keep ignoring this,” Cantore says with a firm resolve. “Every storm is no longer just a single weather event. It’s part of a bigger, scarier picture. Our role now, more than ever, is not just to warn about the coming storm, but to warn about the larger trend. We need better preparation, more resilient infrastructure, and, most importantly, a deeper awareness of the risks we’re facing.”

A Message From the Man of Storms

Returning to the knee strike story from 2014, Cantore smiles again. “It was a funny moment, and I’m glad it gave people a good laugh. But if there’s a real message in what I do, in what I’ve witnessed, it’s this: Take the weather seriously. Don’t underestimate nature’s power. Be prepared, evacuate when asked, and protect the ones you love.”

“The knee strike was just a reflex to defend myself from a small threat,” he concludes. “But hurricanes—that’s the real threat. And to face that, we need more than a quick reflex. We need respect, preparation, and cooperation to survive and rebuild.”

Jim Cantore, the man who’s seen and reported on countless storms, continues his work with unwavering passion and dedication. The scars of those storms are etched into his memory, and every time he steps on screen amidst rain and wind, it’s not just a weather report. It’s a warning, a constant reminder of the uncontrollable power of nature and the importance of always being ready.