Dad Meteorologist Triggers Outrage for Texting Wife During Live Storm Coverage – His Epic Response to Haters Goes Viral as Station Backs 100%

Minnesota meteorologist Nick Jansen found himself at the center of a heated controversy after viewers criticized him for texting his wife during a live weather broadcast on July 28. 

The incident occurred during what many considered a critical moment in severe weather coverage for the region, when dangerous conditions were rapidly developing across multiple counties.

The KTTC News Chief Meteorologist was captured on camera sending a message to his spouse while dangerous weather conditions threatened communities across Minnesota. 

When the broadcast returned to Jansen following a reporter’s segment covering the developing weather situation, he immediately addressed what viewers had witnessed on their television screens. 

He explained he was completing a text message to his wife to ensure she and their 6-month-old baby were awake and positioned in a safe location within their home. 

Jansen received negative feedback following the completion of the broadcast from a viewer who deemed his actions unprofessional during the emergency weather coverage. 

The critical email questioned whether the meteorologist’s personal concerns should take precedence over his professional responsibilities during severe weather events. 

The meteorologist took to Facebook to defend his decision to prioritize his family’s safety during the severe weather event. 

Not the Bee highlighted that his response quickly gained traction on social media platforms, generating widespread support from viewers and fellow meteorology professionals across the country.

This incident marked the second time Jansen faced public backlash for similar actions during severe weather events that threatened his local community. 

Several years earlier, he had texted his wife during a tornado outbreak that directly impacted their home area.

The veteran meteorologist told TODAY that he believes checking on loved ones during dangerous weather situations is not only acceptable but represents a necessary human response. 

Jansen emphasized his belief that meteorologists should not be expected to ignore their families’ safety while helping protect their communities from dangerous weather conditions.

He argued that such expectations create an unrealistic standard for broadcast professionals during emergency situations.

“So when I received this latest email, I was like, you know what? I don’t think it’s acceptable that I can’t take a second to make sure my loved ones are OK. I’m sure a lot of viewers were texting their families. And we always say on-air, ‘If you know someone in such-and-such a town, make sure to let them know this is coming.’ So I was kind of taking my own advice,” Jansen explained during his interview with TODAY.

KTTC management stood firmly behind their chief meteorologist’s actions during the controversial incident, refusing to criticize or discipline him for his family-focused decision. 

Station vice president Stephanie Hendrick issued a comprehensive statement supporting Jansen’s decision to contact his family during the severe weather coverage. 

Her statement addressed the criticism directly while defending the meteorologist’s professional judgment and personal values.

“KTTC knows that when our meteorologists, anchors and reporters are delivering the news, they are also talking to their own families- informing them and helping to keep them safe. In this case, viewers saw that happen live — Nick being a good husband and dad by taking a moment and making sure they were safe,” Hendrick stated in her official response.

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