325th OSS weather flight monitors severe weather to protect Tyndall mission and people

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Justice Spaulding, 325th Operations Support Squadron weather journeyman, measures distance to airfield markers using a laser range finder at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Jan. 27, 2026. Weather Airmen collect precise distance measurements from elevated vantage points to establish visual reference markers used during weather observations, supporting safe flight operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Victoria Moehlman)

325th OSS weather flight monitors severe weather to protect Tyndall mission and people

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Justice Spaulding, 325th Operations Support Squadron weather journeyman, looks through a laser range finder at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Jan. 27, 2026. The weather flight uses laser range finders to measure the height and distance of clouds or landmarks to help determine the altitude and distance of cloud formation , allowing Airmen to assess visibility restrictions and potential flight hazards that could impact aircraft operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Victoria Moehlman)

325th OSS weather flight monitors severe weather to protect Tyndall mission and people

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Justice Spaulding, 325th Operations Support Squadron weather journeyman, looks at meteorological satellite and radar imagery at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Jan. 20, 2026. Accurate weather forecasts have a direct impact on Tyndall’s flying mission, aircraft maintenance, construction and other daily operations as they enable leaders to make informed decisions that protect personnel, aircraft and resources while ensuring safe and effective mission execution. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Victoria Moehlman)

325th OSS weather flight monitors severe weather to protect Tyndall mission and people

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Justice Spaulding, 325th Operations Support Squadron weather journeyman, views meteorological satellite and radar imagery at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Jan. 20, 2026. Accurate weather forecasts have a direct impact on Tyndall’s flying mission, aircraft maintenance, construction and other daily operations as they enable leaders to make informed decisions that protect personnel, aircraft and resources while ensuring safe and effective mission execution. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Victoria Moehlman)

325th OSS weather flight monitors severe weather to protect Tyndall mission and people

Published Feb. 10, 2026
By Senior Airman Victoria Moehlman
325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

TYNDALL AIR FORCEW BASE, Fla. --

Along Florida’s Gulf Coast, tornadoes and waterspouts can form quickly, often with little warning, making timely weather alerts vital for Team Tyndall.

An Airman views weather data at Tyndall Air Force Base to determine atmospheric conditions. — U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Justice Spaulding, 325th Operations Support Squadron weather journeyman, views meteorological satellite and radar imagery at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Jan. 20, 2026. Accurate weather forecasts have a direct impact on Tyndall’s flying mission, aircraft maintenance, construction and other daily operations as they enable leaders to make informed decisions that protect personnel, aircraft and resources while ensuring safe and effective mission execution. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Victoria Moehlman)

The 325th Operations Support Squadron weather flight monitors climate conditions year-round to safeguard the lives of the nearly 16,000 Tyndall personnel and family members before and during severe weather seasons.

“Preparation starts before the storm arrives,” said Senior Master Sgt. Michael Summers, 325th OSS weather flight chief. “That means moving away from exterior walls and going to the lowest, most interior part of your home, having flashlights, water, important documents and food supplies ready. Also, making sure everyone in the household is signed up for base alert notifications.”

According to Senior Airman Justice Spaulding, 325th OSS weather journeyman, tornadoes and waterspouts in the local area are most common from April to June and again from November through February. Since tornado season overlaps hurricane season, emergency supplies should be reviewed at both the beginning and end of hurricane season to ensure items remain current and usable. Preparation gives local residents time to act and helps reduce confusion during unpredictable weather.

When storms intensify over land or water, conditions can change rapidly, requiring individuals to transition from awareness to sheltering in place. This is when understanding the difference between a weather watch and warning is key.

A Tyndall Airman looks through a laser range finder to measure height and distance of clouds and landmarks to help determine the altitude and distance of cloud formation. — U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Justice Spaulding, 325th Operations Support Squadron weather journeyman, looks through a laser range finder at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Jan. 27, 2026. The weather flight uses laser range finders to measure the height and distance of clouds or landmarks to help determine the altitude and distance of cloud formation , allowing Airmen to assess visibility restrictions and potential flight hazards that could impact aircraft operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Victoria Moehlman)

“A watch is the potential,” said Spaulding. “Everything is there to happen, but it is not happening yet… A warning is (something) I can see, and it is actively happening.”

Spaulding emphasized the dangers of moving from room to room once a warning has been issued, noting that flying debris and structural damage can pose serious risks inside a home.

“You do not know what could be moving through the house,” she said. “Protecting yourself and your family means staying in your shelter location until the threat has passed.”

Even after severe weather moves through an area, hazards can remain as damage and safety conditions are evaluated.

“If you are impacted by a tornado or waterspout, do not rummage through debris, there is a risk of downed power lines or open gas lines,” Summers stated. “If your house sustains damage, get out of the home and go somewhere safe, such as a friend’s, neighbor or co-worker’s home.”

Airman use laser range finder to collect precise weather measurements on top of a tower — U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Justice Spaulding, 325th Operations Support Squadron weather journeyman, measures distance to airfield markers using a laser range finder at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Jan. 27, 2026. Weather Airmen collect precise distance measurements from elevated vantage points to establish visual reference markers used during weather observations, supporting safe flight operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Victoria Moehlman)