Ellen Prager, PhD
@elprager.bsky.social
Marine and earth scientist, nature lover, author, aquanaut, on-air expert, consultant, and passionate about science communication
We met a young reader at a little library yesterday. She LOVES reading books. What a moment of joy, inspiration, and hopefulness. Reading, learning, science, and fun....what a needed combination. Here's to a happy new year for all and some of my favorite notes from young readers. 🧪📚#Booksky
December 30, 2025 at 4:30 PM
We met a young reader at a little library yesterday. She LOVES reading books. What a moment of joy, inspiration, and hopefulness. Reading, learning, science, and fun....what a needed combination. Here's to a happy new year for all and some of my favorite notes from young readers. 🧪📚#Booksky
Climate change and volcanoes. Will it reawaken dangerous volcanoes or change eruptions in another way. Wrote about questions like this for my book Dangerous Earth. Nice article. 🧪🌋
www.cnn.com/interactive/...
www.cnn.com/interactive/...
Glaciers melting from climate change may reawaken the world’s most dangerous volcanoes
If the theory is proven correct, the consequences could be enormous, spelling a much more risky, explosive future.
www.cnn.com
December 30, 2025 at 3:59 PM
Climate change and volcanoes. Will it reawaken dangerous volcanoes or change eruptions in another way. Wrote about questions like this for my book Dangerous Earth. Nice article. 🧪🌋
www.cnn.com/interactive/...
www.cnn.com/interactive/...
Reposted by Ellen Prager, PhD
A bipartisan group in Congress formally pushed back against administration plans to dismantle NCAR, while the country experiences a record warm Christmas week with monthly records - and CA braces for more serious flooding and wind (and eventually snow). More: tinyurl.com/3b2tsp7m
Bipartisan Congressional coalition formally requests continued funding for National Center for Atmospheric Research
Next in series of storm systems into California will likely be most impactful with potential flooding and strong winds through Christmas Eve, while incredible late December warmth spreads east
tinyurl.com
December 23, 2025 at 6:23 PM
A bipartisan group in Congress formally pushed back against administration plans to dismantle NCAR, while the country experiences a record warm Christmas week with monthly records - and CA braces for more serious flooding and wind (and eventually snow). More: tinyurl.com/3b2tsp7m
NCAR brings together experts from varying disciplines to understand the Earth and apply that #science to benefit society. PS wait for it....a timely message at the end. Let your elected officials know that science matters and #NCAR is important to society.🧪🌎
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Atdc...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Atdc...
NCAR at Risk
YouTube video by StormCenter Communications | GeoCollaborate
www.youtube.com
December 23, 2025 at 5:31 PM
NCAR brings together experts from varying disciplines to understand the Earth and apply that #science to benefit society. PS wait for it....a timely message at the end. Let your elected officials know that science matters and #NCAR is important to society.🧪🌎
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Atdc...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Atdc...
Reposted by Ellen Prager, PhD
A rare High Risk has been issued:
"This will pose a significant threat of flash flooding, landslides, rock falls & mud slides. The greater than normal travel during the Christmas Holiday will potentially expose a larger number of people to these life threatening hazards." -NWS Forecast Discussion
"This will pose a significant threat of flash flooding, landslides, rock falls & mud slides. The greater than normal travel during the Christmas Holiday will potentially expose a larger number of people to these life threatening hazards." -NWS Forecast Discussion
December 22, 2025 at 9:09 PM
A rare High Risk has been issued:
"This will pose a significant threat of flash flooding, landslides, rock falls & mud slides. The greater than normal travel during the Christmas Holiday will potentially expose a larger number of people to these life threatening hazards." -NWS Forecast Discussion
"This will pose a significant threat of flash flooding, landslides, rock falls & mud slides. The greater than normal travel during the Christmas Holiday will potentially expose a larger number of people to these life threatening hazards." -NWS Forecast Discussion
Some people may say, so what....big difference in the cause of a sinkhole and embankment failure and that gets to preventing it in the future. Words matter!
Once again an embankment failure is labelled as a "sinkhole". Incredibly frustrating - theBBC even says in the article that "Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said it was responding to a landslip and confirmed a canal was affected."
December 22, 2025 at 5:05 PM
Some people may say, so what....big difference in the cause of a sinkhole and embankment failure and that gets to preventing it in the future. Words matter!
Reposted by Ellen Prager, PhD
Reminder: Volatile weather day Friday.
* Gusty downpours barge thru 6-9a
* Temperatures plummet. 55-60F early but falling into 40s in afternoon.
* Wind advisory in afternoon for gusts to 45-55 mph.
Detailed forecast at cwg.live
* Gusty downpours barge thru 6-9a
* Temperatures plummet. 55-60F early but falling into 40s in afternoon.
* Wind advisory in afternoon for gusts to 45-55 mph.
Detailed forecast at cwg.live
December 19, 2025 at 3:35 AM
Reminder: Volatile weather day Friday.
* Gusty downpours barge thru 6-9a
* Temperatures plummet. 55-60F early but falling into 40s in afternoon.
* Wind advisory in afternoon for gusts to 45-55 mph.
Detailed forecast at cwg.live
* Gusty downpours barge thru 6-9a
* Temperatures plummet. 55-60F early but falling into 40s in afternoon.
* Wind advisory in afternoon for gusts to 45-55 mph.
Detailed forecast at cwg.live
Reposted by Ellen Prager, PhD
Rare “Particularly Dangerous Situation” alert issued by NWS Boulder, CO for Friday in the Foothills for gusts up to 100 mph!! It’s due to a strong “downslope” wind. Air accelerates downhill and also drys out, making for damaging gusts and potentially rapid fire spread.
December 19, 2025 at 4:41 AM
Rare “Particularly Dangerous Situation” alert issued by NWS Boulder, CO for Friday in the Foothills for gusts up to 100 mph!! It’s due to a strong “downslope” wind. Air accelerates downhill and also drys out, making for damaging gusts and potentially rapid fire spread.
Reposted by Ellen Prager, PhD
Trump administration to dismantle key climate research center
Any such plan "would set back our nation’s ability to predict, prepare for, and respond to severe weather and other natural disasters,” said Antonio Busalacchi, who oversees the center: www.washingtonpost.com/climate-envi...
Any such plan "would set back our nation’s ability to predict, prepare for, and respond to severe weather and other natural disasters,” said Antonio Busalacchi, who oversees the center: www.washingtonpost.com/climate-envi...
Trump administration to dismantle key climate research center
Russell Vought, who directs the White House Office of Management and Budget, announced plans to split up the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colorado, citing concerns about “clima...
www.washingtonpost.com
December 17, 2025 at 1:57 PM
Trump administration to dismantle key climate research center
Any such plan "would set back our nation’s ability to predict, prepare for, and respond to severe weather and other natural disasters,” said Antonio Busalacchi, who oversees the center: www.washingtonpost.com/climate-envi...
Any such plan "would set back our nation’s ability to predict, prepare for, and respond to severe weather and other natural disasters,” said Antonio Busalacchi, who oversees the center: www.washingtonpost.com/climate-envi...
With DATA and good science it's clear and impacts to coastal residents and businesses are serious, concerning, and costly. Study shows U.S. sea level rise is accelerating. 🧪🌊
Rebuking a Trump climate report, study shows U.S. sea-level rise is accelerating
“It’s not politics. That’s what the data say,” said the study’s author, who examined 70 tide gauges around the country.
wapo.st
December 17, 2025 at 3:23 PM
With DATA and good science it's clear and impacts to coastal residents and businesses are serious, concerning, and costly. Study shows U.S. sea level rise is accelerating. 🧪🌊
Reposted by Ellen Prager, PhD
Unbelievable. This would be a terrible blow to American science, writ large. It would decimate not only climate research, but also the kind of weather, wildfire, and disaster research that has underpinned half a century of progress in prediction, early warning, and increased resilience.
Exclusive: The Trump administration is moving to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Colorado, according to a senior White House official, taking aim at one of the world's leading climate research labs.
Trump moves to dismantle major US climate research center in Colorado
The Trump administration is breaking up the National Center for Atmospheric Research, taking aim at one of the world's leading climate research labs.
bit.ly
December 17, 2025 at 2:49 AM
Unbelievable. This would be a terrible blow to American science, writ large. It would decimate not only climate research, but also the kind of weather, wildfire, and disaster research that has underpinned half a century of progress in prediction, early warning, and increased resilience.
More #flooding in the Pacific NW as new #atmosphericrivers impact the area, storms moving inland bring high winds, cold in Alaska and right now, looks like a fairly mild Christmas across the nation in today's update for the All-Hazards Consortium. 🧪🌧️
www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-Va...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-Va...
Flooding is Back in PacNW, Areas to Watch and a Green Christmas in Most Places SISE Update
YouTube video by StormCenter Communications | GeoCollaborate
www.youtube.com
December 16, 2025 at 9:39 PM
More #flooding in the Pacific NW as new #atmosphericrivers impact the area, storms moving inland bring high winds, cold in Alaska and right now, looks like a fairly mild Christmas across the nation in today's update for the All-Hazards Consortium. 🧪🌧️
www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-Va...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-Va...
Catastrophic #flooding in the Pacific NW, sadly more #rain is on the way and #snow and cold coming for the Mid-Atlantic in today's update for the All-Hazards Consortium. Danger of debris flows continues. Please stay aware, evacuate if advised, and be safe. 🧪🌧️❄️
www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcdS...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcdS...
Catastrophic Flooding Continues in PacNW, More on The Way Sunday Monday, Impactful Snow Mid Atlantic
YouTube video by StormCenter Communications | GeoCollaborate
www.youtube.com
December 12, 2025 at 10:02 PM
Catastrophic #flooding in the Pacific NW, sadly more #rain is on the way and #snow and cold coming for the Mid-Atlantic in today's update for the All-Hazards Consortium. Danger of debris flows continues. Please stay aware, evacuate if advised, and be safe. 🧪🌧️❄️
www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcdS...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcdS...
Reposted by Ellen Prager, PhD
NEW: We've issued our snowfall forecast for late Saturday night into early Sunday morning...
This is subject to change... as we're on the edge of accumulating snow!!!
Read our detailed briefing here: www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2025...
Let's GO SNOW
This is subject to change... as we're on the edge of accumulating snow!!!
Read our detailed briefing here: www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2025...
Let's GO SNOW
December 12, 2025 at 4:38 PM
NEW: We've issued our snowfall forecast for late Saturday night into early Sunday morning...
This is subject to change... as we're on the edge of accumulating snow!!!
Read our detailed briefing here: www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2025...
Let's GO SNOW
This is subject to change... as we're on the edge of accumulating snow!!!
Read our detailed briefing here: www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2025...
Let's GO SNOW
Catastrophic #flooding in the Pacific NW, State of Emergency declared, and Arctic cold dives south, along with snow on the way in today's update for the All-Hazards Consortium. Rivers at dangerous flood levels. Please stay aware, evacuate if advised, and be safe. 🧪🌧️❄️
www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoX0...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoX0...
PacNW Catastrophic Flooding, Governor Declares State of Emergency, Arctic Cold Diving into U.S. SISE
YouTube video by StormCenter Communications | GeoCollaborate
www.youtube.com
December 11, 2025 at 11:05 PM
Catastrophic #flooding in the Pacific NW, State of Emergency declared, and Arctic cold dives south, along with snow on the way in today's update for the All-Hazards Consortium. Rivers at dangerous flood levels. Please stay aware, evacuate if advised, and be safe. 🧪🌧️❄️
www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoX0...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoX0...
You can still get them by Christmas, they come with a big dose of laughter and fun science learning! Order anywhere books are sold and we love to hear from readers, let us know what you think. 📚🧪#BookSky
December 11, 2025 at 7:21 PM
You can still get them by Christmas, they come with a big dose of laughter and fun science learning! Order anywhere books are sold and we love to hear from readers, let us know what you think. 📚🧪#BookSky
Atmospheric river impacting Pacific NW, Arctic outbreak and heavy lake effect snow on the way in today's update for the All-Hazards Consortium by @geocollaborate.bsky.social, Dave Jones, StormCenter Communications. Please stay aware and stay safe. 🧪🌧️❄️
www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKrn...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKrn...
PacNW Nearing End of Atm River, Arctic Outbreak and Heavy Lake Effect Snow on the Way SISE Update
YouTube video by StormCenter Communications | GeoCollaborate
www.youtube.com
December 11, 2025 at 2:09 AM
Atmospheric river impacting Pacific NW, Arctic outbreak and heavy lake effect snow on the way in today's update for the All-Hazards Consortium by @geocollaborate.bsky.social, Dave Jones, StormCenter Communications. Please stay aware and stay safe. 🧪🌧️❄️
www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKrn...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKrn...
#Flooding in Pacific NW, big #winds across the north and #blizzard warning for MD-WV in last evening's update for the All-Hazards Consortium. Potential for debris flows in burn scars out west, please stay aware and stay safe wherever you are. 🧪🌧️❄️
www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyCo...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyCo...
Flooding in PacNW Under Atmospheric River, Big Winds Across the North and Blizzard Warning MD-WV
YouTube video by StormCenter Communications | GeoCollaborate
www.youtube.com
December 10, 2025 at 2:36 PM
#Flooding in Pacific NW, big #winds across the north and #blizzard warning for MD-WV in last evening's update for the All-Hazards Consortium. Potential for debris flows in burn scars out west, please stay aware and stay safe wherever you are. 🧪🌧️❄️
www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyCo...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyCo...
#Flooding and high winds in Pacific NW as #atmosphericriver hits and continue in long duration event, dense #fog in CA and #snow in the East in today's update for the All-Hazards Consortium by @geocollaborate.bsky.social. Please stay aware and stay safe. 🧪🌧️❄️
www.youtube.com/watch?v=LeWs...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=LeWs...
Flooding and High Winds Hit PacNW, Long Duration Event Be Prepared, Tuly Fog in CA and Snow in East
YouTube video by StormCenter Communications | GeoCollaborate
www.youtube.com
December 9, 2025 at 12:34 AM
#Flooding and high winds in Pacific NW as #atmosphericriver hits and continue in long duration event, dense #fog in CA and #snow in the East in today's update for the All-Hazards Consortium by @geocollaborate.bsky.social. Please stay aware and stay safe. 🧪🌧️❄️
www.youtube.com/watch?v=LeWs...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=LeWs...
3 meters was warning for tsunamis closest to epicenter of earthquake, but thankfully gauges are documenting much lower heights, could still have strong currents, so people need to stay aware.
It looks like northern Japan coastal ports have seen tsunami waves arriving already, but so far just 30-70 cm high. Later-arriving peaks could be higher, but that is good news that the ultimate size will be moderate. I hope so! Damage reports sketchy so far, but also some reason for optimism.
December 8, 2025 at 5:03 PM
3 meters was warning for tsunamis closest to epicenter of earthquake, but thankfully gauges are documenting much lower heights, could still have strong currents, so people need to stay aware.
Went on @cnn.com International this morning on Japan 7.6 M earthquake, potential tsunami risk. Always try to keep it simple, science accurate, and make important points, especially for those at risk, such as it is not just potential waves, but powerful surge and currents that are dangerous! 🧪🌊
December 8, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Went on @cnn.com International this morning on Japan 7.6 M earthquake, potential tsunami risk. Always try to keep it simple, science accurate, and make important points, especially for those at risk, such as it is not just potential waves, but powerful surge and currents that are dangerous! 🧪🌊
Major atmospheric river to hit the Pacific Northwest, causing flooding and more snow for central VA and Northern NC in today's update for the All-Hazards Consortium by @geocollaborate.bsky.social. Wheel of Weather and wave drifter deployment an added plus. 🧪🌧️❄️
www.youtube.com/watch?v=nV-y...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=nV-y...
Major Flooding Event as an Atmospheric River Hits WA and OR Through Wednesday, Snow for Virginia Tom
YouTube video by StormCenter Communications | GeoCollaborate
www.youtube.com
December 7, 2025 at 11:33 PM
Major atmospheric river to hit the Pacific Northwest, causing flooding and more snow for central VA and Northern NC in today's update for the All-Hazards Consortium by @geocollaborate.bsky.social. Wheel of Weather and wave drifter deployment an added plus. 🧪🌧️❄️
www.youtube.com/watch?v=nV-y...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=nV-y...
Reposted by Ellen Prager, PhD
This is the current USGS landslide potential maps from the M=7.0 #Hubbard #Glacier #earthquake, which occurred in the last few hours. It shows high landslide potential in the area of Mount Vancouver. The first set of satellite images are going to be interesting.
earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/...
earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/...
December 7, 2025 at 1:49 AM
This is the current USGS landslide potential maps from the M=7.0 #Hubbard #Glacier #earthquake, which occurred in the last few hours. It shows high landslide potential in the area of Mount Vancouver. The first set of satellite images are going to be interesting.
earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/...
earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/...
Reposted by Ellen Prager, PhD
I currently have a few OpenCTD kits left to move before the end of the year. If you've wanted to build your own oceanographic instrument, now's your chance.
Details about the project: oceanographyforeveryone.com
OpenCTD Store: oceanographyforeveryone.bigcartel.com
Details about the project: oceanographyforeveryone.com
OpenCTD Store: oceanographyforeveryone.bigcartel.com
Oceanography For Everyone
Supply Depot for the OpenCTD and Oceanography for Everyone. Here you can find custom PCBS, stickers, OpenCTD kits, and other OpenCTD accessories.
oceanographyforeveryone.bigcartel.com
December 2, 2025 at 7:00 PM
I currently have a few OpenCTD kits left to move before the end of the year. If you've wanted to build your own oceanographic instrument, now's your chance.
Details about the project: oceanographyforeveryone.com
OpenCTD Store: oceanographyforeveryone.bigcartel.com
Details about the project: oceanographyforeveryone.com
OpenCTD Store: oceanographyforeveryone.bigcartel.com
The Surfrider Club at Broadneck High School in Annapolis, MD created this mural over 7 months out of collected bottle caps. Great job! Gave a talk there yesterday, always fun visiting with engaged students! They need personal interaction and a little helpful career advice is always good. 🧪🌊🐟
December 2, 2025 at 2:13 PM
The Surfrider Club at Broadneck High School in Annapolis, MD created this mural over 7 months out of collected bottle caps. Great job! Gave a talk there yesterday, always fun visiting with engaged students! They need personal interaction and a little helpful career advice is always good. 🧪🌊🐟