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**Summary:**

Nashville Severe Weather (NSWX), a volunteer-run local weather service, has become a vital resource for Davidson and Williamson counties in Tennessee. Founded in 2010 by David Drobny, it gained a massive following by providing real-time, hyper-local weather updates and livestreams, especially during severe weather events. The service emphasizes clear communication over hype, offering a calming presence for residents anxious about storms. Recently, Drobny stepped down due to burnout. The remaining team, consisting of Will Minkoff, Andrew Leeper, Tom Johnstone, and others, are dedicated to continuing the service, which is funded through Patreon and relies on their passion for weather. NSWX provides a valuable service by offering detailed information and community connection, supplementing traditional weather sources and providing crucial information to residents during potentially dangerous situations.

**News Article:**

**Nashville Severe Weather: The Unofficial Weather Service Keeping Middle Tennessee Safe**

NASHVILLE, TN – Nashville Severe Weather (NSWX), a volunteer weather service, has become an indispensable source of information for Middle Tennesseans, drawing a record-breaking 511,000 viewers during a recent overnight livestream covering multiple tornado warnings on April 3rd.

Founded in 2010 by local lawyer David Drobny, NSWX provides Davidson and Williamson counties with hyper-local, real-time weather updates, often filling gaps left by traditional media outlets. What began as a Twitter feed has evolved into a comprehensive platform, including daily newsletters, social media alerts, and live YouTube coverage, particularly during severe weather events.

“It is not safe to go to sleep yet,” was a steady refrain from NSWX during the early-morning coverage as viewers huddled in basements and safe rooms, relying on the team’s calm and informative updates. The service, funded by Patreon pledges, prioritizes clear communication over sensationalism, creating a sense of community and reducing anxiety.

The team gained access to the National Weather Service’s messaging system through meteorologist Tom Johnstone, who recognized the value of NSWX’s on-the-ground observations after seeing their real-time reports on a flash flood in Cool Springs, when the NWS was unaware. The information provided can be more granular than traditional media, offering details that are useful at a local level.

Recently, Drobny announced his departure, citing burnout from years of managing the service alongside his full-time job. “I’m emotionally and mentally exhausted from 15 years of running NSWX from the margins of my free time,” he wrote in an open letter. However, the remaining core team, including software developer Will Minkoff, worship minister Andrew Leeper, and retired National Weather Service meteorologist Tom Johnstone, is committed to continuing NSWX’s mission.

“David is a world-class hazard communicator, and his voice will be missed, but I think we’ll be able to carry that torch,” said Minkoff.

For Nashville residents, Nashville Severe Weather is more than just a forecast; it’s a lifeline in a region increasingly prone to severe weather. As one commenter put it, “Our family lost our home in 2020 and, ‘East Nashville, get to your safe space’ could be the most important words of our lives. Thank you.”

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