Respect the polygon, people. And while you’re at it, show a little respect for the weatherman, too.

Folks who follow James Spann on social media got that message, loud and clear, if they saw a Sunday morning exchange between Spann, Alabama’s preeminent meteorologist, and the unfortunate person who trolled him on X.

Spann, the chief meteorologist at ABC 33/40 in Birmingham, was taking no guff from this guy, who criticized the weatherman’s coverage of severe storms that swept across Alabama this weekend.

Several areas across the state were struck by storms and tornadoes on Saturday night, resulting in multiple reports of damaged buildings and vehicles. Two people were killed in Dallas County when the storms ripped through, and a man in Talladega County died when his mobile home was destroyed.

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But Spann’s detractor, who appears to live in Birmingham, apparently wasn’t looking beyond his own backyard. His Sunday post on X said, “Good call this weekend @spann. Bham got a light drizzle and you acted like we were going to get (expletive) nuked.””

The tweet, which was later deleted, prompted a response from Spann that said, “Looks like you need some attention, so I will play.

“At least ten tornadoes with multiple fatalities across Alabama yesterday and last night. This video is just one example of what people dealt with.

“I would suggest you might be happy one of these tornadoes didn’t hit your home, and nobody in your family was one of those fatalities.

“Being a social media troll isn’t a good look for you or your family.”

Spann also showcased the exchange on Facebook Sunday morning, with a photo of the original tweet and a 6:30 a.m. post that said, “Good morning to everyone except this guy ….”

Spann’s 1.3 million followers were quick to leap to the weatherman’s defense, posting about 10,500 comments of praise and support. Here’s a small sampling:

“That’s right get him,” said Moe Crawford. “I myself am also glad my family and community weren’t affected as I live in Alabaster and right by Shelby County Airport. Not too far from Calera, which was hit. I’m grateful God heard my prayers, you’re the #GOAT James you always do an amazing job. I hope you stay on TV long as you can, not sure what we’ll do without you. Keep up the great work.”

“I love the snap back Mr. Spann,” said Shawana MsChelle McCormick. “Anybody with sense knows that James Spann is the man with the plan. We appreciate you.”

“I appreciate your dedication and expertise,” said Terry Hermes. “You and your whole staff do great work. There is no one, or no staff, better, and I am thankful for it.”

“Big Unk you want us to pull up on him you know we don’t do no @James Spann slander,” said Justus Herring.

“You can’t fix stupid,” said Pam Huff. “You did an outstanding job as always. Thank God the storm underperformed in the metro — but wonder how that guy feels about the three people in the state who lost their lives in the storms. Thanks for all you and other meteorologists around the state do to keep up safe.”

“I don’t understand why someone is disappointed that their home wasn’t blown away and their family was spared of injury or worse!” said Charlene CJ Jackson Sims. “We are blessed to have such a dedicated, educated, God-fearing man watching out for us. Even my nine-year-old granddaughter who watched cartoons on her iPad in the bathtub last night has known for years that James Spann is the man!”

“Thank you James Spann! I watched you for hours yesterday and am so thankful for your dedication,” said Tara N. Seahorn. “Some people are just ignorant (you can tell especially with that kind of language). As one of the FB posts that I saw said, ‘if we are missed don’t blame the meteorologist, but thank God for the answered prayers.’ God bless you and thank you! Get some rest.”

And if you’re wondering about the whole “respect the polygon” thing: Spann typically urges viewers to plan ahead, pay attention to storm warnings and “respect the polygon” (a specific area highlighted on a map) when severe weather looms in the state.

“All these crazy sayings like ‘respect the polygon,’ there’s a reason for that,“ Spann said in a 2024 interview with Heather Gann of AL.com. “We now have storm-based warnings, and we use geometrical shapes to define the risk. And we came up with that just as a way of trying to get people to think about these polygons. And if you’re in it, do something and if you’re not, it’s OK.”

READ: Meteorologist James Spann on the science behind saving lives