Starting Aug. 11, James Spann will be 24/7.

The popular, award-winning Birmingham meteorologist will launch his own channel: The Alabama Weather Network.

It will air recorded programming on storm preparation, as well as events, activities and places to visit statewide.

Oh, and there’ll be weather. Lots of it. Statewide forecasts will air every 20 minutes and be updated several times daily. There will also be targeted forecasts aimed at beaches, lawn care, gardening and other niches.

Of course, during a weather emergency, the suspendered-one will be live – simultaneously on AWN and ABC 33/40.

“There’s a hunger for adequate good weather coverage, and a lot of our rural parts of the state don’t have that. This will fill some holes,” says Spann, who will retain his position as chief meteorologist for ABC 33/40 while appearing on the new network.

Here are 5 things you should know about the Alabama Weather Channel:

1. AWN is building one of the most expansive live weather camera systems in the nation, with cameras across the state linked with solar-powered weather sensors, providing continuous, real-time views and data across Alabama.
2. Veteran storm chasers John Oldshue (also an AWN owner) and Brett Adair (founder/owner of Live Storms Media) will lead a rain-boots-on-the-ground swarm of volunteer spotters (Skywatchers) stationed throughout the state.
3. Weather isn’t just for watching anymore. Crafted for today’s multi-taskers, AWN, during live weather events, will wield a buffet of platforms to simultaneously stream, post and push weather at you via computer and phone.
4. Beyond clouds and radar. AWN will highlight Alabama’s most unique towns, communities, people, traditions, as well as stories on survival and resilience.
5. You’ll be able to catch AWN on streaming services Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire; on social media on YouTube, Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok; and via the Alabama Weather Network app and website.

Spann is one of four AWN owners.

The others are hotel industry executive Bill Murray, who partners with Spann on the Alabama Weather Blog, Oldshue and business and personal finance expert Bill Hardekopf, who was president and general manager of the Birmingham Barons from 1992-1998.

“There are a gazillion weather apps, a gazillion YouTubers and TikTokers,” adds Spann, “but folks need a source they can trust. I’d like to think I’ve been here long enough where I understand them, they understand me, and I’m always there for them.”