IN THIS ISSUE · SPRING 2026 — Read the cover story
March 3rd, 2020.
A date that changed everything.
The way the people of Cookeville think about weather shifted forever in the early hours of that terrible morning.
A new fear was injected into the community. We lost 19 neighbors, and with them went the false security that “this can’t happen here.”
Since that night, a new sense of vigilance settles over Cookeville whenever watches and warnings loom. Thankfully, we have an advocate committed to keeping us informed, aware, and safe: Anthony Taylor.
The founder of Upper Cumberland Weather, Anthony is a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University with a degree in Broadcast Journalism. His love for the Upper Cumberland ultimately kept him from pursuing on-air opportunities in larger metropolitan markets.
“I have always loved the weather,” said the Smith County born and raised meteorologist. “I remember being fascinated by local meteorologists in first grade, and that passion has never left me.”
But finding work in meteorology can be difficult. In 2017, a lightbulb moment changed everything. There was no direct, dedicated weather coverage focused specifically on the Upper Cumberland region. Anthony secured UpperCumberlandWeather.com and began building what would become the area’s go-to source for live, hyperlocal weather coverage.
Today, Upper Cumberland Weather is more than a platform. It is a lifeline. What began with roughly 4,000 followers in 2017 has grown to more than 40,000 loyal followers who rely on Anthony to stay weather aware and prepared.
What started with an iPhone has evolved into a full-scale, in-home weather studio equipped with more than five computers monitoring radar systems and the ability to live stream directly to viewers’ YouTube and Facebook feeds.
Although Anthony still maintains a full-time job, residents across Cookeville and the surrounding counties know him as their trusted source for navigating nature’s worst moments.
His wife, Brooke, is consistently by his side assisting during severe weather live feeds. The couple is also preparing for a new chapter, as they expect their first child, Hallie Blair Taylor, this summer.
While we will never forget what happened that terrible night, thanks to Anthony Taylor, our community faces the future with greater knowledge, preparedness, and hope.
Follow Upper Cumberland Weather at https://www.facebook.com/UpperCumberlandWeather.
— By Chelsea Dartez
Photo by Cris Stroud
Styled by Seth Overton
Anthony was featured as one of our Movers and Shakers in the Cookeville Lifestyle Summer 2023 edition. The magazine can be purchased HERE.
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