One of the best tools to being a local meteorologist is to have lived in the area for many, many years. That way you get to know the local climatology...and get a "feel" for the way things have happened in the past...and how they may well do so in the future. Nash Roberts is a good example...as is Gary England in the tornado alley of central OK.
Charlotte Harbor was like a magnet for this Hurricane...right up the chute.