Just in case his extensive coverage of tornadoes sweeping through Alabama wasn’t enough to entice viewers to Like WHNT chief meteorologist Jason Simpson on Facebook, the Huntsville CBS-affiliate is now offering $519 to be his friend.

WHNT, channel 19, has posted a big promotion on Simpson’s Facebook page, offering viewers a chance to win an American Express gift card if they Like the veteran meteorologist.

This is certainly not the first instance of local stations offering prizes in an effort to boost Facebook connections, but it is the only time in recent memory where a dollar figure for friendship was placed so closely to someone’s head.Simpson joined WHNT in January, after working as the morning meteorologist for ABC 33/40 in Birmingham.  [Via NewsBlues]