Jim Cantore
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| Jim Cantore | |
|---|---|
| Born | February 16, 1964 White River Junction, Vermont |
| Occupation | Meteorologist, The Weather Channel |
James M. Cantore (born February 16, 1964, in White River Junction, Vermont) is an American meteorologist. He is best known as an on-air personality for The Weather Channel.
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[edit] Career
A native of Waterbury, Connecticut, who was raised in White River Junction, Vermont, Cantore graduated from Lyndon State College in 1986; The Weather Channel gave him his first job out of college in July of that year, and he has worked with the channel ever since. Though not with the weather network since its beginning, Cantore has become one of the most well-known meteorologists on television.[1]
Cantore has been lauded for his ability to "break down" complicated weather events into terms that the average viewer can understand. Cantore is often selected to go to report on weather events; since the ratings for the Weather Channel increase during severe weather events, Cantore has, in turn, become a recognizable figure. [2] [3] Cantore has reported from so many hurricanes that residents along the coast have given him the nickname "The Angel of Death". [4]
Though he is best known for his live field coverage of major weather events (such as Hurricanes Ike, Gustav, Katrina, Rita. Andrew, Floyd, Mitch and Bonnie), his contributions span well beyond severe weather field reporting. His early work at TWC included developing the audience favorite Fall Foliage Forecast. He has reported from events such as the Space Shuttle Discovery launch, the "Winter X Games," PGA tournaments, NFL games, and more.[5] Jim is a member of both the National Weather Association and the American Meteorological Society. He holds the AMS Television Seal of Approval. He also received the NOAA-David S. Johnson Award in 2003 for his innovative use of environmental satellite technology.[6]
Aside from live reporting for TWC, Cantore also serves as the narrator on the TWC series Storm Stories.
He is also featured in the beginning of the Stockton, CA Thunder Hockey team Entrance Video saying "Hello, this is meteorologist Jim Cantore from the Weather Channel; a special weather advisory has been issued for the Central Valley—a 100% chance of thunder."
After NBC Universal's acquisition of The Weather Channel in 2008, Cantore has occasionally filled in for Al Roker on The Today Show.
[edit] Family
Jim married Tamra Cantore, whom he met while at TWC.[7] During the marriage they had daughter Christina (born in 1993) and son Ben (born in 1995). Tamra suffers from Parkinson's Disease and both children suffer from Fragile X Syndrome. Cantore does charitable work for both diseases, supporting FRAXA,[8] the Fragile X Research Foundation, and the Parkinson’s Unity Walk. He also contributes his time to Make-a-Wish Foundation events around the country and he has also served as a celebrity cabinet member with the American Red Cross.
[edit] References
- ^ NYTimes.com - Sunny skies over The Weather Channel [1]
- ^ USATODAY.com - He's enlightening but lets nature provide thunder
- ^ NYTimes.com - In the fury of a hurricane, TV crews cover the storm by standing in it [2]
- ^ It's Cantore, but don't worry - Dateline Florida
- ^ Ski Southwest feature [3]
- ^ AMS Newsletter[4]
- ^ IMDB
- ^ Jim Cantore's Storm Story [5]
[edit] External links
- The Weather Channel website
- Jim's bio from weather.com [6]
- Jim Cantore at the Internet Movie Database
