WVTM-13 — Jerry Tracey has been an important member of the WVTM 13 team. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

With tornadoes and flooding, we count on meteorologists to tell us how to stay safe from severe weather in Birmingham. Jerry Tracey, the chief meteorologist at WVTM 13, has been doing that for 35 years. He’ll be saying goodbye to the television screen on Friday, December 9. Read on to learn all about his broadcast career and his impact on the Birmingham community.

Who is Jerry Tracey?

He has a long, impressive career helping communities navigate through stressful weather. Jerry started his life on TV after he graduated from Penn State University and got a job at AccuWeather in 1975. After a decade working in State College, Pennsylvania, he moved down to Fort Myers, Florida to work at WINK-TV, followed by a job at The Weather Channel.

He’s been delivering forecasts for WVTM 13 since 1987, making him the longest-tenured chief meteorologist in the station’s history. Plus, Jerry is the longest-tenured chief meteorologist at a single station in Birmingham’s local television history. During his 47-year broadcasting career, the community has continuously looked to him for help during severe weather, including the blizzard of 1993 and the 2011 tornado outbreak.

“When severe weather threatens, I want to make sure my community family, along with my immediate family, stay safe. That’s how I approach my weather forecasts, and I thank you for watching and trusting me all these years.”
Jerry Tracey, Chief Meterologist, WVTM 13

Not only has Jerry been on our TVs, but he’s also been at our schools to tell children about forecasting. He’s been an inspiration to the next generation, teaching students at hundreds of schools about life as a meteorologist.

Saying goodbye after 35 years

On Friday, December 9, The Magic City can watch Jerry on WVTM 13 for one last time.

“Jerry has been the calming voice during tumultuous days of terrifying weather events for 35 years. He has dedicated his career to keeping the people of Central Alabama prepared for and safe from severe weather. While his professional accolades are worthy of celebration, it is Jerry’s humility and service to viewers and his colleagues that will be missed the most.”
Baylor Long, News Director, WVTM 13

For more than a decade, he’s cohosted the Children’s Miracle Network Broadcast—a telethon for awareness and donations for Children’s Hospital of Alabama and Children’s Miracle Network hospitals across the country. To honor Jerry’s heart and work for the hospital, WVTM 13 is hosting a Day of Giving telethon for Children’s Hospital of Alabama on Thursday, December 1. Make sure to tune in to WVTM 13 to help this amazing cause.

We’ll be sad not to see Jerry from our homes anymore, but wish him the best in his future endeavors!

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