Award-winning meteorologist and Columbus native Chris Tomer will join WBNS-10TV as its new chief meteorologist, beginning Feb. 9.
The station announced Tomer’s new position on Jan. 21, noting that he brings more than 20 years of broadcast meteorology experience.
Tomer will lead weather coverage on 10TV’s 4 p.m., 5 p.m., 6 p.m., and 11 p.m. newscasts. He will also appear throughout the day on 10TV+ and anchor the station’s daily 2 p.m. “Weather Impact” live streaming program, according to a press release.
“Weather drives the daily decisions of our viewers, and we’re committed to investing in the growth of our team and strength of our coverage,” Steve Hyvonen, WBNS news director, said in the release. “Chris’ forecasting expertise, local roots and deep understanding of our community make him an exceptional addition to the 10TV weather team.”
After spending much of his career in Colorado and in national forecasting roles, Tomer will return to central Ohio. He’ll be leaving his current position as national forecaster for WeatherNation TV at KMGH-TV in Denver.
Tomer also spent about two decades at KDVR/KWGN-TV in Denver, served as chief meteorologist at KJCT-TV in Grand Junction, Colorado, and later worked with Sinclair Broadcast Group in Baltimore.
“I’m honored to return home to central Ohio,” Tomer said. “My goal is to help viewers understand what’s happening now, what’s coming next and how it could impact their day.”
Tomer takes over the reins from former chief meteorologist Jerry Martz, who announced Dec. 24 in a Christmas-themed video on Facebook that he was leaving the news station. In the clip, Martz recited a playful poem inspired by “The Night Before Christmas,” thanking his colleagues and viewers for their support.
Martz told viewers he isn’t leaving the region, saying he’ll remain in central Ohio “just chasing new winds,” but that this chapter at WBNS is ending.
Trending reporter Amani Bayo can be reached at abayo@dispatch.com.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Chris Tomer named chief meteorologist at 10TV
Reporting by Amani Bayo, Columbus Dispatch / The Columbus Dispatch
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