WMAQ Chicago Makes Meteorologist Promotion, Hire, Retirement

NBC-owned WMAQ Chicago said today that weekday morning meteorologist Andy Avalos plans to retire at the end of August. Avalos has covered it all — snowstorms, tornadoes, floods, winds, heat waves and droughts. His radio and television career spans nearly 40 years. He first joined WMAQ in 1994 and later became the primary weekday morning meteorologist in 2003.

Alicia Roman will take over the role as primary meteorologist for NBC 5 News Today at 4-7 a.m. beginning Monday, Aug. 30. She joined the NBC 5 Storm Team 10 years ago from Indianapolis and was awarded the AMS Seal of Approval in 2009.

“Andy has been an important member of the NBC 5 Storm Team and he’s one of the nicest people in the business. We will miss him. Meanwhile, we’re thrilled Alicia is taking up the morning newscasts. She has certainly earned this promotion. Her experience has played a key role in our weather team’s commitment to keep Chicagoans safe,” said Frank Whittaker, WMAQ station manager and vice president.

Additionally, Iisha Scott will join WMAQ News as weekend morning meteorologist. Her duties will also include weekday reports on community and weather-related stories. A veteran of severe weather coverage, Scott previously worked at WCNC Charlotte, N.C., as the weekend meteorologist. She’s a member of the National Weather Association and the American Meteorological Society and has recently earned the AMS CBM award. Her first day at WMAQ is Aug. 30.