Jacksonville, FL: It is with profound sadness that WJXT announces the passing of George Winterling, the esteemed and revered meteorologist who spent decades delivering accurate and reliable weather forecasts to the viewers of North Florida and South Georgia. Winterling's remarkable career spanned over five decades, during which he became a trusted household name and a beloved figure in the Jacksonville community. He passed away peacefully on June 21, 2023, surrounded by his family. He was 91.
George Winterling joined WJXT in 1962, and from his very first broadcast, he captivated audiences with his unwavering dedication to accurate weather reporting and his genuine compassion for the people he served. Throughout his career, Winterling earned a reputation for his meticulous research, insightful analysis, and calm demeanor during severe weather events.
Winterling's impact extended far beyond the confines of the television studio. He played a crucial role in pioneering the use of advanced meteorological technology to provide accurate and timely forecasts. He was the only meteorologist to forecast a direct hit from Hurricane Dora and created the term commonly used today to refer to the heat index.
For George it was the beginning of what became a lifetime of warning our viewers about dangerous weather. His commitment t o innovation and his willingness to embrace new technologies revolutionized weather reporting in the region.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Winterling was known for his kindhearted nature and his commitment to community service. He frequently participated in local charity events, mentored aspiring meteorologists, and dedicated his time to educating the public about weather safety. Winterling's generosity and humility earned him the respect and admiration of colleagues, viewers and the community at large.
His contributions to the field of meteorology did not go unnoticed. Winterling received numerous accolades throughout his career, including the prestigious AMS (American Meteorological Society) Television Seal of Approval. He was also inducted into the Florida Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 1996, a testament to his lasting impact on the industry.
Longtime WJXT Chief Meteorologist John Gaughan notes, “George was not just a legend for Jacksonville’s weather, his dedication to broadcast meteorology opened the door to an untold number of broadcast meteorologists across the nation, including myself, of which I will be forever thankful.”
WJXT extends its deepest condolences to George Winterling's family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time. He will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him and experiencing his remarkable talent.
About WJXT Channel 4
WJXT Channel 4 and News4JAX.com provides news, information and entertainment to the Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia region. As the market leader, The Local Station is committed to bringing quality news and programming to the local community it serves. The station is owned by The Graham Holdings Company (NYSE: GHC) and is one of seven Graham Media Group stations along with WCWJ Jacksonville, WSLS Roanoke, KPRC Houston, WKMG Orlando, KSAT San Antonio and WDIV Detroit.
About Graham Media Group
Graham Media Group is comprised of seven local media powerhouses, plus Graham Digital, Omne and Social News Desk – all delivering local news, programming, advertising solutions and digital media tools for television, online, mobile, streaming, podcasts and audio devices. We are dynamic, local brands that extend well beyond traditional broadcast television. Our work helps inform, celebrate and knit together the communities we serve.
Headquartered in Detroit, GMG operates in four states: KPRC–Houston, WDIV–Detroit and WSLS–Roanoke (NBC); KSAT–San Antonio (ABC); WKMG–Orlando (CBS); WJXT–Jacksonville (fully local), and WCWJ–Jacksonville (CW). Graham Digital is a digital media and technology development group widely recognized as a top industry innovator. Omne is a leader in results-driven marketing solutions. Social News Desk provides its 2500+ worldwide newsroom-customers with a single dashboard to publish, measure, curate and monetize local news content on social platforms. Website: https://www.grahammedia.com/
###