Meteorologist Leo Hirsbrunner

A proud native of New England, Leo is a 1997 graduate of Northern Vermont University at Lyndon in Lyndonville, Vermont. There he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Meteorology and a minor in Physics. While at college Leo interned at WPRI in Providence, Rhode Island.

After graduating, his first job was as fill-in Meteorologist at WVNY in Burlington, Vermont. His second job took him to WBOY in Clarksburg, West Virginia. Leo spent 2 & 1/2 years at WBOY as Chief Meteorologist before taking the Weekend Meteorologist position here at WDBJ7 in August of 2000. Leo was quickly promoted to WDBJ7 Mornin' and WDBJ7 at Noon.

Leo gained valuable forecasting skills from The New England Shore Line to the Mountains of West Virginia. Leo is a member of the American Meteorological Society and holds the Society's prestigious Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) designation. The CBM Seal is the highest designation awarded by the American Meteorological Society "The Society's Certified Broadcast Meteorologist designation clearly recognizes that the holders have the educational background and have been tested in their knowledge and communication of the sciences needed to be an effective broadcast meteorologist," said AMS Executive Director Keith Seitter. "The general public can have added confidence in the quality and reliability of weather presentations made by broadcast meteorologists approved by the Society."

Being a meteorologist was a childhood dream for Leo. In 1978, he experienced the "Storm of the Century" at the early age of five. Its blistering winds and blanketing snow invoked his everlasting passion for the weather, which he enthusiastically shares with children today through his frequent visits to various local schools.

During his free time he loves watching and playing Ice Hockey. Leo, his wife, Karen, son Ayden and their mixed terriers, Mocha and Peanut, reside in southwest Roanoke County.