Tom Russell is chief meteorologist for CBS 21 based in Harrisburg. He lives with his wife, three teenage daughters, two wiener dogs, and a cat near Hershey in West Hanover Township. We sat down to learn a little more about this familiar face who has been bringing the forecast into the homes of many of our readers for the past 16 years.
When did you start with CBS and what did you do before that? I started with CBS in June of 2002. I was a meteorologist at the ABC station in Orlando, Florida, before that. I’ve been in broadcasting 30 years!
What do you find most fulfilling in your job? Being able to keep people safe during severe weather. Guiding viewers through a scary weather situation when they are counting on crucial information is very rewarding.
Most interesting event you’ve ever reported on? The Campbelltown tornado in 2004. It destroyed most of the Country Squire Estates neighborhood in Campbelltown. The best part was that the community came together and rebuilt in about two years.
Where are you from? Baltimore, Maryland
Where did you go to college? University of Dayton (Undergrad) and Mississippi State (Meteorology)
Is there a particular item of clothing or shoe that you like to wear that you buy over and over in multiple colors? Ties. In my job, it’s the only clothing item we can have fun with.
Favorite piece of clothing you own? Jeans, I love a good, comfortable pair of jeans. But Levis keep making it harder to find the right ones with all those numbers…508, 514…geez!
What shows are you planning to see this year? Classic rock is my thing. Already saw Journey, Def Leppard…then Tesla and Styx. Maybe Toto later this year.
What are you reading? I love biographies. Read Lou Gramm’s book (Foreigner’s lead singer). I like classic rock!
Netflix addiction? I really enjoyed Stranger Things and then Lost in Space.
Favorite movie? All time...Star Wars
Best dish you ever ate? My wife’s chicken parmesan
Favorite place to eat in Central PA? The Glass Lounge
What do you do to unwind? Work out
Tea or coffee? Tea. I can’t stand coffee.
Beer or wine? Not a drinker. I’ll do the occasional glass of wine. I’m a soda connoisseur.
Salty or sweet? Salty. I’m a sucker for chips, pretzels, etc.
Most meaningful possession? Just traveled to Israel and brought back water from the River Jordan.
Family: I’m the last of 9 kids. My parents are 92 and 91.
What’s one thing people would not guess about you? I once lived in the Virgin Islands.
A few of my favorite things:
- The biggest weather story I ever covered was the Campbelltown flood in 2004.
- My favorite football players growing up and me as a young football player.
- I was living in Orlando on 9/11 and feel like that moment forever changed our history.
- My go-to snacks. I’m a Coca-Cola guy(the dogs are named Koka and Kola with a K because all the girls in our house are named with a K).
- My journal from when I packed up everything and moved to the US Virgin Islands.
