Cris Martinez has been named chief meteorologist at West Palm Beach, Fla. ABC affiliate WPBF.
Martinez takes over for Mike Lyons, who is retiring at the end of the year.
“We understand the need for critical accuracy in forecasting and coverage, as weather daily affects everyone in our community,” said WPBF president and general manager Caroline Taplett. “We are confident we will continue our commitment to excellence in weather coverage, serving our community, and providing crucial information with Cris Martinez as chief certified meteorologist. He has called South Florida home for nearly a decade, and his experience covering South Florida weather has prepared him well to lead the number one team in severe weather coverage.”
Martinez joined WPBF in 2013. Before that, he was the severe weather meteorologist at WGCL (now WANF) Atlanta. He’s also worked at WOFL Orlando, Fla., KIAH Houston, KENS San Antonio and KAVU Victoria, Texas.
“I couldn’t be more honored to lead South Florida’s No. 1 weather team,” Martinez said. “I have always been committed to keeping our viewers’ safety my priority, and I look forward to continuing that legacy set forth by Mike Lyons. The entire WPBF 25 First Warning Weather team takes immense pride in providing the most accurate forecasts and lifesaving weather coverage. Rest assured, our viewers will continue to receive the critical information they have come to trust.”
“For nearly ten years, I have had the privilege of working side by side with Cris,” said Lyons. “Cris has earned our trust. He understands South Florida’s unique weather patterns, from severe storms to hurricanes, and he is committed to getting every detail right. He’s also a treasured friend, and I can step back confident our viewers are in very good hands.”
Here’s the announcement below: