Tom Coomes: WBND’s Chief Meteorologist – A Journey in Weather Forecasting
Tom Coomes is the Chief Meteorologist at ABC 57 – WBND-TV in South Bend, Indiana, where he has been a prominent figure in local weather reporting for several years.
His career in meteorology began in the early 1990s, after he graduated from Ball State University with a degree in meteorology.
He started his career at WSBT-TV in South Bend, Indiana, where he worked as a weekend meteorologist for several years. In 2001, he joined WBND, where he has served as the chief meteorologist ever since.
Tom is known for his expertise in weather forecasting, particularly severe weather.
He is a frequent contributor to the station’s First Warning Weather team and is often called upon to provide expert analysis of weather events.
Tom is also a popular speaker at community events and schools, where he shares his knowledge of weather with the public.
In addition to his work at WBND, Tom is also involved in a number of other activities.
He is a member of the American Meteorological Society and the National Weather Association.
He is also a volunteer with the National Weather Service, where he helps to train new meteorologists.
Tom is a respected and well-liked member of the Michiana community. He is known for his friendly demeanor and his dedication to his work.
He is a valuable asset to WBND and a trusted source of weather information for viewers in the Michiana region.
When he’s not forecasting the weather, Tom enjoys traveling, gardening, grilling, and cycling. He also loves craft beer and often visits local breweries on Friday nights.
Early Life and Education:
Tom Coomes grew up in Michiana, where he was involved in Little League baseball in North Liberty and hockey in the IYHL.
He also played high school football at South Bend Washington. During the summers, he spent time at Lake Manitou in Rochester at his grandparents’ house, and in the winters, he enjoyed sledding in South Bend at another set of his grandparents’ house.
His love for science was inspired by his grandfather, who was a PhD physics professor at the University of Notre Dame.
Tom’s first science project in first grade, which was on light and the color spectrum, was guided by his grandfather.
Initially, Tom thought he wanted to be a chemist, but he chose meteorology because it combined his two talents: talking and science.
Tom attended Purdue University, where he joined the Purdue University Meteorological Association.
He graduated in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Atmospheric Science and Meteorology.
Career:
After graduating from Purdue, Tom began his professional career in Grand Junction, Colorado.
Despite the region’s 300 days of sunshine and mountainous landscapes, he felt the need for more dynamic weather patterns.
When approached about launching a new news station in South Bend, he saw it as an opportunity to return home and embrace the challenges of forecasting in a region known for its diverse weather conditions, including heavy snowfall, severe weather, and extreme temperatures.
KJCT News 8 (Grand Junction, Colorado)
Tom Coomes kicked off his meteorology career at KJCT News 8, where he served as a morning meteorologist.
At KJCT News 8, he was responsible for anchoring the news, providing daily weather forecasts, and reporting on various weather-related events.
His role involved early morning hours, which are particularly challenging in the broadcast industry.
However, the region’s predominant sunny weather provided fewer opportunities for him to tackle complex weather patterns.
This experience helped him hone his skills and prepare for more demanding weather forecasting roles in the future.
WSJV Fox 28 (South Bend, Indiana)
Seeking more challenging weather conditions and opportunities, Tom moved to WSJV Fox 28 in South Bend, Indiana.
Here, he continued to develop his meteorological expertise by forecasting a broader range of weather conditions, from heavy snowstorms to severe thunderstorms.
His role at WSJV involved not only on-air weather presentations but also behind-the-scenes work, such as analyzing weather data and creating detailed forecasts.
This experience allowed Tom to further refine his skills and become adept at handling the unpredictable weather patterns of the Midwest.
WBND (South Bend, Indiana)
In January 2011, Tom joined WBND (ABC 57) as a morning meteorologist. His dedication to accurate and reliable weather forecasting quickly made him a valuable member of the WBND team.
Tom’s ability to communicate complex weather information in an engaging and understandable manner endeared him to viewers.
In June 2014, his hard work and expertise were recognized, and he was promoted to Chief Meteorologist.
In this role, Tom is responsible for overseeing the weather team, developing long-term weather strategies, and continuing to provide daily weather forecasts.
He enjoys the diverse weather challenges that South Bend offers, including lake-effect snowfall, severe weather outbreaks, and extreme temperature fluctuations.
Tom’s commitment to keeping the community informed and safe during severe weather events has made him a trusted and respected figure in local weather forecasting.
Throughout his career, Tom has been dedicated to utilizing social media and other platforms to engage with the community.
He regularly shares weather updates, educational content, and personal insights, fostering a strong connection with his audience.
Tom’s passion for meteorology, combined with his deep roots in the Michiana area, has cemented his reputation as a reliable and relatable meteorologist.
Here are Tom Coomes’ notable coverage events:
- Derecho Severe Weather (July 2024): Covered damaging winds and confirmed tornadoes during a derecho in Michiana.
- Steamy and Stormy Weather (July 2017): Provided live updates on thunderstorms and high temperatures.
- Midwest Severe Weather (April 2020): Covered an event with widespread 80 mph wind damage.
- Tornado Warnings and Severe Storms: Regularly provided updates on tornado warnings and severe storms.
Tom Coomes has received several awards and recognitions throughout his career:
- Edward R. Murrow Award (2017): Tom won this prestigious award for Excellence in Video for his feature “Skyline Skepticism,” which explained a rare weather phenomenon where a mirage of the Chicago Skyline appears on Lake Michigan.
- Local Community Recognition: Tom has been recognized by the local community for his dedication to accurate weather forecasting and his efforts to keep the public informed and safe during severe weather events.
- Social Media Engagement: Tom’s effective use of social media to engage with the community and provide timely weather updates has earned him praise and recognition from viewers and colleagues alike.
Tom Coomes works with a talented team at WBND (ABC 57). Here are some of his colleagues:
- Brian Conybeare: A fellow meteorologist known for his engaging weather presentations.
- Tim Spears: An anchor who brings news and weather updates to viewers.
- Summer Horan: A news reporter who covers a variety of stories.
- Annie Kate Raglow: A multimedia journalist who covers news of the day across Michiana, including mental health, housing, crime, and local government.
- Krysten Tyler: A meteorologist who joined the ABC57 First Warning Neighborhood Weather Team in November 2024. She brings a community-focused approach to weather forecasting.
- Amber Twardy: A reporter who covers community events and news.
- Emmett Twomey: A reporter who focuses on sports coverage.
- Allison Hayes: A reporter who covers health and wellness topics.
Tom’s colleagues contribute to the station’s mission of providing accurate and timely information to the community.
Financial Status:
Tom Coomes, as a seasoned Chief Meteorologist at a respected station like WBND, undoubtedly commands a substantial salary.
Based on industry standards for experienced professionals in medium-sized markets, his annual compensation likely falls comfortably within the $100,000 to $200,000 range.
Given his years of experience and prominent role at WBND, it’s safe to assume Tom Coomes has amassed a considerable net worth.
While exact figures remain private, it’s reasonable to estimate his net worth to be in the six-figure range.
The salary for a Chief Meteorologist at a local television station like WBND can vary based on several factors, including:
- Years of Experience: More experienced meteorologists typically command higher salaries.
- Market Size: Salaries in larger markets (like New York City or Los Angeles) tend to be higher than those in smaller markets.
- Station Size and Revenue: Larger stations with higher revenue streams can afford to pay their meteorologists more.
- Individual Skills and Reputation: Highly respected and skilled meteorologists may be able to negotiate higher salaries.
Here are some realistic salary estimates for a Chief Meteorologist at WBND, keeping in mind that these are just estimates:
- Low End: $75,000 – $100,000 per year
- Mid-Range: $100,000 – $150,000 per year
- High End: $150,000 – $200,000 per year or more
It’s important to note that these are just estimates, and the actual salary could be higher or lower depending on the factors mentioned above.
Personal Life:
Tom Coomes married Lauren on March 9, 2024. They celebrated their wedding with close friends and family, sharing the joyous occasion.
Tom posted a wedding picture on social media, expressing his excitement and happiness about the special day.
Although there isn’t much publicly available information about their relationship, it is evident that they share a strong bond and enjoy spending time together.
As of now, there is no information about whether they have children. Tom and Lauren seem to be focused on their careers and enjoying their time as a married couple.
They often explore local attractions, indulge in their shared love for craft beer, and support each other in their personal and professional endeavors.
Tom’s posts on social media occasionally feature moments from their lives together, showcasing their adventures and the happy moments they share.
Lauren, like Tom, seems to value privacy, and they both maintain a low profile regarding their personal life.
Tom Coomes’ Physical Attributes:
- Height: Tom Coomes stands confidently at approximately 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm).
- Weight: Based on his height, a realistic estimate for Tom’s weight would be around 140 to 160 pounds (63 to 72 kg).
Distinguishing Features:
- Hair Color: Tom sports brown hair.
- Eye Color: His striking blue eyes are a notable feature.
Tom carries himself with the confidence and poise that come from years of experience in front of the camera, delivering weather updates to the Michiana community.
Social Media Activity:
Tom Coomes is active on social media! He uses platforms like Twitter and Facebook to engage with his audience, share weather updates, and provide insights into his work as a meteorologist.
On Twitter, he posts regular weather updates and interacts with his followers. His Facebook page also has a significant following, where he shares weather forecasts, news, and personal updates.