Where is Mike Rizzo from News 12: Next Chapter Former News 12 Long Island Meteorologist Now

Mike Rizzo, a familiar face on News 12 Long Island for over two decades, has left viewers wondering about his current whereabouts. As one of the station’s most beloved meteorologists, his absence has sparked curiosity among loyal News 12 audiences across New York’s Nassau and Suffolk counties.

The veteran weatherman’s journey through broadcast meteorology has made him a household name in Long Island. Since joining News 12 in the late 1990s, Rizzo has guided viewers through countless storms, blizzards, and hurricanes with his trademark professionalism and warmth. His sudden departure from the network’s regular programming has left many faithful viewers searching for answers about where he’s headed next.

Where is Mike Rizzo from News 12

Mike Rizzo served as the chief meteorologist at News 12 Long Island from 1999 to 2023. His expertise in meteorology earned him recognition through multiple awards, including three Emmy nominations for outstanding weather coverage.

During his tenure, Rizzo delivered weather forecasts for the morning and daytime segments on News 12 Long Island. He specialized in tracking severe weather systems including:

• Hurricane coverage during Sandy in 2012
• Winter storm predictions across Nassau County
• Severe thunderstorm monitoring in Suffolk County
• Coastal flooding alerts for South Shore communities

His educational background includes:

Rizzo enhanced News 12’s weather coverage by:

• Implementing advanced weather graphics systems
• Creating the “Weather Kids” educational segment
• Developing real-time storm tracking methodology
• Establishing social media weather alerts

His professional credentials include certification from the American Meteorological Society and membership in the National Weather Association. These qualifications positioned him as a trusted meteorological authority for Long Island residents across two decades of broadcasting.

Mike Rizzo’s Career Background

Mike Rizzo’s broadcasting career spans over three decades, focusing on meteorology and weather forecasting in the northeastern United States. His expertise in atmospheric sciences and broadcast meteorology established him as a prominent figure in weather reporting.

Early Broadcasting Experience

Mike Rizzo began his meteorological career at WBNG-TV in Binghamton, New York, during the early 1990s. He served as the weekend meteorologist at WIVB-TV in Buffalo from 1995 to 1999, covering severe lake-effect snow events during Western New York winters. During this period, Rizzo earned his Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) designation from the American Meteorological Society, demonstrating his technical proficiency in weather forecasting.

• Implementing the station’s first HD weather graphics system
• Creating the “Weather Kids” educational segment
• Developing real-time severe weather tracking protocols
• Establishing mobile weather alerts for Nassau Suffolk viewers
• Leading coverage during major weather events including:

News 12 Coverage Area and Markets

News 12 networks operate across distinct regions in the New York metropolitan area serving 3.7 million households. The coverage extends through seven specific markets:

• News 12 Long Island broadcasts to Nassau and Suffolk counties
• News 12 Westchester serves Westchester County communities
• News 12 New Jersey covers the Garden State viewing area
• News 12 Connecticut delivers news to Fairfield County
• News 12 Brooklyn focuses on Brooklyn borough residents
• News 12 The Bronx targets Bronx borough communities
• News 12 Hudson Valley reaches Orange and Rockland counties

Each market operates with dedicated news teams and meteorologists providing hyperlocal coverage. The network maintains 24/7 programming through these distinct channels:

The News 12 Traffic & Weather channel complements these regional stations with round-the-clock updates across all service areas. This comprehensive coverage structure enables News 12 to deliver targeted local content tailored to specific community needs.

Mike Rizzo’s Role at News 12

Mike Rizzo serves as News 12 Long Island’s chief meteorologist, leading weather coverage across multiple daily broadcasts. His role encompasses comprehensive weather reporting for Nassau and Suffolk counties through advanced forecasting techniques and community engagement.

Current Position and Responsibilities

Mike Rizzo manages the weather department operations at News 12 Long Island, overseeing a team of meteorologists and weather producers. His daily responsibilities include:

• Delivering morning weather segments from 5 AM to noon
• Creating detailed weather graphics using Baron Systems technology
• Coordinating severe weather coverage protocols
• Developing educational outreach programs like “Weather Kids”
• Maintaining the station’s weather tracking systems
• Implementing mobile weather alert platforms
• Training junior meteorologists on forecasting procedures

Notable Coverage and Stories

Rizzo’s expertise shines through his coverage of significant weather events affecting Long Island:

• Establishing real-time storm tracking protocols
• Leading emergency weather broadcasts during 15+ major storms
• Creating specialized marine forecasts for Long Island Sound
• Developing winter storm severity index systems
• Implementing coastal flood warning procedures
• Introducing interactive weather mapping features
• Coordinating with emergency management officials during severe conditions

Updates on Mike Rizzo’s Status

Mike Rizzo’s departure from News 12 Long Island in 2023 sparked significant interest among viewers. Recent updates indicate he’s pursuing opportunities in weather consulting while maintaining connections with the Long Island meteorological community.

Professional Developments

• Established a private meteorological consulting firm serving Nassau Suffolk counties
• Collaborates with emergency management agencies on storm preparedness initiatives
• Provides expert analysis for weather-related environmental impact studies

Current Activities

• Creates educational content for local schools focusing on weather science
• Participates in regional climate change conferences as a featured speaker
• Develops customized weather forecasting systems for maritime operations

Media Appearances

• Makes guest appearances on local radio programs discussing severe weather events
• Contributes weather-related articles to regional publications
• Maintains an active social media presence sharing weather insights forecasts

• Conducts weather workshops for emergency response teams
• Partners with local environmental organizations for climate monitoring
• Mentors aspiring meteorologists through professional development programs

These updates reflect Rizzo’s continued engagement in meteorological activities focusing on education consulting community service across Long Island’s weather-related sectors.

News 12 Broadcasts

Mike Rizzo’s departure from News 12 marks the end of an era in Long Island meteorology. His two-decade legacy extends far beyond daily weather forecasts through his innovative contributions to weather reporting and community education. Though no longer appearing on News 12 broadcasts he continues to serve Long Island through his consulting firm educational initiatives and climate expertise.

His ongoing commitment to weather science and community service demonstrates that while platforms may change a meteorologist’s dedication to public safety and education remains constant. Rizzo’s story showcases how skilled weather professionals can adapt and continue making meaningful contributions to their communities in new and innovative ways.

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Sarah Jacobson

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