Crystal Wicker is the weekend meteorologist at RTV6.

"Ever since I was a child, I have always been fascinated with the weather. I remember going outside with my father and watching thunderstorms pass by," she said.

During one thunderstorm in particular, a tornado ripped through her hometown of Kendallville, Ind., and just missed her grandparents’ house.

"It was one of the scariest moments of my life and is one of the reasons I am a meteorologist today," she said.

Wicker has a bachelor of science degree in meteorology and a minor in journalism from Northern Illinois University. She has earned the prestigious American Meteorological Society's Seal of Approval and the National Weather Association's Seal of Approval. She's also a member of both organizations.

While in college, Wicker interned at many different television stations and also did weather for the local television station on campus. During her senior year, she started working at WIFR-TV in Rockford, Ill., as their weekend meteorologist.

Then, she moved to New Orleans and worked for WVUE-TV as their morning meteorologist. In New Orleans, Wicker covered many tropical systems, including Hurricane Lili, Hurricane Ivan, Tropical Storm Isidore, Tropical Storm Cindy and of course, Hurricane Katrina.

"Forecasting Katrina was the most challenging forecast I've ever made," she said. When she went back to the city after the hurricane struck, Wicker couldn't believe all of the damage.

"It just shows you how powerful hurricanes are and how seriously residents need to take them," she said.

Some of Wicker’s hobbies include collecting antique weather instruments, exercising and hanging out with friends. Growing up in Indiana has also made her a huge fan of auto racing. NASCAR is her favorite.

Wicker also has developed the Weather Wiz Kids web page as an effort to show kids the exciting world of weather. You can visit it by going to weatherwizkids.com. Wicker has gone to many schools and talked to tons of kids about weather.

"The best part about it is the interesting questions I get asked. To me, getting kids interested in weather is one way I can help the community," she said.

Contact: Crystal