Justin Kier
Weather/Reporter
jkier@wach.com
School: Kent State University
Hometown: Pittsburgh
Hi! Thank you for taking a moment of your busy day to read about me, a WACH FOX newcomer.
I moved to Columbia from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to join the team back in February 2007. WACH FOX is great. You may never set foot in our newsroom or weather center, but it's filled with generous veterans. They teach me something new everyday.
I went to Kent State University in Ohio where I majored in News. There, I studied under investigative multi-media reporter and personal mentor Karl Idsvoog. At Kent, I worked for student run station TV-2 serving as anchor, producer, reporter and weather forecaster for its live 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. newscasts. I landed a three-year spot with statewide PBS show, News Ohio. I also co-produced the world news show, WNN. My internship at the historic KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh prepared me for turning daily news stories. KDKA's veteran crime reporter Ralph Iannotti polished my daily reporting, sourcing and storytelling skills. I've had experience doing everything from reporting to producing to forecasting.
I'm a member of IRE, and an SPJ award winner.
News caught my interest when US Air flight 427 crashed in my hometown. As for weather, I am continuing my education at Mississippi State.
Television and multi-media reporting combine all of my favorite things: writing, shooting, editing, investigating and storytelling.
On the personal side, my passions include the cinema, Highlander, pro-wrestling, family, friends, pets, religion and exercise. When I'm not splitting my time between reporting and forecasting, you can probably find me shopping or attending a local wrestling show. I've got short term goals and long term goals for my time in the capital city. Columbia is a beautiful city to discover, and its people continue to inspire me.
Recent news stories
Flood Watch issued for Wednesday
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for the entire Midlands in effect from Wednesday morning through the evening. A flood watch means that flooding is possible due to a prolonger period of rainfall. It's important to note that flash flooding, typically seen during thunderstorms, is less likely in Wednesday's scenerio.
Coach Spurrier Press Conference
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Steve Spurrier is excited about the upcoming Gamecock season. Click the video icon to watch the full 20 minute press conference.
Update: Severe storms move through the midlands
Friday, July 31, 2009
A line of severe thunderstorms continues to move through the midlands. Numerous severe thunderstorm warnings are in effect, and you can view those in the top right hand corner of your screen. There are two cells of interest. The first storm cell is in Lexington county, moving toward the northeast at 30 miles per hour. This cell is moving towards downtown Columbia. The main threats with this cell are gusty winds and heavy rain. Power outages are possible with this storm. The second cell is in eastern Fairfield county near Longtown moving northeast in Kershaw county at 30 miles per hour.
Severe storms produce heavy rain, frequent lightning
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Severe thunderstorms continue to move through the Midlands this afternoon. As of 4:35 pm, Clarendon and Sumter counties are under a severe thunderstorm warning until 5:15 pm. These storms are capable of producing locally heavy rainfall, frequent lightning and gusty winds in excess of 60 miles per hour.
Severe Thunderstorms roll through the midlands
Monday, July 27, 2009
Strong to severe thunderstorms are rolling through the midlands at this time. Calhoun, Lexington and Richland counties have already seen severe thunderstorm warnings lasting until 2:30 pm. An unstable atmosphere combined with a trough and an approaching front provide the opportunity for afternoon and evening thunderstorms.
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