Whenever there is a whisper of snow or a hurricane around here I remember Joe Foulkes. He passed about twenty years ago and we lost an original and entertaining weatherman. For natives and residents of Tidewater (Hampton Roads/Coastal Virginia ) he was the television voice of local weather in the 60's and 70's. At the time, he was an icon of local television.
He was a veteran of Naval forecasting, and always ended his broadcast with a snappy military salute. The most impressive part of his weather prognostications was his guttural delivery. When Joe told the weather it was delivered with the deep voiced authority of god or at least Charlton Heston. Also, he was one of the last weathermen using a real map and black marker to scratch out the wind directions, highs and lows.
At the time the science of meteorology was still sketchy, and many children of the time will remember the snowstorms he predicted that never arrived. Based on his dire predictions, I fondly recall bedding down knowing his blizzard would allow me a few "snow days". However, very often upon waking to sunshine and dry ground I would hate Joe, at least, for the day. Late in his career because of age or an extra sip of spirits, Joe would sometimes miss jabbing his large black marker into his suit coat at the close of his broadcast.
Also, during the fierce hurricanes Hazel, Donna, and frequent northeast storms of the time, Joe was the man to watch before the power went out. All in all, he was a most likable television personality, and brought humor and a sense of gravitas to weather forecasting.
Remembering Joe Foulkes and his unique weather forecasting is a fond memory as we await the tomorrows climate change, global warming or new ice age.
He was a veteran of Naval forecasting, and always ended his broadcast with a snappy military salute. The most impressive part of his weather prognostications was his guttural delivery. When Joe told the weather it was delivered with the deep voiced authority of god or at least Charlton Heston. Also, he was one of the last weathermen using a real map and black marker to scratch out the wind directions, highs and lows.
At the time the science of meteorology was still sketchy, and many children of the time will remember the snowstorms he predicted that never arrived. Based on his dire predictions, I fondly recall bedding down knowing his blizzard would allow me a few "snow days". However, very often upon waking to sunshine and dry ground I would hate Joe, at least, for the day. Late in his career because of age or an extra sip of spirits, Joe would sometimes miss jabbing his large black marker into his suit coat at the close of his broadcast.
Also, during the fierce hurricanes Hazel, Donna, and frequent northeast storms of the time, Joe was the man to watch before the power went out. All in all, he was a most likable television personality, and brought humor and a sense of gravitas to weather forecasting.
Remembering Joe Foulkes and his unique weather forecasting is a fond memory as we await the tomorrows climate change, global warming or new ice age.
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