Chief Meteorologist Gary Cannalte's interest in meteorology was sparked at an early age.

"On April 21, 1967, when I was 5 years old, tornadoes ripped through Belvidere, Lake Zurich and Oak Lawn, Ill., killing 57 people," he said. "I asked my parents why weather people couldn't predict tornadoes. They said they didn't know."

In Cannalte's nearly 10 years at WISC-TV, he's had plenty of severe storms to report on, including the June 16, 1992 tornado.

"We talked about the high risk of severe weather all morning and the tornado struck as our noon news started," he said. "After weather, I could see the tornado from the station and went back on the newscast to provide further warnings."

Gary "The King" Cannalte Gary got into the spirit on the anniversary of Elvis' death.

"Cannalte said his up-to-the-minute coverage of the tornado saved lives that day.

"Three people told me later that they heard the warning and took cover," he said. "The tornado struck within one minute."

Cannalte and his wife Jean Marty welcomed a son, Charles Marty Cannalte, into the world in early June. Almost 450 viewers submitted their best guesses as to what the baby's gender and delivery date would be, as well as suggestions for names. ( Read the Full Story )

Favorites

• Book: "Nice Guys Finish Last"
• Movie: "Airport," "Smoky and the Bandit"
• Web: "We can't get dates"(fantasy baseball league)
• Restaurant: Smoky Jon's for the best ribs in town

You can e-mail him at gcannalte@wisctv.com.