Chief Meteorologist Brent Watts

Chief Meteorologist

Roanoke, VA

Brent Watts was in 4th grade when the Flood of ’85 nearly submerged his hometown of Buchanan. This event sparked his interest in predicting severe weather.

The Botetourt County native joined WDBJ7 television in 1997 working behind the scenes and joined the weather department in 2003. Since then, Brent has been a duty meteorologist during some of the region’s most incredible weather events, including the 2004 tornado outbreak , 2011. , 2016 and 2018, flooding from tropical storms and even the 2012 Derecho.

Brent has a degree in communications from Old Dominion University and is a graduate of Mississippi State University’s Broadcast Meteorology Program. He received the American Meteorological Society (AMS) Seal of Approval. Brent is a three-time Emmy winner for his work on the 1985 Flood, Hurricane Michael, and 2012’s Derecho documentaries.

When he’s not broadcasting the forecast on WDBJ7, you’ll find Brent visiting schools and groups that share his passion for weather and protecting the environment.

Outside of work, Brent enjoys playing the piano and drums, canoeing the area’s rivers, and visiting Virginia’s hometowns in search of great photography, food, and fun.

Brent lives in Roanoke with his wife Vicky, daughter Tori and their dog Riley and rescue cat Jaxson Cloud.