Steve Caparotta: WAFB’s Top Meteorologist & LSU Instructor
Dr. Steve Caparotta is a distinguished meteorologist and educator who currently serves as the Chief Meteorologist at WAFB in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Before joining WAFB-TV in June 2003, he worked at WIS-TV in Columbia, South Carolina, and KPLC-TV in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
Caparotta holds a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology from the University of South Alabama, a Master of Science in Climatology and Geography, and a Ph.D. in Geography and Climatology from Louisiana State University.
He is one of the few meteorologists in Louisiana to hold both the prestigious American Meteorological Society (AMS) Certified Consulting Meteorologist (CCM) and Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) designations.
In addition to his work as a meteorologist, Caparotta is passionate about education and has taken on a role as an instructor at LSU, teaching the next generation of coastal meteorologists.
His classes focus on real-world experiences and insights from his broadcasting career.
Caparotta has covered numerous weather events, including hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods.
He has received numerous awards for his on-air work, including Best Weathercast in Louisiana from both the Associated Press and the Louisiana Association of Broadcasters.
His career highlights include:
- Graduating from Brother Martin High School in New Orleans.
- Earning a B.S. in Meteorology from the University of South Alabama.
- Interning at WVUE-TV in New Orleans.
- Working at television stations in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and Columbia, South Carolina.
- Joining WAFB-TV in Baton Rouge in 2003.
- Earning a Master’s in Geography (Climatology) and a Ph.D. from LSU.
- Transitioning to a teaching role at LSU in 2024
Age:
Steve Caparotta was born on April 2, making him an Aries. Aries individuals are known for their adventurous spirit, determination, and leadership qualities.
As for his ethnicity, Steve Caparotta is American and was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. He is of Caucasian ethnicity.
Upbringing:
Dr. Caparotta was born and raised in the New Orleans area. His fascination with weather began at an early age, tracking tropical storms and hurricanes.
Unfortunately, he has kept much of his personal life private, including details about his parents and whether he has any siblings.
What we do know is that he attended Brother Martin High School in New Orleans before pursuing his higher education in meteorology.
Wife:
Steve Caparotta is a dedicated family man. His wife, Christy Caparotta, is his biggest supporter.
Although Christy’s professional background isn’t widely known, her role in supporting Steve’s career and managing family life has been instrumental.
The couple has two wonderful daughters, Clara and Eliana.
Steve often shares glimpses of his family life, emphasizing the importance of balancing work and personal time.
When he’s not forecasting weather or teaching, you’ll likely find Steve spending quality time with his family.
Steve’s interests outside of meteorology include watching sports, particularly cheering for local teams like the New Orleans Saints.
His love for sports and community spirit often shines through in his interactions with fans and viewers.
Though he keeps much of his private life away from the spotlight, it’s clear that Steve’s family plays a crucial role in his life, providing him with joy and grounding amidst his demanding career.
Height, Weight:
Steve Caparotta stands confidently at approximately 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) tall.
While specific details about his weight aren’t publicly available, it’s estimated to be around 150-170 pounds (68-77 kg).
Caparotta’s professional presence and dedication to meteorology make him a respected figure in his field.
Career and Background:
Dr. Caparotta has been with WAFB since 2003 and currently serves as the Chief Meteorologist.
He holds certifications as a Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM), Certified Consulting Meteorologist (CCM), and Certified Digital Meteorologist (CDM) from the American Meteorological Society.
In addition to his role at WAFB, he is an instructor at Louisiana State University (LSU), where he teaches courses in coastal meteorology.
Dr. Caparotta earned his master’s degree and Ph.D. from LSU, highlighting his strong academic background.
WAFB-TV (Baton Rouge, LA):
Steve Caparotta has been a stalwart of the WAFB-TV weather team since June 2003.
Over the years, he has become a trusted voice for the Baton Rouge community, known for his precise weather forecasts and calm demeanor during severe weather events.
His role involves not just delivering daily weather updates but also interpreting complex meteorological data to provide the most accurate and comprehensible forecasts.
Steve’s dedication to his work has earned him several accolades and awards from the Associated Press, underscoring his impact and reliability as a meteorologist.
His tenure at WAFB-TV has also allowed him to build a strong connection with the viewers, who rely on his expertise during critical times.
WIS-TV (Columbia, SC):
Prior to his role at WAFB-TV, Steve gained invaluable experience at WIS-TV in Columbia, South Carolina.
From January 2001 to June 2003, he served as a meteorologist, honing his skills in weather forecasting and gaining deeper insights into the dynamics of regional weather patterns.
During his tenure at WIS-TV, Steve was exposed to diverse weather challenges that enriched his forecasting capabilities.
This period was crucial for his professional development, as he learned to navigate the complexities of weather phenomena that are unique to the region.
The experience and knowledge gained at WIS-TV played a pivotal role in shaping his approach to meteorology.
KPLC-TV (Lake Charles, LA):
Steve’s journey in meteorology began at KPLC-TV in Lake Charles, Louisiana, where he worked from January 1999 to January 2001.
As a young meteorologist starting out, Steve was eager to learn and make a mark in the field. His time at KPLC-TV provided him with a strong foundation in weather reporting and forecasting.
He quickly adapted to the fast-paced environment of broadcast meteorology, learning to deliver accurate forecasts under tight deadlines.
The hands-on experience at KPLC-TV helped Steve develop a keen understanding of weather patterns and forecasting techniques.
It was here that he first demonstrated his ability to effectively communicate complex weather information to the public, a skill that would serve him well throughout his career.
Notable Coverage
Here are Steve Caparotta’s notable coverage:
- Hurricane Ivan (2004): Covered the eyewalls of the storm near Gulf Shores, providing real-time updates and insights during the hurricane.
- Ice Storms: Reported on several severe ice storms in the Baton Rouge area, offering detailed forecasts and safety tips.
- Tornadoes: Covered numerous tornado outbreaks, providing timely warnings and updates to ensure community safety.
- Floods: Reported on major flooding events, offering guidance on how to stay safe and protect property during disasters.
- NOPD Looting Story: Covered the “NOPD Looting” story, earning an award from the Associated Press for his work.
- Associated Press Nominations: Nominated by the Associated Press for the Best Weathercast in Louisiana, showcasing his excellence in weather reporting.
Awards and Recognitions
Steve Caparotta has received several awards and recognitions throughout his career, highlighting his dedication and excellence in meteorology:
- Associated Press Award: Steve was honored with an award from the Associated Press for his coverage of the “NOPD Looting” story. This recognition underscores his ability to report on critical news events in addition to weather coverage.
- Best Weathercast Nominations: He has been nominated by the Associated Press for the Best Weathercast in Louisiana multiple times, showcasing his consistent excellence in weather reporting.
- 30 LAB Awards: Steve was recognized with the “Best Weathercast” award at the 30 LAB Awards in 2021, further cementing his status as a top meteorologist in the region.
Here are some of Steve Caparotta’s notable colleagues at WAFB-TV:
Meteorologists
- Jay Grymes – Chief Meteorologist
- Liz Koh – Morning Anchor and Reporter
- Jeff Morrow – Meteorologist
- Matt Williams – Anchor and Reporter
- Donna Britt – News Reporter/Anchor
- Tisha Powell – Anchor/Reporter
- Elizabeth Vowell – Anchor/Reporter
These colleagues work alongside Steve Caparotta to deliver comprehensive weather updates, news, and other important information to the community.
Net Worth and Salary:
While precise figures are unavailable, we can make some educated estimations about Dr. Caparotta’s potential income, based on industry standards and his experience:
- Meteorologist Salary: The average salary for a meteorologist in Baton Rouge, LA is around $91,910 per year, according to ZipRecruiter. However, this is just an average, and salaries can vary significantly based on experience, education, and employer.
- Experience: Dr. Caparotta has over 25 years of experience in television broadcasting, which puts him in the higher range of earning potential for meteorologists.
- Education and Certifications: Dr. Caparotta holds a Ph.D. in Geography (Climatology) from LSU and is one of only two people in Louisiana to hold both the AMS’s CCM and CBM designations. These qualifications likely increase his earning potential.
- WAFB-TV: WAFB-TV is a well-established and reputable television station in Baton Rouge, suggesting that they likely offer competitive salaries to their meteorologists.
- LSU Instructor: In addition to his work at WAFB-TV, Dr. Caparotta is also an instructor at LSU. This would provide him with an additional source of income, although it is likely to be less than his salary at WAFB-TV.
Considering these factors, it is reasonable to estimate that Dr. Caparotta’s annual income likely falls within the range of $100,000 to $200,000. However, this is just an estimate, and his actual income could be higher or lower.
It is important to note that this estimate only includes his income from his work at WAFB-TV and LSU.
It does not include any other potential sources of income, such as investments or speaking engagements.
Ultimately, the only way to know Dr. Caparotta’s exact net worth and salary would be for him to disclose that information publicly.
However, given that this type of information is generally considered private, it is unlikely that he will do so.
Is Steve Caparotta WAFB Married?
Yes, Steve Caparotta is married. His wife’s name is Christy Caparotta. Together, they have two daughters, Clara and Eliana.
Steve often shares glimpses of his family life, highlighting the importance of balancing work and personal time.
How Old Is Steve Caparotta WAFB?
Steve Caparotta was born on April 2, but the year of his birth isn’t publicly disclosed. Based on his career timeline, it’s estimated that he might be in his late 40s to early 50s.
Where Is Steve Caparotta WAFB Working?
Steve Caparotta is currently working at WAFB-TV in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he serves as the weekday meteorologist. He delivers weather forecasts at 5 p.m. and is known for his accurate and timely updates.
Additionally, Steve has taken on a new role as an instructor at LSU, teaching the next generation of coastal meteorologists.
His classes focus on real-world experiences and insights from his broadcasting career, preparing students for the complexities of weather forecasting.
Steve Caparotta is active on social media. He maintains a presence on platforms like Facebook and Twitter, where he shares weather updates, insights, and interacts with viewers.
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