Topper Shutt: A Detailed Biography of WUSA’s Chief Meteorologist
Topper Shutt is a renowned television meteorologist, currently serving as the Chief Meteorologist at WUSA Channel 9 in Washington, D.C. He is also a forecaster for WHUR-FM.
Early Life and Education
Born and raised in the Washington area, Shutt developed a passion for weather at a young age.
He built his own weather station at the age of 8 and was already making forecasts by the time he was 10.
After graduating from Landon School in Bethesda, Maryland, he attended Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, where he majored in history.
He furthered his studies in meteorology at the University of Tennessee and the University of North Carolina at Asheville.
Career
Shutt’s broadcasting career began in 1981 when he joined CNN in Atlanta as a weather producer and substitute weather anchor.
In 1984, he moved to WTVK-TV (now WVLT-TV) in Knoxville, Tennessee, where he served as a weekday weather anchor.
From 1987 to 1988, Shutt worked as a weekend weather anchor at WFMY-TV in Greensboro, North Carolina.
In 1988, he joined WFMY’s sister station, WUSA, where he has been a prominent figure in local weather forecasting ever since.
In addition to his television work, Shutt has also been a forecaster for WHUR-FM since 1988.
He co-founded Automated Weather Source in 1992, a network of weather stations that provide real-time observations for broadcast television.
Shutt has gained recognition for his expertise and engaging presentation style. He has filled in for Mark McEwen and Craig Allen on CBS This Morning from 1994 to 2000.
He is also a frequent speaker at schools, rotary clubs, and other events, sharing his knowledge and passion for meteorology.
Achievements
- Awards and Recognition: Shutt has received multiple awards for his weather forecasting, including Emmy Awards. He also earned the American Meteorological Society’s Seal of Approval for both television and radio in 1988.
- Community Involvement: Shutt has served on the National Science Foundation review panel for the National Science Education Standards.
- Hobbies: In his free time, Shutt enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf, and working in his yard
Topper Shutt is known for his accurate weather forecasts and engaging on-air presence, making him a trusted source for weather updates in the Washington, D.C. area.
Age:
Topper Shutt is around 54 years old as of 2024. Born on August 8, his zodiac sign is Leo. Topper Shutt is of White ethnicity, and he holds American nationality.
Parents and Siblings:
Topper Shutt, born Charles Shutt, grew up in the Washington, D.C. area.
His father, Charles Edward Shutt, was a director of production and operations for King Features, a division of the Hearst Corporation in New York.
His mother, Middie Shutt, was a staunch supporter of his endeavors.
Unfortunately, there isn’t much information available about his siblings, so it’s unclear if he has any.
Wife:
Topper Shutt is married to Alison Marie Brennan, and they have been together for many years. They celebrate their wedding anniversary on August 3rd each year.
Alison is known to Topper as the best wife and mother to their three daughters. Their daughters are Claire Shutt, Molly Shutt, and Caroline Shutt.
Caroline, the youngest, graduated from Trinity College as a triple major on May 22, 2018.
Topper and his family reside in Potomac, Maryland, and they also have two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels named Peaches and Cherry.
Topper enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf, and working in his yard when he’s not reporting the weather.
Height, Weight:
Topper Shutt stands at a height of 5 feet 11 inches (1.82 meters) and weighs approximately 178 pounds (81 kilograms).
Career and Background:
Topper Shutt has had a long and distinguished career in meteorology and broadcasting.
He currently serves as the Chief Meteorologist at WUSA-TV Channel 9 in Washington, D.C. Shutt has been the Chief Meteorologist at WUSA Channel 9 since 1988.
He appears on weekdays during the station’s 5, 6, 7, and 11 p.m. newscasts, as well as providing coverage during the day and night for significant weather events in the area.
His expertise and passion for meteorology have made him a trusted figure in the field.
Early Career
- 1981: Topper Shutt began his television weather career with CNN in Atlanta, Georgia, working as a weather producer and substitute weather anchor.
- 1984: He moved to WTVK-TV (now WVLT-TV) in Knoxville, Tennessee, as a weekday weather anchor.
- 1987-1988: Shutt worked as a weekend weather anchor at WFMY-TV in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Joining WUSA
- 1988: Shutt joined WUSA (Channel 9) in Washington, D.C., and began providing weather forecasts for WHUR-FM.
- 1992: He co-founded Automated Weather Source, a network of weather stations that reported real-time observations for broadcast television.
- 1994-2000: Shutt served as a stand-in for CBS This Morning weather anchors Mark McEwen and Craig Allen.
Notable Weather Forecasts
Topper Shutt has made several notable weather forecasts throughout his career, showcasing his expertise and dedication to accurate weather reporting. Here are a few highlights:
- College Park Tornado (2001) On September 24, 2001, a strong cold front spawned several tornadoes in the region. Topper Shutt provided timely and accurate forecasts, helping to alert the public and potentially saving lives.
- Extreme Heat Alerts Topper Shutt has issued Weather Impact Alerts for extreme heat, such as the one in 2024 when he warned of potentially dangerous heat with highs reaching 101 degrees and heat indices up to 107 degrees. His forecasts emphasized the importance of staying hydrated and avoiding outdoor activities during peak heat hours.
- Winter Weather Forecasts Topper Shutt is well-known for his winter weather forecasts. For example, in the 2023-2024 winter outlook, he predicted above-average snowfall for the entire DMV area, with specific predictions for various locations. His forecasts often include detailed snowfall totals and timing, helping residents prepare for winter weather.
- Summer Solstice and Astronomical Events Topper Shutt also covers astronomical events, such as the summer solstice. He explains the science behind these events and their impact on weather patterns, providing viewers with a deeper understanding of seasonal changes.
- Feast or Famine Winters In his winter weather outlooks, Topper Shutt often describes certain winters as “feast or famine,” highlighting the variability in snowfall from year to year. He uses historical data and current weather patterns to make his predictions, giving viewers a sense of what to expect.
Awards and Recognition
Topper Shutt has received numerous awards and recognitions throughout his career, highlighting his expertise and dedication to weather forecasting. Here are some of the notable ones:
- American Meteorological Society Seal of Approval: In 1988, Topper Shutt was awarded the Seal of Approval for both television and radio by the American Meteorological Society, recognizing his accurate and reliable weather forecasts.
- Washington Post Readers’ Choice: In 2008, readers of the Washington Post’s “Capital Weather Gang” voted Topper Shutt as their favorite local weathercaster. This award reflects the trust and appreciation viewers have for his weather updates.
- Emmy Awards: Topper Shutt has been nominated for and won multiple Emmy Awards for his outstanding weather reporting and contributions to broadcast journalism.
- National Science Foundation Review Panel: Shutt has served on the National Science Foundation review panel for the National Science Education Standards, contributing to the development of educational standards in science.
Topper Shutt has built strong relationships with his colleagues at WUSA Channel 9 over his long career. Some of his close colleagues include:
- Lesli Foster: Weeknight anchor and award-winning journalist.
- Lorenzo Hall: Weeknight anchor and a D.C. native who returned home to join WUSA9 in 2018.
- Simone De Alba: Weekday anchor who joined WUSA9 in September 2023 from San Antonio, Texas.
- Allison Seymour: Emmy-winning anchor of “Get Up DC,” who has been on the air in D.C. since 1999.
- Wisdom Martin: Anchor of “Get Up DC” and a proud graduate of Jackson State University.
These colleagues have worked alongside Topper Shutt, contributing to the high-quality news coverage and weather reporting that WUSA is known for.
Net Worth and Salary:
While Topper Shutt’s exact net worth is not publicly disclosed, it is estimated to be substantial, given his extensive career and leadership position at WUSA-TV.
His annual salary is likely commensurate with his experience and industry standards for top meteorologists.
Is Topper Shutt Married?
Yes, Shutt is married to Alison Marie Brennan, and they have three daughters: Claire, Molly, and Caroline. He lives in Potomac, Maryland.
How Old Is Topper Shutt?
Topper Shutt is around 54 years old as of 2024. He was born on August 8, which makes him a Leo.
Where Is Topper Shutt ?
Topper Shutt is currently working as the Chief Meteorologist at WUSA Channel 9 in Washington, D.C. He has held this role since 1988.
In addition to his work at WUSA, he also provides weather forecasts for WHUR-FM, a local radio station.
Topper Shutt is active on social media. He uses platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
He uses these platforms to share weather updates, interact with his audience, and provide behind-the-scenes looks at his work.
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