Meteorologist Scott visits Lincoln-Way East

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NBC 5 Chicago meteorologist Cheryl Scott talks to meteorology students at Lincoln-Way East High School about what causes weather. | Supplied photo

Updated: March 1, 2012 8:08AM

Weather forecasters have a responsibility that extends beyond telling folks whether they’ll need an umbrella or a light jacket for the day, Lincoln-Way East High School students learned this week.

“Our job comes down to keeping everyone safe,” NBC 5 Chicago meteorologist Cheryl Scott recently told students in Steven Miller’s meteorology class as well as in Michael Beckett and Breanne Cochand’s Earth science classes.

Forecasters must track disturbances in the atmosphere and warn folks if they need to take cover or find shelter.

“Destruction (by tornadoes and severe storms) puts the job in a whole different perspective,” said Scott, who joined NBC 5 Chicago in September.

The station’s morning and evening weekend meteorologist was invited to speak to Lincoln-Way East’s meteorology students by Miller, the school’s science department chair.

“Some of the students are deeply interested in weather and some are just curious about it,” Miller said. “Some of them have an interest in broadcast meteorology, and some are interested in professional/private meteorology.

“Having a meteorologist visit provides the students with an opportunity to learn from an expert in the field of broadcast meteorology.”

Scott spent nearly an hour talking to students about weather, reviewing what causes clouds, precipitation, thunderstorms and tornadoes. She shared news clips of the devastation caused by tornadoes in Tennessee last April (where she worked before coming to Chicago) and how she provided team coverage of the storm for 48 hours straight.

“We had so much severe weather in Tennessee that I think I’m going to be ready for anything,” Scott said.