Weather

Pat's Column

Pat ShingletonPat has been in broadcasting for 29 years. Since his 1981 return to Baton Rouge as WBRZ’s Chief Forecaster, Pat has accepted many responsibilities. He is the President of Pat Shingleton Productions and has produced, distributed, and syndicated various shows, such as We Play Baton Rouge, The Fifth Quarter, and Hotline After Dark. Since 1992 he has tracked Santa Claus’ location on Christmas Eve with other weathercasters from around the country in his syndicated project, “Santa Tracks.”

In conjunction with his position as a weathercaster for WBRZ, Pat is involved in many community activities. He is a chairperson for several programs, including “Pat’s Coats for Kids.” He developed the concept for the St. Vincent De Paul Society’s “Community Pharmacy,” creating “Fill a Prescription for the Needy.” He originated The St. Patrick’s Day Parade, “The Wearin’ of the Green,” in 1986, and he continues to be the St. Patrick’s Day Parade coordinator.

Pat has a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism from Point Park College in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He is married to Mabyn Kean Shingleton and has two children, Michael and Katie.

Twitter Twitter Email Email
  • "The Floating Casket"

    September 8, 2010

    Ace bagpiper, Banjo Bob Cargo recently shared this story. In 1899, Charles Coughlan, a classical actor from Prince Edward Island, Canada, relocated to Galveston, against his family's wishes. Before pursuing a career in the theater he consulted a fortune teller who forewarned that he would die at the height of... more »
  • "Watch the storm, Watch your dog."

    September 7, 2010

    Living along the Gulf coast most of us are acclimated to the procedures needed in preparation of a land-falling hurricane. If your kids are curious as to what animals do before a storm, you may want to read them "Ready, Set...Wait! What Animals Do Before a Hurricane" by retired teacher,... more »
  • "Where's the Pilot?"

    September 2, 2010

    NOAA now has at its disposal an unmanned aircraft that can travel 60,000 feet which is about twice as high as commercial aircraft. It can also travel 11,000 nautical miles or half the circumference of the Earth and fly as long as 30 hours after its preprogrammed flight. NASA reports... more »
  • "The Labor Day Big One..."

    September 2, 2010

    more »
  • "Ball Lightning-Across the Pond"

    September 1, 2010

    During violent thunderstorms, ball lightning sometimes occurs, especially in England. Witnesses describe spheres of glowing light often the size of bowling balls. On this date in 1786, during a hurricane, a fiery ball of light remained visible for forty minutes. "The Almanac of the Infamous, the Incredible, and the Ignored"... more »
  • "Carolina In the Morning..."

    September 1, 2010

    A mandatory evacuation was issued Wednesday for the North Carolina coast. Continuing our column from yesterday, the Hurricane of 1899 was recently ranked as the eighth most deadly Atlantic hurricane of record. Back then, the residents of Diamond City lived uncomplicated lives, separated from the mainland economy. Today, Shackleford Banks... more »
  • "Diamond City - Gone...."

    August 31, 2010

    Portions of North Carolina may experience the impact of Hurricane Earl. Shackleford Banks, North Carolina, is now part of the Cape Lookout National Seashore and in the early 1800s, hundreds inhabited the island. The island town of Diamond City was named after the black and white diamond pattern that covers... more »
  • "Last of August Rumble"

    August 30, 2010

    In 1886 Charleston, South Carolina had a population of 53,000. The Ashley and Cooper Rivers create a peninsula where Charleston sits. As noted in a previous anniversary column, The Old Farmer's Almanac-Acts of God reports that at 9:51 PM on August 31, 1866, a shudder passed through the city followed... more »
  • "Yo FEMA, Where's the Ice?"

    August 27, 2010

    Scanning my Katrina file, I recognized an archived item from FEMA. Once the storm hit, FEMA purchased 182 million pounds of ice to be distributed to hurricane victims. After exhausting attempts to "liquidate" the ice only 40% of it was used and the remaining ice was sent to other "needy"... more »
  • "Lookin' Back 5"

    August 27, 2010

    This is an excerpt of a Weather News column that appeared five years ago following the landfall of Katrina. "After 48 hours of coverage of this devastating, catastrophic and unfortunate storm, some comments. In every hurricane conference attended, the New Orleans scenario has been displayed. The worst-case scenario Monday morning... more »

Weather News

Emergency Info

When a hurricane watch or warning is issued
Hurricane watch and warning procedures.

When to evacuate
Evacuation procedural tips.

Pet care in disasters
Tips for evacuation of your pet(s).

Emergency contact information
List of important emergency numbers.