Legendary meteorologist Harry Volkman dies at 89

People all over the chicago area are mourning the loss of a gentleman, who was so much more than someone who simply brought us our weather forecast.

Broadcasting legend Harry Volkman died Thursday at a nursing home in Des Plaines at the age of 89. 

With a career lasting more than 50 years. Volkman spent time here at FOX 32 News, as well as three other station in town. 

Volkman was a pioneer in the broadcasting industry.  In 1952, he issued the first live "tornado alert," what we would call a warning now, on television. He later said no one was sure if it was even legal to announce an alert on TV at the time.

Volkman was also an American hero, serving in World War II, using his meteorological skills to calculate the wind's effect on artillery shells.

Family members say his funeral will be private, but there will be a public memorial put together for him.