G Quality, Comfort & Style

“and the hours always got a little longer when extreme weather was hitting the area.”

Several instances of extreme weather stand out in Condella’s mind to this day. One, the December 15, 1987 blizzard in Milwaukee, “shut down the city with snow and wind,” according to Condella. In addition to its substantial weather-based impact, the storm proved pivotal in the weather reporting studio as well. “Me and my fellow meteorologists at Channel 6 stayed up all night,” Condella recalled. “Our news room positioned reporters all over the area, and when daybreak came, we went live on the air from the studio and remotely to report on the storm. This was in the days before local morning news, and it was groundbreaking at the time. What a massive storm!”

Condella reflected on the import of reporting on severe weather. Several tornado systems stood out in his memory as well; he noted that, particularly in those weather situations, “what I said on the air and the information I provided could save lives.” Condella stated, “The Wales tornado of April 27, 1984, the huge F-5 tornado that tore through Oakfield, Wisconsin on July 18, 1996, and the nighttime twister that damaged Eagle, Wisconsin on June 21, 2010 were all careerdefining storms. Live tornado storm coverage runs strictly on adrenaline. I’ll never forget them.”

As Condella looked back on his successful career as a meteorologist, he reflected on his preferred weather system. “I was always a fan of clear skies and quiet weather. Much less stressful to forecast!” Most important to him, in addition to the camaraderie of his fellow reporters at Channel 6, was the support he received from his parents that allowed him to fully explore and pursue his passion in meteorology from a young age onward. “I was incredibly fortunate that my parents recognized my interest in the atmosphere at such an early age and fostered that interest with weather-related books and gifts,” Condella said. “Everyone needs those parents and/or mentors to guide them along the way and explore interests. Not everybody has that chance, but I am thankful I did.”

Finally, Condella described the positive impact his wife has had on his career and his life in general. “My wife of 44 years, Janet, has always been a stabilizing influence for me, not just in my meteorology career but life in general. She was always there with great advice and lots of love and encouragement,” Condella said. “I would not be where I am today without her in my life.” n