Harry Volkman, longtime Chicago weatherman, dies at 89

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A local legend - longtime weatherman Harry Volkman - passed away yesterday at the age of 89.

Volkman worked in the chicago market for more than 50 years - at several local stations.

He was the first weatherman to issue a tornado alert in 1952.

"Great man, charismatic, such a charmer and a lot of people miss him," ABC7 meteorologist Tracy Butler said. "So many of you who went to elementary school in this area probably remember Harry coming to your school."

Volkman was the father of longtime Chicago radio personality Eddie Volkman, half of the Eddie and Jobo duo.

"i always have said about Harry, he could be delivering the worst kind of weather news, but with a ray of sunshine added to his forecast," Butler added. "To his family and to Eddie, we're thinking of you."