TAMPA, Fla. - Former FOX 13 Meteorologist Andy Johnson has died.
His family describes him as a beloved husband, scientist, mentor, colleague, and friend whose life and career left an indelible mark on the Tampa Bay community and on the field of meteorology.
The backstory:
Andy was the principal of Johnson Forensic Meteorological Consulting, the Tampa-based firm he founded in 1997. His work in the private sector overlapped with an accomplished career in television meteorology for many years. In 2013, he retired from WTVT-TV (Fox 13) in Tampa after a 34-year career on air, becoming a trusted and familiar presence to viewers across one of the nation’s largest media markets.
A 1979 honors graduate of Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science in meteorology, Andy’s passion for weather began as a child after evacuating his home as a major hurricane approached. That experience shaped his lifelong mission: to help others better understand destructive storms and to provide comfort, education, and practical knowledge in moments of uncertainty.
Meteorology was a calling for Andy. From visiting the WTVT Weather Service at just 7 years old and meeting his future mentor, Roy Leep, to building his own home weather station as a child, Andy pursued his dream with determination and joy. Over the course of his 43-year professional meteorological career, he built a remarkable legacy bridging the public, private, and academic sectors.
Andy was deeply committed to mentoring others, especially young people interested in meteorology. He inspired countless students by speaking candidly about his own journey and the many paths available within the field. He believed in meeting students where they were, tailoring his mentorship to their goals, and helping guide the next generation of meteorologists with generosity and care.
Throughout his career, Andy distinguished himself through service to the American Meteorological Society, including serving as president of one of the nation’s most active local AMS chapters for nearly two decades. He was also a pioneer in broadcast technology, implementing and customizing the first all-digital television computer graphics system in the nation in 1979 under the McIDAS banner developed at the University of Wisconsin.
His work extended well beyond the newsroom. Andy contributed to public policy discussions, including through his work on Superstorm Sandy and in coordination with Tampa Electric Company to help develop a system designed to prevent brownouts during Arctic cold outbreaks. He was also a proud advocate for inclusion and community engagement, including speaking to the LGBTQ+ Pride Month Employee Resource Networking Group at JPMorgan Chase.
Andy was one of a select group of professionals to achieve and maintain both Certified Consulting Meteorologist and Certified Broadcast Meteorologist status. In January 2023, he was named a Fellow of the American Meteorological Society. With this designation, he became one of only ten individuals in the world to hold all four American Meteorological Society certifications. His community outreach was extensive, including participating in many Great American Teach-In events over the years and sharing his knowledge with audiences of all ages.
In recognition of his service and impact, January 29, 2013, was declared "Andy Johnson Day" by then-Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn and by the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners. That same year, then-Governor Rick Scott sent Andy a letter recognizing his decades of contributions and service to the community. In December 2024, he received a city of Tampa Proclamation in recognition of his personal forecasting during Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. Andy was credited with saving thousands of lives during those two natural disasters.
What they're saying:
Andy’s husband, Bryan Farris, and the rest of his family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support during this difficult time. They hope his life will be remembered not only for his professional accomplishments, but for his kindness, generosity, and unwavering commitment to helping others.
What you can do:
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Andy’s honor to Equality Florida here.
The Source: This story was written with information provided by Andy Johnson's family.