Lisa Argen
After graduating from the University of Notre Dame, I found myself focused on the sky. The bleak winter landscape was a lot like Buffalo and I wasn't' sad to kiss South Bend 'wind chills', goodbye. First stop, the challenge of forecasting for the Cumberland Plateau and the Great Smoky Mountains in East Tennessee. This is where I earned my forecasting Seal of Approval and was just about the only 'Yankee' to come to those parts since the civil war. Just kidding. 'Southern Hospitality' I can say is alive and well!
But I wasn't done with the cold and snow. I spent two years forecasting more lake effect snow and 'Alberta Clippers' that make winters famous in Chicago. The windy city is where I got married and had my first child and I have to say not unlike Buffalo or South Bend for grey skies, never ending winters & hardy souls. Then came the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to test my forecasting skills against the micro climates of the Bay Area.
I will never forget that first summer and the June fog that welcomed me home in 1995. Just as exciting, was the December '95 wind storm that slammed the Bay Area. The Jewel Box in Golden Gate Park was destroyed and giant redwoods near our home swayed, but did not fall. My newborn and our little family huddled together as over 100 mph winds slammed our house. We then shared several days without power with my new neighbors, new friends and colleagues. What a bonding experience!
Yet my biggest weather challenge was the El Nino winter of 1997. Tremendous pacific storms brought drenching rains and damaging winds to the Bay Area. I don't think I've seen it rain that hard in my life! That was the year I was honored for a second time with an award for forecasting by the Bay Area Women in Radio and Television.
Raising a growing family, I took a break from weather spending two years with my family in Hawaii (lucky me)!, before developing a case of island fever and sliding into the weekends at ABC7. I am grateful for the opportunity to return home and be part of the outstanding weather team at KGO-TV.
Our superb climate is perfect for hiking, biking, skiing and gardening. Although I'm really counting on 'El Nino's return, to shape up our reservoirs! We're due! However, I am comforted by the ebb and flow of our marine layer, my steady companion since that unfamiliar summer of '95 when the Bay welcomed me home.
Lisa's Stories
TIMELINE: Thunderstorms with hail and brief heavy rain possible through Sunday
A Level 1 storm is moving through the Bay Area bringing rain and chance of thunderstorms to the region. Here's what to expect.
TIMELINE: Storm to bring rain, chance of thunderstorms to Bay Area this weekend
A Level 1 storm will move through the Bay Area starting Friday bringing rain and chance of thunderstorms to the region. Here's what to expect.
TIMELINE: Rain returns to Bay Area late Sunday afternoon
We are at a Level 1 storm Sunday in the Bay Area. ABC7's Lisa Argen has a breakdown of the rain and gusty winds.
TIMELINE: More downpours Saturday afternoon, possible thunderstorm with snowy peaks
We are at a Level 1 on the Storm Impact Scale Saturday in the Bay Area with showers, a cold afternoon and possible thunderstorms. ABC7's Lisa Argen has a breakdown of the rain and a blizzard warning in the Sierra.
TIMELINE: Rain heading to Bay Area will last through weekend; snowstorm in Sierra
Get ready for rain, Bay Area! A Level 1 system is moving in today, and the wet weather will last through the weekend. ABC7's Lisa Argen has a timeline here:
TIMELINE: Bay Area under flood watch Sunday with atmospheric river, Level 4 storm
A strong Level 4 storm is moving across the region bringing flood watches.
TIMELINE: Bay Area under flood watch Sunday with potentially stronger atmospheric river
ABC7 News meteorologists say Sunday's atmospheric river has the potential to be stronger than the one earlier this week as the whole Bay Area will be under flood watch. Here's what to expect.
TIMELINE: Heavy rain arrives Sunday night with Flood Watch in North Bay, Wind Advisory along coast
We are not done with the wet weather. There are scattered light showers Sunday morning and will diminish then. But there will be increasing rain in the afternoon, followed by heavy rain tonight.
TIMELINE: 'Parade of storms' continue in Bay Area with rain in forecast for next 4 days
The storm is here and a wet pattern continues into next week with heavy rain at times and the possibility for minor flooding. ABC7 News meteorologist Lisa Argen has a timeline here:
TIMELINE: Scattered showers today, heavier rain and gusty winds tonight
A level 2 storm has arrived and will continue throughout the day with heavy rain expected at times, along with heavy Sierra snow. Here's what to expect.