WBRC 6 News hires Carlyn McCreary as new First Alert meteorologist

Carlyn McCreary will join WBRC 6 News as a First Alert Meteorologist on June 1, 2026, bringing the station’s weather team to seven forecasters—the biggest lineup in the state [1].

McCreary grew up in central Kentucky and earned a bachelor’s degree in meteorology from the University of Oklahoma, where she reported weather for OU Nightly, the university’s top‑ranked student newscast [1]. Her on‑the‑ground experience includes surviving a lightning‑induced house fire, watching the 2022 floods that destroyed her grandparents’ home, and tracking tornadoes near her college campus [1]. Those personal encounters have shaped her focus on helping viewers manage storm anxiety.

Station director Shannon Maze praised McCreary’s “strong forecasting background, a passion for storytelling, and a genuine commitment to serving viewers,” noting that dependable weather coverage is the core promise of WBRC 6 News [1]. When she’s not on air, McCreary enjoys tennis, pickleball, yacht‑rock music, and time with family and friends [1].

The addition restores the First Alert Weather Team to seven meteorologists, a milestone that makes WBRC 6 News the largest weather department in Alabama [1]. The move signals the station’s intent to deepen local coverage as severe weather events become more frequent across the region. With a larger team, the station can rotate forecasters, expand live‑storm reporting, and potentially increase community outreach on preparedness.

How the expanded team will translate into on‑air performance remains to be seen, but viewers can expect more detailed forecasts and a broader range of expertise as McCreary and her colleagues work to keep Central Alabama informed and safe.