A local weatherman in Dayton, Ohio, did not hold back about people complaining how the station warning them about a tornado was interrupting the latest episode of “The Bachelorette.”
“I was just checking social media, we have viewers complaining already. ‘Just go back to the show!’ No! We’re not going back to the show, folks! This is a dangerous situation, OK,” Fox 45’s Jamie Simpson, 48, told viewers.
“Think if this was your neighborhood. I’m sick and tired of people complaining about this. Our job here is to keep people safe and that is what we’re going to do,” he said. “Some people complain that this is all about my ego. Stop! OK, just stop right now. It’s not. I’m done with you people, I really am. This is pathetic.”
An EF3 tornado, with winds up to 140 mph, did touch down in Ohio Monday evening, causing extensive damage and killing one person, according to AccuWeather.com.
This drone footage was just released on @CNN showing the damage in #Celina. #tornado pic.twitter.com/QHbRJ3SR6M
— Meg Shaw (@MegDShaw) May 28, 2019
I spoke to the owner of this home. These stories are absolutely heartbreaking. @ABC22FOX45 #OHWX #DaytonTornado. pic.twitter.com/lQtEViolOv
— Courtney Wheaton (@Courtney_OnTV) May 28, 2019
Simpson did receive praise for explaining why they have to interrupt regular broadcasting.
If your local meteorologist is breaking into your favorite tv show to deliver a #TORNADOWARNING it’s to try to save lives not to “ruin” your evening. They’d rather be enjoying a long weekend with their families, but went into work to help others. They deserve a big #ThankYou
— Janice Dean (@JaniceDean) May 28, 2019
In 2015, Jamie Simpson resigned his position as Storm Center 7 chief meteorologist with WHIO-TV after he was hospitalized and cited for misdemeanor drunken driving after a single-vehicle accident in which his vehicle crashed through a fence and struck a tree. He had been at WHIO-TV since 1999 and chief meteorologist since 2003. His blood-alcohol level was .228, nearly three times the legal limit of .08.
“After much thought I’ve decided that this is a good time to focus on myself and on my family,” he said. “I’m grateful for the support of WHIO, and all of the Channel 7 viewers, for their outreach. I’m now looking forward to the next chapter in my life.”
