CLEVELAND — Mark Johnson, a beloved meteorologist who served the viewers of Northeast Ohio for over 30 years, has left WEWS News 5 Cleveland. The station officially communicated Johnson’s departure on Friday, indicating he is no longer employed without divulging the specific reasons for this abrupt change.
In a statement addressing his exit, Steve Weinstein, the vice president and general manager of WEWS, emphasized the importance of maintaining trust with audiences. He highlighted that the station and its parent company, Scripps, uphold high ethical standards but could not provide further details due to the confidential nature of personnel matters.
Johnson’s biography was recently removed from the WEWS website, and attempts to view his profile now return a “Page Not Found” error. Following the announcement, many fans expressed their shock and dismay on Johnson’s social media page, with viewers sharing their appreciation for his work and the guidance he provided during severe weather events.
Before the news broke, Johnson updated his Facebook cover photo to an image depicting a stormy lavender sky, adding to the intrigue surrounding his departure. Despite the uncertainty, the station has announced that they will begin the search for a replacement immediately.
Having graduated from Kent State University in 1988, Johnson was an award-winning journalist and a pioneer for Cleveland forecasters, being the first to be accredited with the American Meteorological Society (AMS) and National Weather Association (NWA) Seals of Approval. His enduring presence in the community made him a trusted figure for weather updates and forecasts.
Moving forward, the departure of such a long-standing personality from local television represents a significant change for the viewers of Northeast Ohio. As the community reflects on Johnson’s impactful career, many will be keenly awaiting news of his next steps and the future of weather reporting at News 5 Cleveland.