Weatherman Andy Wappler leaving KIRO

KIRO-TV chief meteorologist Andy Wappler has left the Seattle station after 14 years to join the public-relations team at Puget Sound Energy. He'll oversee its renewable-energy and conservation projects, the utility company announced today.

Wappler, 43, started in 1994 as a weekend forecaster and worked with his father, Harry Wappler, also a weatherman.

After his father left KIRO in 2002, Wappler succeeded him as chief meteorologist.

Wappler, who left the station on Friday, said that renewable energy is a good fit with his weather background. And, "I was looking to do something new."

— Tan Vinh, Seattle Times staff reporter