Henry Rothenberg Bio, Age, Family, Net Worth, NewsChannel 5, Nashville’s Emmy-Winning Storm Sentinel
Henry Rothenberg is the multiple-Emmy-winning meteorologist you’ll find on NewsChannel 5 (WTVF) in Music City, where he’s been tracking tornadoes, snowmageddons and severe-storm outbreaks since 2016. A University of Missouri graduate who began broadcasting while still in college, Rothenberg’s mix of science chops, BBQ-judging swagger and on-air charisma has made him one of the most trusted weather voices in the South-east.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Henry Rothenberg |
| Profession | Broadcast Meteorologist |
| Birth Date | withheld (mid-30s as of 2025) |
| Birth Place | St. Louis, Missouri (raised) |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Zodiac Sign | withheld |
| Height | ≈ 5 ft 9 in (175 cm) |
| Weight | ≈ 165 lb (75 kg) |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Qualification | B.S. Atmospheric Science, University of Missouri |
| Religion | Jewish |
| Marital Status | Married (wife: Lauren) |
| Children | 1 son (Asher, b. 2022) |
| Hobbies | KCBS-certified BBQ judge, guitar, storm-chasing, NWA Foundation board service |
| Current Work | Evening Meteorologist, NewsChannel 5 WTVF Nashville |
| Years Active | 2008 – present |
| Net Worth 2025 | ≈ US $1.2 million (industry estimate) |
Early Life & Education
Henry grew up in suburban St. Louis, mesmerized by the region’s notorious super-cell thunderstorms. He interned at KTVI FOX 2 while still in high school, then enrolled at the University of Missouri – one of the few U.S. campuses with its own network-affiliated TV station (KMIZ). By his junior year he was already delivering weekend weather on air, graduating with a B.S. in Atmospheric Science and a minor in Media Communications.
Career Journey
2008-2010 – College & KMIZ
Weekend meteorologist / storm-chase driver; covered the 2009 “Mother’s Day tornado outbreak” live from Kirksville, MO.
2010-2012 – KPLR-TV St. Louis
Morning weather anchor; earned first Emmy nomination for coverage of the Good Friday tornado that struck Lambert International Airport.
2012-2016 – WPTY/WATN Memphis
Promoted to Chief Meteorologist; led 2013 Historic Mississippi River flood coverage; American Meteorological Society Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) seal #678.
2016-2025 – NewsChannel 5 Nashville
Recruited to the CBS affiliate boasting Middle Tennessee’s #1 rated evening newscast.
Signature moments:
- March 3, 2020 tornado super-outbreak – 36 h continuous coverage; station’s helicopter video of Putnam County devastation aired worldwide.
- December 9, 2023 Clarksville EF-3 tornado – issued 17-minute lead-time warning; invited to keynote Austin Peay’s “Science on Tap” lecture series .
- Hurricane Helene (2024) – embedded with Tennessee first-responder task-force, filed live reports from the NC mountains .
2025 highlight: First Nashville meteorologist to broadcast live from the path of totality during the April 8 total solar eclipse; special won regional Emmy.
Awards & Achievements
- 6 Regional Emmys (weathercasting, breaking news, science feature)
- AMS CBM Seal – evaluator since 2021
- National Weather Association Broadcast Seal
- Missouri Broadcasters Association – Best Weathercast (2011)
- Tennessee Associated Press – Best Breaking Weather Coverage (2021)
- National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Southeast Chapter – Silver Circle inductee nominee 2025
Personal Life
Henry and wife Lauren (a Nashville pediatric nurse practitioner) wed in 2018 under the rotunda of the St. Louis Union Station. Their son Asher arrived in 2022 – viewers first saw him in a “Weather Baby” onesie during a Fathers’ Day forecast. Off-duty you’ll find Henry judging KCBS-sanctioned BBQ contests (he’s a certified judge since 2016) or strumming bluegrass guitar at writers’ nights around Lower Broadway.
Physical Statistics
| Measure | Imperial | Metric |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 5′9″ | 175 cm |
| Weight | 165 lb | 75 kg |
| Shoe | 10 US | 43 EU |
| Hair | Brown | – |
| Eyes | Brown | – |
Quotes
- “Tornadoes don’t follow county lines – that’s why we chase the science, not the map.” – AMS Broadcast Conference, 2023
- “I traded St. Louis thunderstorms for Nashville super-cells; the barbecue just tastes better here.” – KCBS judging panel, 2022
- “My job is to give you the warning, the when, the where, and the why – so you can keep your family safe.” – Clarksville tornado town-hall, 2024
Controversies
None significant. A 2018 tweet comparing Memphis humidity to ‘a wet dog in a sauna’ drew playful local ire, but no formal complaints.
Favorites
| Category | Pick |
|---|---|
| BBQ Meat | Burnt-end brisket |
| Season | Spring (peak chase season) |
| Vacation | Maui (honeymoon repeat spot) |
| Weather Phenomenon | LP (low-precipitation) super-cell |
| Music Venue | The Bluebird Café |
| College Mascot | Mizzou Tiger |
Salary & Net Worth 2025
Nashville market size #29 puts an experienced evening meteorologist in the $150-180 k window. With regular Emmy-bonus clauses, paid storm-chase appearances and BBQ-judging stipends, Rothenberg’s annual compensation is estimated at $185 k. Net-worth, including a $650 k Donelson-area lake house and diversified index funds, is calculated near $1.2 million in 2025.
Interesting Facts
- Owns three smokers (two Big Green Eggs and a custom offset) – names them after cloud types.
- First TV appearance was age 8, waving from the stands during a KPLR “Cardinals Kids” inning break.
- Can recite the entire Fujita scale in under 15 seconds – proved live on-air during Severe Weather Awareness Week.
- Keeps a guitar pick made from a recycled hail pad in his weather office.
Social Media Links
- Facebook – 21 704 likes
- Twitter/X – @HenryRothenberg 14 k
- Instagram – 9 k followers
- LinkedIn – professional network
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Where did Henry Rothenberg go to college?
A: University of Missouri – Columbia, B.S. Atmospheric Science.
Q2: How many Emmys has he won?
A: Six regional Emmys as of 2025.
Q3: Is Henry Rothenberg a certified BBQ judge?
A: Yes – Kansas City Barbecue Society certified since 2016 .
Q4: What station is he on now?
A: Evening meteorologist at NewsChannel 5 WTVF, Nashville, since April 2016 .
Q5: Did he cover the 2023 Clarksville tornado?
A: Yes – he provided 17-min lead-time warnings and later keynoted Austin Peay’s science lecture on the event .
Conclusion
From tracking Mid-Missouri super-cells to warning Music City before a twister strikes, Henry Rothenberg has turned atmospheric science into must-watch television. Six Emmys, a KCBS BBQ judging badge and a new baby at home prove you can be both storm-ready and family-grounded. Got a weather-nerd friend? Send them this bio!
