George Winterling talks about recovery, week's weather

Veteran meteorologist couldn't resist delivering forecast

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The patriarch of the Channel 4 news family was the featured guest Monday on The Morning Show.

George Winterling's return to live television comes just over two months after his heart stopped and he spent 11 days in a coma and weeks in rehabilitation.

"The doctors did a good job of picking up the pieces and putting them together again," George said.

George shared just how much the prayers and well wishes of WJXT's viewers and the Jacksonville community meant as he recovered.

George, who was chief meteorologist at WJXT for more than four decades, stepped back from daily forecasting duties two years ago, but has remained active as Channel 4's hurricane expert. In fact, he was on set discussing Hurricane Irene two days before he collapsed in his home and rescue personnel had to restart his heart.

While not many people can say they've impacted generations of people living in and around Jacksonville, George can.

"Everywhere I go ... people are saying 'I'm glad to see you out of the hospital.' I didn't remember any of the experience and they were in touch through Channel 4," George said.

George said he's doing extremely well and is extremely thankful for the outpouring of support. During his visit Monday, he answered some viewers' questions about himself and his miraculous recovery, including one about the Winterlings' beagle, Callie, who was allowed to visit George in the hospital.

"(He's) 6 1/2 years old. She takes almost as many pills as I do," George joked.

During his recovery, George can't do any heavy lifting, which has limited his gardening to this year to just citrus and blueberries.

After talking about his recovery, George stepped up to the weather wall to deliver the Thanksgiving week forecast, reminding everyone why he remains the most loved and trusted weatherman in Jacksonville.

"It's a change, with some showers and thunderstorms on Wednesday," the veteran meteorologist said.