Dante Ricci

Hello! I’m Dante Ricci and I’m very proud to be a part of the Storm Team as your Meteorologist for Eyewitness News at Noon, as well as your Traffic and Live Desk Anchor for Eyewitness News this Morning and ARC Appalachia!

My passion for weather began on June 12, 2001 when I was just six years old. A severe thunderstorm that night came as a surprise to many. The large hail, intense lightning, and strong winds from that single event really inspired me for the years to come. Something that scared me as a kid turned into a lifelong passion for science. From that very night, I have always been there to tell the weather and inspire everyone.

My favorite sport as a kid was always soccer. I played as a right back growing up and always enjoyed watching the game at the highest levels. In September of 2007, when I was just twelve years old, I began an adventure as a referee and have continued this hobby in many leagues and events in the region. Looking back on it, my success and courage as a young teenage referee in New Jersey were crucial to sticking with it. A passion that I continue today, my experience includes over 3,300 games worked in the youth, high school, college, futsal, and adult leagues across seven different states. My passion for the game comes with high expectations and many challenges, but I have always enjoyed the people I met, the feedback I have gotten, and the changes I have made from such rewarding life experiences!

I grew up in Dividing Creek, New Jersey and really enjoyed growing up in rural South Jersey! I graduated from Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology in 2017. While at Rutgers, I broadcasted in the WeatherWatcher program and presented my forecasts to the entire university community and beyond. It was that experience that gave me the opportunity to experience and develop my skills as a forecaster. Seeing many strong snowstorms, thunderstorms, and flooding events in my time, New Jersey had it’s fair share of weather events that always kept me busy and focused.

I made my move to West Virginia in October of 2022, which turned into the most important decision of my career! I now get to wake up with you every morning during the week to keep you in the loop as you head out the door.

I am a huge lifelong fan of the Philadelphia Eagles, Flyers, 76ers, and Phillies! In my free time, my other hobbies include fishing in the spring and summer, NASCAR Racing, running, and bike riding. I look forward to seeing you out and about in our community here in Charleston!