The Weather Channel Journeys to Extraordinary Weather Locales in New Episodes of 'Cantore Stories' Premiering Jan. 24

Atlanta, GA (Vocus) January 21, 2010 -- The Weather Channel (http://www.weather.com/)® (TWC) presents new episodes of Cantore Stories, premiering Jan. 24 at 10 p.m. ET. Hosted by TWC meteorologist and "Storm Tracker" Jim Cantore, the documentary series follows his journey to some of the most diverse weather climates in America and abroad. Cantore visits with local residents to better understand how climates influence their communities and everyday way of life from work and play to just coping with the elements.

Cantore Stories premieres Sunday evenings as part of the network's long-form programming lineup. Each half-hour episode features breathtaking scenery captured in HD and gives viewers a new perspective on extreme weather destinations from scorching hot Death Valley, CA to arctic temperatures in the "Icebox of the Nation," International Falls, MN.

"Cantore Stories takes a revealing look at how unique climates shape a region and how people adapt to the lifestyle in these extraordinary environments," said Geoffrey Darby, executive vice president of programming at The Weather Channel. "This new series is a chance for viewers to see Jim in a new light as he visits these communities under more normal circumstances instead of when severe weather is approaching."

In addition to TWC's current weather themed entertainment such as Storm Stories and When Weather Changed History, the network adds Weather Proof (9 p.m. ET) and Cantore Stories (10 p.m. and 10:30 pm. ET) to its exciting new Sunday night lineup. Viewers will continue to see their local weather forecasts graphically on the lower portion of the screen. Prior to and following these programs, PM Edition recaps the day's top weather stories to provide viewers with the latest expert forecast and weather news and information. These new programs are the latest in TWC's long tradition of featuring weather themed entertainment, which in the past has featured favorites such as Storm Stories and When Weather Changed History.

To learn more about the show, visit www.weather.com/cantorestories.

Cantore Stories premieres Sunday nights on The Weather Channel

Premiere dates and episode synopses for Jan. and Feb.

"International Falls: Icebox of the Nation" -- premieres Jan.24 at 10 p.m. ET

When you live in a city referred to as "Icebox of the Nation," you know what to expect -- plenty of cold weather! Head to the Upper Midwest where Jim Cantore discovers the coldest town in the continental United States with temperatures at or below freezing almost 200 days a year. Here, residents embrace the cold as much as the nickname. Ice roads, ice fishing, polar plunges-you'll see it all and meet some of the quirkier people who live life to the fullest in the Icebox.

"Louisiana Bayou: Life on the Bayou" -- premieres Jan. 24 at 10:30 p.m. ET

Jim Cantore explores this wonderful world of wetlands and the distinctive culture, climate and wildlife that define the region. From alligator hunting to crawfish boils and zydeco music, these colorful Cajuns really know how to live it up on the bayous of southern Louisiana.

"Winter Games: Backstage Pass" -- premieres Jan. 31 at 10 p.m. ET

Jim Cantore takes viewers on a backstage tour of what's hot for the highly-anticipated 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver, British Columbia. The awe-inspiring scenery of Vancouver is a dramatic backdrop for athletes participating in the Games. Cantore visits with colorful local residents, such as a snow groomer and stone balancer and sushi chef to the stars. Immediately following at 10:30 p.m. ET, TWC will feature a half hour special, Weather's Winter Games hosted by Cantore. Shot on location in Vancouver, the warmest weather of any city to ever host the Winter Games, Cantore takes an up-close look at the role weather will play in this year's games.

"Florida Keys: Keys to Paradise" -- premieres Feb. 14 at 10 p.m. ET

The Florida Keys' beautiful waters, tropical climate and laid-back lifestyle can all be attributed to why people are attracted to the clusters of islands that make up the Keys. A garden variety of people from tourists, divers and fishermen to treasure hunters, famous writers and presidents have been known to flock here. Jim Cantore meets with quirky; free-spirited souls of the Florida Keys and gives viewers closer look at what really draws people to visit and -- sometimes never leave.

"Hawaii: Island of Adventure" -- premieres Feb. 14 at 10:30 p.m. ET

No wonder locals live here and tourists gather here. The climate is consistently mild throughout the year, and Mother Nature is not afraid to let it all hang out on the Big Island of Hawaii. Here you can stand on an active volcano, have a front row seat to lava blasting into the ocean, hike in a lush rain forest, or walk on a black sand beach. Join Jim Cantore as he experiences the spectacular diversity and meets the unique people who call the Big Island home.

"Barrow, Alaska: On Top of the World" -- airs Feb. 21 at 10 p.m. ET

When this pilot first premiered in 2008, it demonstrated a 23 percent average increase over lead-in while introducing viewers to Barrow, Alaska's residents and their way of life in the Arctic tundra. Jim Cantore visits the northernmost community in North America where the average daily temperature is about 10 degrees. This episode explores how Barrow residents cope with isolation, frequent frostbite and no sunrise for two straight months.

"Surviving Death Valley" -- premieres Feb. 21 at 10:30 p.m. ET

California's Death Valley, the hottest, driest place in North America with temperatures reaching a record-breaking 134 degrees and average highs of 115 degrees in July. Jim Cantore meets with some of the world's top athletes participating in the Adventure Corps' Badwater Ultramarathon, which is recognized globally as "the world's toughest foot race." The event covers 135 miles from Death Valley to Mt. Whitney, CA where runners endure brutally hot temperatures.

About The Weather Channel Companies

The Weather Channel Companies (TWCC) is made up of The Weather Channel Network (TWCN), The Weather Channel Interactive (TWCi), and Weather Services International (WSI). The Weather Channel® is based in Atlanta and is seen in more than 98 million U.S. households. TWCN also operates Weatherscan, a 24-hour all-local weather network; The Weather Channel Radio Network; and The Weather Channel HD. TWCi, which includes the weather.com (http://www.weather.com/)® site, The Weather Channel Desktop and The Weather Channel Mobile (http://www.weather.com/mobile), reaches more than 40 million unique users online each month and is the most popular source of online weather, news and information according to Nielsen//NetRatings. WSI, headquartered in Andover, MA, primarily provides business-to-business weather services, particularly for the media, aviation, marine and energy sectors. TWCC is owned by a consortium made up of NBC Universal and the private equity firms The Blackstone Group and Bain Capital. For more information, visit www.weather.com/press.

Media Contact:

Vanthan Khel, The Weather Channel

770-226-2180

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