WTVC TV Channel 9 announced Friday afternoon that chief meteorologist Neal Pascal is no longer employed at the station.
In a tersely-worded statement, Mike Costa, vice president and general manager of WTVC, said, “We wish Neal the best and thank him for the many contributions he has made to WTVC Television over the years.”
Sources said Mr. Pascal had shown up for work on Friday afternoon.
He had been a local TV fixture for more than 25 years.
He was part of the long-running 6 p.m. anchor team along with news anchor Bob Johnson and sports anchor Darrel Patterson.
Anchor Johnson spoke briefly of the development on the 5 p.m. news, saying, "We have some changes to tell you about concerning our News Channel 9 Team. Chief Meteorologist Neal Pascal is leaving WTVC. Neal has been a valuable part of our Storm Track 9 team and has served this community for 25 years. We will miss him and wish him all the best."
A later announcement in the newscast said Mr. Pascal had "resigned."
Mr. Pascal's biography has already been removed from the Channel 9 website.
He and other members of the Channel 9 newsroom reportedly took a pay cut this year.
Bill Race was taking over the weather duties at least temporarily. He joined Channel 9 in 1987, left briefly to go into banking, then returned to the station about two and a half years ago.
Amy Katcher handles the weekend weather for Channel 9.
Chip Chapman has been making some weather appearances for Channel 9 recently.