WILD...OR MILD? The Weather Channel reveals what's in `storm' this winter; Winter Weather Expert available to discuss the `cold hard facts' for your area.

Business Editors

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 5, 2001

weather.com delivers resources for winter travelers

and offers seasonal activity information

As the country braces for Old Man Winter, The Weather Channel(R) (TWC) releases its official "Winter Weather Outlook", a timely and much anticipated report predicting weather patterns for the advancing winter season.

TWC's Winter Weather Expert, Paul Kocin, says the upcoming winter is projected to be on the wild side for many, due in part to mainly "neutral" tropical Pacific Ocean temperatures. Strong El Ninos and La Ninas generally limit the extent to which arctic air masses can make progress southward into the United States. He goes on to say, "with these two factors diminished, winters tend to be colder and we can expect winter's character for much of the country to resemble that of the 2000-01 season." Kocin provides a regional outlook:

-- Central and Eastern regions -- ample frigid arctic air will come down from
Canada

-- Midwest and interior Northeast -- snowy forecast with overall cold

-- East Coast and Deep South -- bitter cold should penetrate at times

-- Great Lakes -- a busy lake effect snow season is anticipated

-- Southwest -- warmer and drier than average conditions likely

TWC forecasts up-to-the-minute weather conditions on-air and online, to keep people as prepared as possible for the day's weather. "People across the country want to know what effect these climatic factors are having on their weather," said Kocin. "The outlook for the 2001-02 season is for there not to be a return to the exceptionally mild winters of 1997-98 through 1999-2000. For this reason we want people to know they can rely on us to keep them ahead of the storm so they can enjoy the winter season."

If traveling is in the forecast, TWC's Web site, weather.com, has information to help users plan a winter excursion, be it by road or by air. For those who prefer traveling the open road, users can access maps of interest in the site's Driving section where they will find regional interstate maps that include radar information, foggy and windy travel highlights, precipitation forecasts and more. In the Travel section, site visitors can access flight arrival information that allows users to check the status of incoming flights for major domestic carriers and the top U.S. airports.

As the holidays near, weather.com users can click to the Holidays section where they will find local white Christmas probability maps; a "Winter Wonderland" photo slide show; a "Holiday Greenhouse" that offers tips for selecting and caring for cut or living trees, including information on using fresh greenery for decorating. Other features include "Memory Lane" which tells true stories from TWC's on-camera meteorologists about Christmases past, there is even a "Festive Recipes" section with holiday treats provided by TWC employees, and much more.

If you would like more winter weather information from TWC's winter weather expert Paul Kocin or if you would like to schedule an interview with a TWC meteorologist to discuss your area of the country please contact Kathy Lane at 770/226-2102 or The Weather Channel MEDIA ONLY Hotline at 770/226-2506.