"Being able to use my passion for weather to help others stay safe and prepared is very rewarding."—Krista Villarreal

Krista Villarreal is a meteorologist for Severe Weather Team 11 on Channel 11 News. Krista reports on Channel 11 Morning News from 5 to 7 AM, and Channel 11 News at Noon, as well as Pittsburgh This Morning on PCNC.

Originally from the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex in north Texas, Krista joined Severe Weather Team 11 in January 2005. Krista has a B.S. degree in Meteorology from Texas A&M University and an M.B.A. in Marketing from the University of North Texas.

She began her meteorology career at the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Fort Worth, Texas. Krista then became the weekend meteorologist at NBC 5/ KXAS-TV in Dallas/Fort Worth where she worked for six years. Growing up in “Tornado Alley”, Krista has always had a fascination with severe weather. She and her husband live in the North Hills and they are expecting their first child late this summer.

Krista is involved in the American Meteorological Society, the National Weather Association, and the National Association of Hispanic Journalists. She has been a mentor for teachers earning college credit in meteorology, and taught weather workshops to elementary students.

In 2004, Krista was nominated for a Texas Katy Award. Her most memorable on-air moment occurred in March 2000 as a tornado ripped through downtown Fort Worth, coming within a mile of the TV station. “We saw the tornado develop live on our tower cam and never left the air again for the next 7 hours,” Krista says. “It was an amazing thing to witness live.”

Krista has long been involved with the American Cancer Society, Muscular Dystrophy Association, A Wish With Wings, and the American Red Cross.

“I’ve wanted to be a meteorologist since the second grade and I love what I do,” Krista says. “Being able to use my passion for weather to help others stay safe and prepared is very rewarding.”

Krista gave birth to a beautiful baby girl in September 2007.
Click here to watch an interview with Krista and her new baby!
Click here to view a slideshow of baby Abigail.

Click Here To See Krista's Wedding Photo!

E-Mail Krista!