“My purpose has always been to be a positive light while the weather is benign, and to be here when the weather is bad.” Orr says. “I grew up here. I consider the people here my family. I always want to keep them safe and prepared for anything that comes our way.”
Margaret Orr, chief meteorologist at WDSU, Hearst’s NBC affiliate in New Orleans, is retiring after 45 years forecasting the weather in Southeast Louisiana. Her last day on air will be March 29.
“My purpose has always been to be a positive light while the weather is benign, and to be here when the weather is bad.” Orr says. “I grew up here. I consider the people here my family. I always want to keep them safe and prepared for anything that comes our way.”
Orr is a New Orleans native and is a graduate of Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge and the Mississippi State Broadcast Meteorology program. She holds seals from both the American Meteorological Society and the National Weather Association.
“We are immensely grateful for the years of dedication, expertise, and community service that Margaret has contributed to Southeast Louisiana,” says Mike Neelly, WDSU’s GM. “Her retirement marks the end of an era, but her legacy will continue to be an inspiration to us all.”
Orr joined WDSU in 1979 and was promoted to chief meteorologist in 2009. During her 45-year career, she guided Southeast Louisiana though the impacts of 31 hurricanes, including Katrina and most recently Ida. In 2022 she was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Louisiana Association of Broadcasters along with the Distinguished Service Award at the National Hurricane Conference.
“From blue skies to severe weather, Margaret has dedicated decades to ensuring all of us here in Southeast Louisiana are informed and safe,” says Melissa Dart, WDSU’s news director. It’s been an honor watching her lead the WDSU First Warning Weather team as we serve this incredible community.”
Orr has long been a staple of the community, particularly during Mardi Gras, where she’s known for her bright pink wig and infectious excitement while anchoring WDSU’s parade coverage broadcasts. The Mystic Krewe of Barkus, a French Quarter dog parade, was founded in 1993 by the Margaret Orr fan club, which she MCs annually. In 2024 she was distinguished as an “Honorary Muse” by New Orleans first all-female Mardi Gras Krewe, Muses.
“My purpose has always been to be a positive light while the weather is benign, and to be here when the weather is bad.” Orr says. “I grew up here. I consider the people here my family. I always want to keep them safe and prepared for anything that comes our way.”
Orr has long been a staple of the community, particularly during Mardi Gras, where she’s known for her bright pink wig and infectious excitement while anchoring WDSU’s parade coverage broadcasts. The Mystic Krewe of Barkus, a French Quarter dog parade, was founded in 1993 by the Margaret Orr fan club, which she MCs annually. In 2024 she was distinguished as an “Honorary Muse” by New Orleans first all-female Mardi Gras Krewe, Muses
NOTE: In 1988, my first TV job was at WDSU as a writer/producer in marketing, and Margaret Orr was one of the station’s meteorologists. Keep an eye on Market Share for more updates about Orr’s retirement.
Here’s a video the station did to mark Orr’s 40th anniversary at the station. And well done, Margaret.
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