Involved in the study and practice of atmospheric scientists since the early 1980s, Craig Setzer brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the field of forensic meteorology and expert witness consultation. Following his time at the University of Oklahoma where he focused on severe storms and tornado chasing, Setzer completed his Bachelor of Science degree in meteorology at the Metropolitan State University of Denver covering mountain and continental weather. After ten years in Colorado Springs where Setzer was Chief Meteorologist at the ABC affiliate, an active member of El Paso County Search & Rescue providing incident weather support, a Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service coordinator, and a frequent public speaker, Setzer moved to Tampa, Florida in 1996.
While in Tampa, Setzer began learning tropical meteorology, as well as marine weather while on-air at the NBC affiliate. From Tampa in January 2000, Setzer was recruited by Bryan Norcross of Hurricane Andrew fame, to work at the CBS Owned & Operated station, where Setzer would ascend to Chief Meteorologist in 2013. During his time at CBS, Setzer led South Florida viewers through devastating hurricanes Katrina, Wilma, and Irma building trust and a following in the area. Setzer also won an Emmy for Best Weather Program in 2014, as well as achieved the coveted National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Silver Circle award for distinction in the television industry.
Besides his Florida TV experience, Setzer remains involved with the National Hurricane Center, teaching at World Meteorological Organization workshops, and presenting at American Meteorological Society conferences around the country. To improve his marine and aviation understanding, Setzer completed US Coast Guard approved courses for OUPV captain’s license with sailing endorsement, in addition to holding current licenses for FAA single-engine land pilot in command, and FAA UAS drone operator. Setzer also holds a FCC General Class amatuer radio operator’s license.
Between 2012 and 2018, Setzer was a faculty instructor at the University of Miami where he taught undergraduate Synoptic Meteorology and Introduction to Operational Forecasting. Setzer also created and taught the graduate-level class Advanced Operational Analysis & Forecasting.
Setzer is a member of the National Weather Association and the American Meteorological Society where he holds a Seal of Approval for Television Broadcasters. He also is an affiliated member of the Association of Certified Meteorologists. Setzer also maintains active memberships with US Sailing, the American Sailing Association, and the Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association.
Setzer has worked with both plaintiff and defense litigators on a wide variety of civil and criminal cases covering marine weather, atmospheric lighting and visibility, storm-related damage and losses, wind drift, and human exposure in extreme conditions. Setzer is comfortable in courtroom situations speaking with conviction and confidence on the material he is presenting, as well as making persuasive and compelling arguments as to his findings. Setzer has been qualified as an expert every time he’s appeared in court.
