Q: What does it take to be a certified meteorologist? Are meteorologists more accurate than the Farmers Almanac? What is a senior meteorologist? Is that the one with the most tenure at the TV station or the one with the most certifications? — Walt Hutchison, Adairsville
A: A certified meteorologist has received certification from the American Meteorological Society through classes and tests. Meteorologists must continue their education to maintain their certification, Glenn Burns, the chief meteorologist for Channel 2 Action News, told Q&A on the News in an email. "Regarding the Farmers Almanac, there is little skill, if any, involved in its forecasts," Burns wrote. "It does not have much accuracy." A senior meteorologist generally is the most experienced meteorologist at a particular TV or radio station.
Q: Why do some states allow you to remain anonymous when a person wins millions and Georgia doesn't? — R.L.Turner, Atlanta
A: The Georgia Lottery Corp., by law, must comply with Georgia's Open Records Act and release the winner's name, city, county and state of residence as a matter of public record. Like Georgia, other states use lottery proceeds to fund educational efforts. "If we don't let people know people are winning, then that raises questions," Katy Smith, a spokeswoman with the Oklahoma Lottery, told USA Today in 2012. Delaware, Kansas, Maryland, North Dakota, Ohio and South Carolina are the only six Powerball states that allow lottery winners to remain anonymous.
Andy Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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