CBS NY meteorologist Lonnie Quinn taking leave after concussion scare: ‘Couldn’t see out of my left eye’

A Sudden Setback for Beloved Meteorologist Lonnie Quinn

In a surprising and concerning turn of events, local CBS meteorologist Lonnie Quinn has announced that he will be taking a temporary leave of absence from his weather duties. This decision comes after a recent health scare that left both Quinn and his colleagues shaken. Quinn, who is well-known for his dedication and professionalism, shared the news directly with his audience during a recent Friday night broadcast.

The Incident: A Concussion and Vision Loss

The incident began when Quinn suffered a concussion, which he described as taking a "wallop on the head." Following the injury, Quinn underwent a CAT scan, which thankfully came back negative. Initially, he believed he was on the road to recovery. However, just before a recent live broadcast at 11 o’clock, Quinn experienced a startling episode of temporary vision loss in his left eye. Despite this alarming symptom, Quinn, being the consummate professional that he is, went on to do the broadcast as scheduled.

Professionalism Amidst Health Challenges

Quinn’s colleagues were unaware of his health struggles during the broadcast, as he maintained his usual composure and professionalism. It was only after the broadcast that he sought medical attention once again, returning to the hospital from the studio. Another CAT scan was conducted, and once again, the results were negative, leaving the cause of his symptoms unclear.

A Precautionary Break

Given the mysterious nature of his symptoms, Quinn decided it would be best to take a brief break from his duties. He met with a neurologist, who advised him to step back and focus on his health. Quinn serves as the chief meteorologist for the 5, 6, and 11 p.m. newscasts on weekdays, and he also recently joined the revamped "CBS Evening News," where he has a nightly weather segment. His absence will undoubtedly be felt, but his health and well-being remain the top priority.

Support from Colleagues

Quinn’s colleagues have been supportive of his decision to take a break. Anchor Kristine Johnson praised Quinn’s professionalism and assured him that everything would remain in order until his return. Her words reflected the respect and camaraderie that exist among the team, emphasizing that Quinn’s health is of utmost importance.

Looking Ahead

While Quinn’s temporary leave is a significant change for his viewers and the CBS team, it is a necessary step to ensure his full recovery. His commitment to his work and his audience is evident, and his decision to prioritize his health demonstrates his responsibility and maturity. As he takes this time to focus on his well-being, fans and colleagues alike wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to his return to the screen.