Nexstar owned WIAT (Birmingham) has parted ways with their chief meteorologist and it is effective immediately.

Chief meteorologist Mark Prater was at the station and now he's not.

WIAT's News Director Rob Martin declined to comment on the circumstances surrounding Prater's departure.

"I'm thankful for the time I had at CBS 42, but now was the time to part ways," Prater told AL.com.

There was no immediate word as to who would replace Prater as chief meteorologist, Martin said.  "Our weather team will cover things until we have a replacement," Martin said.

Prater joined the WIAT staff in 2008. Martin said the departure is effective immediately. 

Do you get the feeling that there is a lot more to this story? 

I sure do.