A new television show called, "Animal Storm Stories" is scheduled to debut January 9, 2005, at 8:00 pm ET/PT on The Weather Channel. Based on the network's popular primetime show, "Storm Stories", "Animal Storm Stories" will spotlight the oftentimes forgotten victims and heroes of natural disaster - the animals. The show will play each Sunday night at 8:00 pm ET/PT.

"This series is a natural extension of our successful primetime program Storm Stories," said Patrick Scott, president of The Weather Channel Networks. "Animal Storm Stories reminds us that in times of severe weather, our pets and four-legged friends need assistance, too. They are too frequently overlooked in the chaos created by extreme weather situations."

Telling the "tails" of animals weathering some of the worst conditions and using their instincts to survive, Animal Storm Stories promises to capture the hearts of animal-lovers everywhere. The first episode takes viewers to the Suncoast Humane Society after Hurricane Charley made landfall in Florida just five months ago (Aug. 13) for personal stories of the losses and heartwarming reunions experienced by our four-legged friends and their owners. Viewers will also witness animals weathering 150 mile an hour winds and flying debris; a mobile trailer lifted up and launched into a bird aviary by violent hurricane winds; and Humane Society workers tending to displaced and injured animals, including some baby squirrels blown out of their nest by Hurricane Charley's category 4 winds. Another episode shares the story of the animals and caretakers at the Miami Metro Zoo as they prepare for the wrath of Hurricane Andrew. However, they have no idea what's in store as this
treacherous storm heads their way.