Meteorologist Brandon Lawrence leaving Local 5 and Good Morning Iowa.
Emmy award-winning meteorologist Brandon Lawrence will step away from his job at WOI-TV this spring.
After nine years as a TV meteorologist, Lawrence announced his departure on social media on Tuesday. Lawrence is leaving TV in hopes to pursue a "new adventure," he said in the post.
"This decision isn't easy," Lawrence said. "I have wonderful coworkers, and I am genuinely passionate about weather. Still, sometimes there’s a nagging gut feeling that says it’s time to explore something new. After plenty of serious thought, I’m choosing to follow that feeling."
When I walked across the stage to formally earn a meteorology degree 9 years ago, I never envisioned someday I’d write a post like this. In a few weeks, I’ll deliver my final forecast at Local 5. I’m stepping away from the TV industry to pursue a new, but exciting, adventure. pic.twitter.com/MP85sqlpHY
— Brandon Lawrence (@brandonlaw_wx) March 12, 2024
How long has Brandon Lawrence worked with WOI-TV?
Lawrence has been with WOI-TV for nearly seven years. As a senior at Mississippi State University, Lawrence entered TV news as an on-air part-time weekend meteorologist at WABG in Greenville, Mississippi. After graduating in 2015, he covered severe weather, tornadoes and historic floors in West Monroe, Louisiana for KTVE/KARD.
He joined Local 5 in 2017 and took over as the primary Good Morning Iowa meteorologist in 2022 after meteorologist Taylor Kanost left the station.
What brought Brandon Lawrence to Iowa?
Iowa interested Lawrence because he has a passion for all type of forecasting. Moving to Iowa allowed him to broaden his spectrum of weather to add snow and ice. He also has family roots in the Midwest, according to his bio on We Are Iowa. Lawrence plans to remain in Iowa even after his time ends in broadcast.
"I'll still be here in central Iowa with my fiancé Andy, who has been incredibly supportive of me," Lawrence said on social media. "In fact, I'm already counting down the days to eating food on a stick at the state fair."
When is Brandon Lawrence's last day with WOI-TV
Lawrence will remain on Good Morning Iowa until his last day on April 12.
"I appreciate the connections I've made in my nearly seven years at WOI-TV," Lawrence said. "Without your viewership, this job wouldn't be possible."
Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at kkealey@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: When is Meteorologist Brandon Lawrence's last day with WOI Local 5?
