Prior to joining WLBT, I worked at KSWO-TV, the ABC affiliate in Lawton, Oklahoma. I was there for almost three years. While in Oklahoma, I was the morning Meteorologist and also a storm chaser for the station. Working in Oklahoma allowed me to experience all types of severe weather; including several tornadoes, 100 mph winds, baseball sized hail, along with ice and snow storms. I also helped produce, edit and anchor the station's annual awarding-winning severe weather show, "The Fifth Season."
I was born and raised in Danville, Virginia, which is on the border with North Carolina, so I claim both states as "home." Since the age of 4, I knew I wanted to be a meteorologist. I got my interest in weather by watching clouds, and quickly became interested in tornadoes and hurricanes. While in grade school, I would draw weather maps on paper and present a weather reports to my classmates. In high school I became a weather watcher for not one, but two TV stations in North Carolina.
I went to college at the University of North Carolina at Asheville. During my college years, I interned at WXII-TV, the NBC affiliate in Winston-Salem, North Carolina and WYFF-TV, the NBC affiliate in Greenville, South Carolina. In May 2002, I graduated UNCA with a B.S. in Atmospheric Science with an emphasis in Weather Forecasting. I am a member of the Americian Meteorological Society and have been awarded the prestigious Seal of Approval. I am also a member of the National Weather Association.
My wife, Kristina, and I live in Ridgeland. One thing you may be surprised to know is that we actually met in a Christian Internet chat room in 1999. One year later, I flew from North Carolina to Illinois (Kristina's home state) to meet her in person for the first time. After a lot of traveling to see each other and countless high phone bills, we were married in December 2003.
I owe all of my success to God, my mom, my wife, and the teachers I had throughout my schooling years. Without their love and support, I would never have been able to accomplish my dreams.
In spare time, I enjoy watching TV, especially any Law & Order episode. I've seen them all, many dozens of times. I also enjoy gardening, storm chasing, surfing the Internet, and attending Mississippi Braves' games. Most importantly I enjoy spending time with family and having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
On June 11, 2006, my wife and I were victims in a near fatal car wreck. A stolen SUV, being chased by the Jackson Police Department, crashed into us at more than 70 mph in south Jackson. We were severely injured, but I know that God saved us. We believe strongly He has something big for us to do or we would not be here. I was out of work on disability for the 3 months following the wreck, but am now happy to be back at work doing a job I love. We have learned a lot from this tragic event and hope to be a voice for others who have been victims of career criminals. Legal action is still ongoing, but once that is over, I will be able to talk more about the events that have taken place.
I like to hear from viewers, so feel free to send me an e-mail at elaw@wlbt.com. I also invite you to follow me on Twitter under @EricLawWLBT, and to friend me on Facebook.
- Eric
