Derek Kinkade

He graduated from Mississippi State University with a degree in Geosciences with a concentration in Broadcast Meteorology and minor in Communications in May of 2005.

During his senior year in college, he also worked weekends at WTOK, the ABC affiliate in Meridian, Mississippi.  His first day on television involved wall-to-wall coverage of Hurricane Ivan’s landfall – a heck of a way to be broken into the business!

After that, he spent a year at WMGT in Macon, Georgia before joining Storm Team 9.

Derek has had a passion for weather ever since he was 4 years old and has experienced several severe weather events in his life that have kept up his interest in the weather, including the Blizzard of 1993 and more tornado outbreaks than he can count.

Derek also has a passion for visiting schools and teaching kids the importance of severe weather safety.  You may also find him as a substitute teacher on his off days!

When not keeping an eye to the sky, Derek enjoys watching college football (Roll Tide!), hanging out with friends and family, and traveling.

He also enjoys playing in the adult kickball league in Columbus, bowling, and Putt-Putt golf.

Derek holds the American Meteorological Society Seal of Approval, and the National Weather Association Seal of Approval.

He is the only meteorologist in the Columbus television market with both seals of approval.