After 24 years at WKMG-TV, Chief Meteorologist Tom Sorrells has hung up his weather pointer and stepped into retirement as of June 28th. His departure marks the end of an era for Central Florida, a community that has come to rely on his expertise, calm demeanor, and unwavering dedication through countless hurricanes and sunny days.
Tom Sorrells has been a steadfast presence in Central Florida’s living rooms for over 23 years. With a career spanning more than three decades, he has become a trusted voice in weather forecasting, known for his accuracy and ability to convey complex meteorological information in an understandable and relatable way.
Weathering the Storms
Throughout his illustrious career, Tom Sorrells has guided Central Florida through numerous hurricanes and tropical storms. His calm and reassuring presence has been a source of comfort for residents during some of the most challenging times. From Hurricane Charley in 2004 to Hurricane Irma in 2017, Sorrells has been there, providing critical information and helping the community stay safe.
His coverage of these storms has not only been informative but also deeply personal. Sorrells understands the impact that severe weather can have on families and communities, and he has always approached his work with empathy and a genuine concern for the well-being of his viewers. His ability to balance technical expertise with heartfelt communication has endeared him to many. He has been more than just a meteorologist; he has been a friend and a guide, someone who has shared in the joys and challenges of the region.
Thank you, Tom Sorrells, for guiding us through the storms and brightening our days. Central Florida will always remember your contributions and the impact you have made. Enjoy your retirement—you’ve earned it!
A Personal Message from Tom Sorrells
“After 24 years at WKMG-TV, Friday, June 28th 2024 will be my last day as chief meteorologist after accepting an incentive offer from our parent company, Graham Media Group. I am so thankful for the opportunity I’ve had to work at this station and to serve this community. I’ve been blessed to work with some of the smartest, hardest-working, kindest people who will continue to be my dear friends.
One of the things I’ve enjoyed most over the last nearly quarter of a century has been getting out in our community to meet many of you and also interacting with you on Facebook and ‘Talk to Tom’ during hurricane coverage. I’ve heard from many of you who’ve expressed thanks that I ‘helped you get through’ a hurricane over the last 24 years – please know you also helped me get through them!
My interest in broadcasting has been a part of who I am since I was a child. My Uncle Jimmy was a radio announcer in Alabama, and I can remember the awe and fascination I felt when I would visit him at his station when I was a little boy. My original interest was in sports – hoping to follow in the footsteps of the great Brent Musburger – but in the early days of my first job at a TV station in Hopkinsville, KY, my news director had an urgent need for me to fill in to do the weather. The rest, as they say, is history.
From Hopkinsville I went to WPDE in Florence, South Carolina – where I met my wife – followed by five wonderful years at WBNS in Columbus, Ohio where I went back to school at The Ohio State University (Go Bucks!) to complete my meteorology training, and then five equally amazing years at WDIV in Detroit.
In 2000, I arrived in Orlando – thinking it might be yet another stop along the way. How fortunate am I that it became so much more! My wife and I raised our family here, we’ve made lifelong friends and we have no intention to ever leave.
So I look forward to continuing to connect on my Facebook page and on my YouTube channel – TalkToTom. You can also reach me at TalktoTomSorrells@gmail.com. This is expected to be a very busy hurricane season so let’s get through it together! And of course, I’ll still be out and about around central Florida. Please say hello if our paths cross!