"I love what I do and I hope it shows."—Mike LaPoint

Mike LaPoint can be seen weekdays on Channel 11 Morning News and during Channel 11 News at Noon.

Mike has been awarded the Certified Broadcast Meteorologist seal by the American Meteorological Society (AMS). To earn the seal, meteorologists must undergo a rigorous written exam, meet strict educational guidelines, and must have samples of their weathercasts approved by AMS board members. It is the highest honor awarded by the AMS.

Mike arrived at WPXI in January 2007. A native of Kansas, Mike earned a bachelor’s degree in Atmospheric Science from the University of Kansas, and has years of experience forecasting weather and chasing storms in the infamous tornado alley. Before joining Severe Weather Team 11, Mike was meteorologist at Today’s TMJ4 in Milwaukee. Other positions he held include midday meteorologist at KSTP-TV in Minneapolis, weekend meteorologist at KCRG-TV in Cedar Rapids, weekend meteorologist and storm chaser at KOCO-TV in Oklahoma City, chief meteorologist at KNDO-TV in Yakima, and weekend meteorologist at KSNT-TV in Topeka.

Throughout his career, Mike has been honored and awarded for his forecasting. A National Gold Broadcast Journalism Award is among his latest. He was also honored by the Oklahoma House of Representatives for his coverage, and given a Humanitarian Award by the governor. Other awards include a Guardian Award from the National Association of Broadcasters, a Media Award from Minnesota Emergency Managers, and an Emmy nomination.

The most memorable story of Mike’s career happened while working in Oklahoma City. “I was standing outside the station reporting live, when in a matter of seconds, a tornado touched down only 100 yards away.” In May of 1999, he was part of the weather team credited for saving thousands of lives from an F5 tornado that caused $1 billion in damage in Oklahoma.

Mike feels his highest career honor is receiving the CBM seal. He says, “I love what I do, and I hope it shows.”

But, his greatest honor is his family, Jenny, Michael, and twins Mia and Chloe.

Mike's wife gave birth to twins in May, 2008! View Pictures, Video

E-Mail Mike!