Contact:  Stephanie Kenitzer       FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
          Dane Konop               3/16/98

In the midst of this year's spring severe weather and tornado season, meteorologists in Oklahoma and around the country will commemorate the first tornado forecast issued, 50 years ago on March 25, 1948, that established today's organized severe weather warning, watch and research programs that protect the nation.

"The first tornado forecast was instrumental in advancing the nation's commitment to protecting the American public from the dangers caused by tornadoes and other natural hazards," said D. James Baker, administrator of the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. "We mark the anniversary of this historic forecast by reminding people to stay alert during the severe weather season, pay close attention to watches and warnings issued by NOAA's National Weather Service, and listen to NOAA Weather Radio."

On the evening of March 25, 1948, a tornado roared through Tinker Air Force Base (AFB), Okla., causing considerable damage and a few injuries, but no fatalities because of a bold tornado forecast issued by two Air Force officers. A few hours earlier, Air Force Captain Robert C. Miller and Major Ernest J. Fawbush correctly predicted that atmospheric conditions were ripe for tornadoes in the vicinity of Tinker AFB. The tornado left $6 million in damage on Tinker AFB, tearing down power lines, tossing fighter planes on their sides, and damaging the main runway. Fortunately, there were no fatalities, in part due to the advanced forecast.

"This was the first time in U.S. history that a forecast was issued to warn the public about the possibility of a tornado," said NOAA Assistant Administrator for Weather Services John J. Kelly. "We're proud to acknowledge this Air Force achievement and want to emphasize the long-term continuing cooperation of the Air Force and NOAA in providing weather services.

On March 23-25, 1998, NOAA's National Weather Service and National Severe Storms Laboratory, in cooperation with the University of Oklahoma and the Air Force, will host an extended celebration in Norman, Okla., and at Tinker AFB as a tribute to the 50 years of tornado forecasting. The activities will include an open house in Norman on March 23; a symposium hosted by the Central Oklahoma Chapters of the American Meteorological Society and National Weather Association at the University of Oklahoma on March 24; and a special ceremony on March 25 at Tinker AFB to unveil a historical marker in honor of those that issued the first forecast.

Today, issuing tornado and severe weather warnings, watches and forecasts are an everyday activity in the National Weather Service. Throughout the year, primarily in the spring and early summer, forecasters at NOAA's Storm Prediction Center and in local forecast offices monitor the conditions for possible severe weather activity that impacts life and property. Much of the sophisticated watch and warning program in place today is the result of 50 years of research.

"Research brought us the improved tools and forecast techniques we use in the operational forecast environment today," said James Kimpel, director of NOAA's National Severe Storms Laboratory in Norman, one of NOAA's internationally-known environmental research laboratories that leads the way for investigations of all aspects of severe weather.

"Because of investments in research and observing systems such as Doppler radar interactive computer systems and forecasting technology, we can now provide communities across the country valuable time to get out of harm's way," said Baker. "Our ability to predict tornadoes and severe storms has improved considerably and we are now able to warn the public with more lead time than ever before."

Central to the weather service's advanced technology is a nationwide network of Doppler radar systems, new weather satellites and powerful computers that can predict atmospheric conditions with great accuracy.

"The new technology, in addition to a highly skilled weather service work force, gives modern forecasting a significant edge over 1948," said Kelly. "Today, the National Weather Service issues hundreds of watches and warnings each day to help protect life and property from severe weather."

More than 450 local NOAA Weather Radio stations broadcast National Weather Service forecasts, warnings and hazard information to people 24 hours a day. Known as the "voice of the National Weather Service," NOAA Weather Radio is provided as a public service by the Department of Commerce's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. NWR coverage includes the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and U.S. Pacific Territories.

Note to editors: Details on the celebration activities, fact sheets and other background is available on the Internet at http://www.nssl.noaa.gov/GoldenAnniversary