DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AWARDS BRONZE MEDAL TO DULUTH WEATHER SERVICE FORECAST OFFICE

The U.S. Department of Commerce has awarded its Bronze Medal to NOAA National Weather Service’s Duluth Weather Forecast Office for outstanding public service during a devastating June 18, 2002, tornado in Burnett County, Wisc. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is an agency of the Commerce Department.

Retired Navy Vice Adm. Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Ph.D., undersecretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator presented the award to the office’s meteorologist in charge Michael R. Stewart during the ceremony today at the University of Maryland in Adelphi, Md.

The Duluth weather forecast office was commended for providing a tornado warning to residents of Siren, Wisc., 51 minutes before an F3, half-mile-wide tornado hit the town and leveled a residential neighborhood. “Timely and accurate warnings from the National Weather Service and excellent communications with emergency personnel and trained Skywarn spotters contributed to the fact there were no deaths in Siren due to the tornado,” the award citation read.

The Bronze Medal is the third highest award presented annually by the Department of Commerce in recognition of employees, groups and offices that have made significant contributions to the public.

NOAA National Weather Service is the primary source of weather data, forecasts and warnings for the United States and its territories. The National Weather Service operates the most advanced weather and flood warning and forecast system in the world, helping to protect lives and property and enhance the national economy.

To Learn more about NOAA National Weather Service please visti:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov.