Straight Talk:
Tsunami Warning Controversy

By General D.L. Johnson
NWS Director

There is correspondence on the American Meteorological Society Public Sector List (AMS_PSL) about what NOAA could have done differently or better regarding the recent Indian Ocean Tsunami tragedy and appropriate Federal government services. You may be interested in reading two recent postings -- a letter from AccuWeather and the NOAA response.

As I stated in the NOAA response, we are proud of our efforts during the tsunami event and are working hard to improve systems for tsunami warnings and response. We also take seriously our responsibilities under the NOAA Partnership Policy to serve the public interest and support the weather enterprise.

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NOAA Agencies Join Forces to Test Collaborative Communications Concept

By Ron Trumbla
NOAA/NWS Southern Region Public Affairs Officer

The NOAA Office of Marine and Aviation Operations (NMAO) and NOAA's NWS Southern Region are working together to test a new communications project designed to serve both interests. In an excellent example of NOAA teamwork, NMAO and NWS have devised an information sharing system to benefit NOAA ships and NWS coastal Weather Forecast Offices (WFO).

"Our ships are always in need of up-to-date marine forecasts," said Rear Admiral Richard R. Behn, Director of NOAA's Marine and Aviation Operations Centers. "In turn, the WFOs are always searching for real-time weather data from sea because they don't have buoys everywhere."

NWS Southern Region Marine Services Meteorologist Melinda Bailey says 13 WFOs, from Brownsville, TX, to Jacksonville, FL, will participate in the test project.

"Each of the NOAA ships will have a file with a complete list of phone numbers and the names of key personnel in our coastal WFOs," Bailey said. "(We) can then provide any type of specialized forecast that may be needed." In return, the forecast offices will have access to the NMAO's Ship Tracker software so they will know where the ships are. The forecasters will also have a list of the ship's port, cellular, and satellite phone numbers. Forecast offices participating in the project include Brownsville, Corpus Christi and Houston, TX; Lake Charles and New Orleans, LA; Mobile, AL; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and, Tallahassee, Tampa, Key West, Miami, Melbourne and Jacksonville, FL.

NOAA's Office of Marine and Aviation Operations currently has 18 ships plying the waters of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans and the Gulf of Mexico. The fleet includes ships that provide hydrographic survey, oceanographic, atmospheric, and fisheries research in support of NOAA's mission to predict and understand the Earth's environment and conserve and manage coastal and marine resources.

The test is scheduled to run through the end of year, at which time the results will be evaluated.

"If we find the program works well from both the standpoint of the Office of Marine and Aviation Operations and NOAA's National Weather Service, we will look to expand it to include all coastal offices in the United States," added Behn.

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New Weather Forecast Office In Key West "Topped Out"

By Ron Trumbla
NOAA/NWS Southern Region Public Affairs Officer

A "Topping Out" ceremony was held for NOAA's NWS Weather Forecast Office (WFO), under construction in Key West, FL. A traditional fir tree and an American flag were placed atop this newest WFO's highest structural piece which will form the roof of the weather balloon inflation shelter. Before being hoisted to the top of the balloon release tower, the ceiling piece was signed by construction crews from Sauer, Inc., and its sub-contractors; NOAA's NWS staff; representatives from Naval Air Station Key West; and, officials from Monroe County, Marathon, and Key West.

While no one is certain, the origin and nature of "Topping Out" ceremonies have been attributed variously to the ancient Europeans, Scandinavians, Romans, and the Chinese. Fortunately, the early pagan ceremonies, which frequently involved sacrifices (human and otherwise) to the gods - have been replaced by more socially acceptable symbolism. Today, the fir tree may represent a project completed without the loss of life or as a good luck charm for future occupants. The flag frequently symbolizes a project completed with federal funds or simply as a gesture of patriotism - both applicable in this case.

Constructed with a combination of concrete, reinforcing steel and hurricane impact resistant glass, the new building will be capable of withstanding sustained winds of 165 mph. The interior will also contain an additional concrete box designed to serve as a Severe Weather Occupancy Shelter to protect employees against winds up to 250 mph.

The two acre site is located approximately 2,500 feet from the shoreline and rises 6.5 feet above sea level. When construction is completed, the interior floors would be an additional seven feet higher for a combined height of 13.5 feet above sea level - or 2.5 feet above the anticipated storm tide for a Category 5 hurricane.

"The project has been going quite well and the completed structure should be handed over to us in June, just as the 2005 hurricane season gets underway," said Matt Strahan, Meteorologist-In-Charge of the WFO, currently located in the Key West International Airport's Adam Arnold Annex until the new office is completed later this year. "We had some close calls during the last hurricane season and I can tell you my staff is pretty excited about moving into the new building."

Key West was fortunate to escape the worst of a deadly and unprecedented hurricane season in Florida in 2004. But 2005 may bring new threats to the Keys. If the worst happens, the Key West staffers will continue to staff their station even when urging everyone else to evacuate. The new hurricane-resistant WFO is designed to provide them with maximum protection from wind and water.

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IMET Support Provided for Ship Grounding in Hawaii

By Delores Clark
NOAA/NWS Pacific Region Public Affairs Officer

Members of the United States Coast Guard, Cape Flattery representatives, and State of Hawaii Emergency Response Team listen to one of the many Weather briefings critical to planning and operations during the grounding of the ship Cape Flattery in O'ahu, HI. Photo by Ruth Yender, Science Support Coordinator for the Pacific, NOAA HAZMAT Program.

Pacific Regional Operations and Services Meteorologist Joel Cline recently became an "IMET in training" when summoned on February 3, 2005, to provide marine weather forecasts for a ship grounding off West O'ahu, HI.

The 555-foot M/V Cape Flattery out of Hong Kong ran aground on the coral reef near the entrance to Barbers Point Harbor. The ship was carrying over 27,000 metric tons of cement pellets and 147,000 gallons of fuel oil. A spill of either could greatly damage the fragile coral reef which is a foraging and resting habitat for turtles, according to NOAA Fisheries.

Cline joined a team of experts from federal, state, and private agencies at a Command Post set up by the U.S. Coast Guard. Briefings were held four times a day for tactical planning, shift changes, and the media. Cline worked closely with the marine desk at the Honolulu Forecast Office to develop site specific forecasts for the incident area.

The plan was to remove enough cargo to re-float the ship. Forecasts for wind, waves, precipitation, and ceiling became critical to the success of the operation. In addition, Cline monitored an approaching cold front which could delay the recovery efforts.

Divers were dispatched to inspect the coral heads and check for damage to the hull. Their efforts were hampered on February 8, when a baby whale carcass washed into the area bringing with it the danger of sharks in the water. In the meantime, efforts continued to remove the fuel safely and unload enough cement to make the ship buoyant enough to float.

On February 9, a week after grounding, the Cape Flattery became lively and at high tide the next morning, attempts were made to pull the vessel free. The ship did not free itself but turned approximately 90-120 degrees, allowing the swells to come straight at the stern. Tug boats were brought in to stabilize the ship. On February 11, the ship was successfully re-floated off the reef with the assistance of three tugs. It was anchored one mile offshore for inspection prior to being allowed to enter the harbor that afternoon.

In the weeks following, divers have continued to survey the reef and have found solidified concrete damage to coral heads. But there have been no reports of pollution in the surrounding waters or beaches.

All parties involved are extremely happy with the NWS response and direct participation through the IMET program during this event.

"We relied on Joel's input every day, every four to six hours," said Cdr. Mike Greene, U.S. Coast Guard Onsite Coordinator. "The forecasts were factored into the planning process and directly influenced operational decisions."

Curtis Martin, Hawaii Dept. of Health Emergency Response Coordinator, agreed. "Having real-time weather observations was invaluable to the recovery effort. It helped mitigate potential impacts to air quality, water pollution, and damage to coral heads."

Cline is scheduled to complete the IMET course in April, making him officially the first Pacific Region IMET.

(Alaska Region recently provided similar IMET support for a grounded cargo ship in the Bering Sea off the Coast of Alaska.)

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Eastern Region Marks National African American History Month with Guest Speaker

By Marcie Katcher
NOAA/NWS Eastern Region Public Affairs Officer

Thurgood Marshall (center) with George E.C. Hayes and James Nabrit congratulate each other for winning an important case against segregation in 1954. CREDIT: "George E.C. Hayes, Thurgood Marshall, and James Nabrit, Congratulating Each Other, Following Supreme Court Decision Declaring Segregation Unconstitutional." Copyprint, 1954. New York World-Telegram and Sun Photograph Collection, Courtesy of AP/Wide World Photos. The African American Odyssey, Library of Congress.

Dwayne Ashley, Chief Executive Officer and President of the Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund, recently addressed NOAA's NWS Eastern Region Headquarters staff on the importance of education in alleviating the continuing plight of African American youth in our country. The Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund is the only national organization that awards merit-based scholarships to students attending public historically black colleges and universities.

"During the 172 years of their existence, historically black colleges and universities have accomplished miraculous things in light of the challenges that they have faced. The 109 schools in existence today are part of a legacy that took an entire group of Americans from a state of illiteracy into advanced education. Historically black colleges and universities are most responsible for that accomplishment," said Ashley.

According to Ashley's research for a recent book he co-authored with National Public Radio reporter Juan Williams, within the African American community, 75 percent earn their degrees from historically black colleges and universities, as do 46 percent of business executives, 50 percent of engineers, 80 percent of African American Federal judges, and 85 percent of doctors.

"But our work is far from over. Over 70 percent of black youth in New York City drop out of high school. The ripple effect of this socioeconomic problem impacts every level of society and all races," Ashley explained.

"Throughout our Nation's history, the contributions of African Americans have stirred our Nation's conscience and helped shape our character. During national African American History Month, we honor the determination and commitment of generations of African Americans in pursuing the promises of America," said President Bush in his official proclamation declaring February, National African American History Month, 2005.

NOAA's NWS Eleanor Waymer, regional representative for the New York Federal Executive Board on Equal Employment Opportunity, was responsible for recruiting Ashley as the key speaker for the program. Ashley holds a master's degree in Governmental Administration from the University of Pennsylvania Fel's School of Government and graduated Cum Laude from Wiley College with a Bachelor of Science Degree. He was also awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Law from the University of the District of Columbia. Ashley has received numerous awards and honors and is a highly sought after speaker and lecturer on leadership and non-profit management.

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Weather Forecast Office in Lubbock Assists Local Law Enforcement to Develop a Documentary Promoting Weather Safety

By Brian LaMarre
Warning Coordination Meteorologist
WFO Lubbock, TX

Meteorologist-In-Charge Justin Weaver, right, discusses the warning and response process with Tom Nichols, left, Director of the Lubbock Independent School District (LISD) Police and Safety Services, and LISD Officer Craig Jackson, center. Photo by WFO Lubbock Senior Service Hydrologist John Lipe.

It's not every day NOAA's NWS has an opportunity to promote weather safety with television cameras rolling in the WFO operations center! However, on March 2, 2005, the Lubbock Weather Forecast Office (WFO) created a warning environment for film crews of the Lubbock Independent School District (LISD) Police and Safety Services.

To set the stage for severe weather, Justin Weaver, Meteorologist-In-Charge; Steve Cobb, Science and Operations Officer; Brian LaMarre, Warning Coordination Meteorologist; and Robert Barrit, Senior Forecaster, simulated the process of disseminating a tornado warning for expected impact in the city of Lubbock.

To provide the "special effects," Cobb and Barrit were filmed discussing the warning process while viewing a tornadic thunderstorm on the Weather Event Simulator. Weaver provided a high-level of situation awareness to the warning process during a mock relay of storm spotter information from SkyWarn networks to the WFO. As the simulated tornado warning was being disseminated, LaMarre provided notification to state and local partners via the National Warning System hotline, and Barrit staged a live tornado warning broadcast on NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards.

Over the years, the WFO and the LISD Police and Safety Services have worked together to enhance public awareness to severe weather safety. The documentary will air on LISD-TV cable channel 12 in Lubbock throughout severe weather season. To help mitigate the impacts of severe weather, also included in the documentary is footage of tornado drills conducted at local schools to illustrate proper safety procedures taken by children and school officials.

In previous years, the WFO would participate in a taped, Q&A session with LISD. This year they wanted to emphasize the importance of the local WFO in providing life-saving information to the community. Weaver said, "The idea was a welcomed change by the Lubbock School District and Safety officials."

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NOAA NWS Employee Has His Garage Remade on TV Show

Phil Cragg's garage before the TV makeover


The results of the garage makeover

Phil Cragg heard on the radio that the Discovery Channel was looking for people for its Garage Takeover show. The garage had to be in a sorry state and candidates had to come up with a good idea for the show.

Garage Takeover takes a garage and converts it to a living area. They have a budget of $5,000 and have three days to complete. Cragg's garage was "an 80-year-old ruin of a stable" in Silver Spring, MD, he said. "It was falling apart and was ready for demolition."

Cragg is an Electronic Engineer for NOAA's NWS Office of Science and Technology, Systems Engineering Center. His main duty is to provide design support for the telecommunications and IT hardware area of new projects and existing IT systems going through a technology refresh.

In an application letter to Discovery, Cragg and his fiancé Terri alluded that their garage desperately needed a "refresh" of its own.

"The house was built in 1920 and is a fixer-upper, but has a lot of potential," he wrote in his application. "The problem is all of the rooms are very small and are filled with antiques that are all way too delicate for me to be sitting on. We will eventually build a great room, but that will be a couple of years down the road, since there is so much else to do.

"What I would like to do is convert the detached two car garage into a multimedia room. Something that a man can be comfortable in without fear of breaking something! I had to give up my pool, pin-ball, and Ping-Pong table to move here and I would love to fix up, insulate and then put in stadium seating and an HDTV projector. I just need some place that I can hang out and kick back with the guys."

Their letter succeeded, and the show's producers decided to convert the "ruin" into a Tuscan, old world, wine making/tasting studio.

"During the show they made us crush grapes with our feet in a wine vat," Cragg said. "They also made me work right along with them, and the result turned out pretty good. Now I'm making wine in the studio. I haven't had a chance to taste any of the wine I have made, but we have tasted other wines in the studio."

"It was amazing to see what goes into the production of the show," Cragg said. "The on air personalities were the three carpenters, the host, and the designer. What you don't see are the other fifteen people on site producing the show. There were always at least three cameras taping everything, and there were sound guys running around. Whenever I said something on camera, I had to repeat it three times so that all camera angles were covered. Sometimes I forgot the exact words and they had to tell me what to say. I enjoyed the whole experience, but what I really enjoyed was all of the work they saved me in restoring the garage.

The episode was called "Grape Stompin' Garage," and it aired at 5 p.m., Eastern time, on March 14, 2005. Discovery also reruns its programs periodically; check the Discovery listings for future airings of the show.

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