NOAA’S NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
SELECTS NEW LEADER OF CARIBOU WEATHER FORECAST OFFICE

NOAA’s National Weather Service has appointed Hendricus Lulofs as meteorologist-in-charge of the Caribou Weather Forecast Service office in Caribou, Maine.

“A meteorologist-in-charge is the front line officer carrying out the National Weather Service mission of serving the American public by helping protect lives and property,” said Brig. Gen. David L. Johnson, U.S. Air Force (Ret.), director of NOAA’s National Weather Service. “We are honored to have Hendricus Lulofs serving in this important role.”

A 14-year National Weather Service veteran, Lulofs has held a variety of forecast positions within the NOAA National Weather Service. From beginnings as a meteorologist intern in Portland, Maine, Lulofs was continually promoted to positions with increasing responsibility including being warning coordination meteorologist in Caribou, Maine and Blacksburg, Va., and now meteorologist-in-charge at Caribou.

“Hendricus Lulofs was the first warning coordination meteorologist at the Caribou Weather Forecast Office and has an outstanding reputation with our partners and customers across northern Maine. Hendricus has served on a number of national and regional teams and was a member of the Super Typhoon Ponsonga Service Assessment Team,” said Dean Gulezian, director of the National Weather Service Eastern Region.

“I know Hendricus’ leadership will be an asset to the staff and the community. He will continue to promote the office’s excellent coordination with local government and the business community, as well as supporting public outreach with area residents,” Gulezian ended.

Lulofs earned his bachelor of science degree in meteorology from Lyndon State College, in Vermont. After graduation, he worked for several years as a radio and television meteorologist. While working for a Portland based firm, Hendricus had the opportunity to forecast for several radio stations in Maine that stretched from Portland to Presque Isle. Since joining the National Weather Service, Lulofs has forecast many major storms that have impacted Maine, including the devastating ice storm of 1998.

A native of the Netherlands, Lulofs moved to Rochester, N.Y., when he was seven years old. “As a kid growing up in the Northeast, I was always interested in weather, particularly snow. Throughout my life I have lived and enjoyed climates where snow was plentiful including northeast Vermont, Marquette, Mich., and now for the second time Caribou, Maine,” said Lulofs. “I have strong local ties to northern Maine. I was married in Maine and my wife, Ann, is from Madawaska. The entire family is extremely happy to be back in the area to renew ties with friends and family.”

“It is truly an honor to lead the Caribou Weather Forecast Office. I look forward to working with the excellent National Weather Service staff and local officials to provide area residents with the best forecasts and warnings that can be produced,” added Lulofs.

NOAA's National Weather Service is the primary source of weather data, forecasts and warnings for the United States and its territories. NOAA's 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.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, an agency of the U.S. Commerce Department, is dedicated to enhancing economic security and national safety through the prediction and research of weather and climate-related events and providing environmental stewardship of our nation’s coastal and marine resources. Through the emerging Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS), NOAA is working with its federal partners and nearly 60 countries to develop a global monitoring network that is as integrated as the planet it observes.

On the Web:

NOAA: http://www.noaa.gov

NOAA’s National Weather Service: http://www.nws.noaa.gov

National Weather Service in Caribou, Maine: http://www.erh.noaa.gov/er/car/