MICHAEL COYNE TO OVERSEE NOAA NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE FORECAST OFFICE IN HUNTSVILLE, ALA.

Meteorologist Michael Coyne has been appointed meteorologist-in-charge of the NOAA National Weather Service Forecast Office in Huntsville, Ala. Coyne replaces John Gordon who transferred to the NWS Central Region. The Huntsville office is one of 122 NWS Weather Forecast Offices in the nation and one of 32 in the NWS Southern Region. NOAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, is an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

In his new position, Coyne will be responsible for ensuring the citizens of northern Alabama and southern Tennessee continue to receive timely and accurate weather warnings, forecasts and climate information. His responsibilities also include maintaining close working relationships with NWS partners, including the emergency management community and the media, and providing severe weather awareness, preparedness and safety education for the public.

“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 proud to have Michael Coyne serving in this important role.”

Coyne launched his NWS career as a student trainee meteorologist at the WFO in Corpus Christi, Texas in 1993. He was promoted to meteorologist intern in 1996 and forecaster in 1998. In 2002, he was promoted to performance and evaluation meteorologist at Southern Region Headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas.

During his ten years with the NWS, Coyne has developed hands-on experience with a variety of weather events including tropical storms, hurricanes, thunderstorms, tornadoes and flooding. He also served as the webmaster for the Corpus Christi WFO and has been an innovative leader in developing software applications in support of NWS operational needs. Coyne designed and constructed Weather To Go, the first forecast page to provide comprehensive inland, marine and travel forecasts in a printable format; and, the first NWS office Web site for PDA computers providing current warnings, advisories and tropical weather information.

“Michael Coyne has a wide range of weather experience and technical expertise, which will be of particular value to the citizens living in this highly volatile area of the nation,” said Bill Proenza, director, NWS Southern Region. “He brings a high level of dedication and expertise that will serve him well as he begins his new responsibilities.”

Coyne is the recipient of numerous local and regional awards as well as two Department of Commerce Silver Awards and three Bronze Awards and a national Isaac Cline Award. He holds a bachelor's degree (1995) and a master's degree (2001) in meteorology from Texas A&M University and is also a member of the American Meteorological Society. He lives with his wife Lori and their daughter Kaylee.

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

NOAA 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.

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NWS Southern Region: http://www.srh.noaa.gov