LIVINGSTON, MONTANA AREA GETS NEW WEATHER WARNING SYSTEM

With severe weather always a threat, residents living in Livingston, Mont., can now stay on top of weather, water and climate activity with a direct link to official forecasts and warnings. A new NOAA Weather Radio transmitter was recently installed at Livingston, and has begun broadcasts according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Weather Service (NWS) forecast office in Billings, Mont. NOAA is part the U.S. Department of Commerce.

According to Billings’ Meteorologist in Charge Keith Meier, “Through the National Weather Service’s Western Region Headquarters in Salt Lake City, and in cooperation with the Park County Commissioners, we were able to purchase this transmitter for the Livingston area. We are very excited about what this means to the community and are extremely grateful to the Park County Commissioners for donating tower space and paying for power.”

Meier explained the radio broadcasts include the latest weather, water and climate data, forecasts and warnings and other hazard information 24 hours a day for the citizens who live and work or visit the area. NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts warning and post-event information for all types of hazards – both natural (such as earthquakes) and environmental (such as chemical releases or oil spills). The broadcasts can be heard at a frequency of 162.525 Mhz.

“This expansion significantly increases our ability to reach the Paradise Valley, Shields Valley, and Upper Yellowstone area with vital warnings. The Livingston transmitter is located on North Hill, which overlooks the city of Livingston. This will help the residents, ranchers and visitors in this area to get the most current weather information via the weather radio,” Meier said.

NOAA’s National Weather Service Warning Coordination Meteorologist James Scarlett, added, “When you don’t have a regular radio or TV turned on, having a seven band NOAA Weather Radio with an alarm helps you protect your family, yourself and your property. Residents in and around Livingston, including those in Park and Sweet Grass Counties, can tune in for the broadcasts. NOAA Weather Radio allows us to send weather statements and warnings straight from the forecaster to the public in an effort to save lives and property, often saving 5 to 10 minutes or more.”

Belinda Van Nurden, disaster and emergency services coordinator for Park County, said, “NOAA Weather Radio has the potential to make a big difference in protecting lives and property in Park County.”

A NOAA Weather Radio broadcast saved dozens of lives in Van Wert, Ohio. A November 2002 tornado devastated parts of the town. A Van Wert movie theater manager ushered 50 movie goers to safety after hearing a NWS tornado warning relayed over a special weather radio. The tornado destroyed the building, tossing cars into the front seats where kids and parents were sitting just moments before.

NOAA Weather Radio provides current area weather forecasts and conditions direct from the National Weather Service. In cooperation with state and local emergency management, it also provides all-hazards Emergency Alert System warning messages directly to the public. The NOAA Weather Radio network has more than 870 transmitters, covering all 50 states, adjacent coastal waters, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and U.S. Pacific Territories.

The NOAA’s National Weather Service is the primary source of weather, water and climate data, forecasts and warnings for the United States and its territories. The 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 Commerce Department's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (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.

On the Web:

NOAA: http://www.noaa.gov

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

NOAA National Weather Service Forecast Office in Billings: http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/Billings

NOAA Weather Radio: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr/index.html