THIRD ANNUAL NATIONAL SEVERE WEATHER WORKSHOP TO BE HELD FEB. 27 - MARCH 1

The nation’s premier severe weather experts will team up with the nation’s emergency management community to discuss their latest research findings and forecasting techniques, and their application in serving the American public during the third annual National Severe Weather Workshop Feb. 27 through March 1, 2003 at the National Center for Employee Development Marriott Conference Center in Norman, Okla. The event is sponsored by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Oklahoma Emergency Managers Association and the Central Oklahoma Chapter of the American Meteorological Society/National Weather Association. NOAA is part of the Commerce Department.

The three-day workshop, “Building Local and National Partnerships to Save Lives,” is designed to enhance partnerships between severe weather forecasters and researchers, emergency managers, broadcast meteorologists, businesses, storm spotters and other weather enthusiasts.

During the workshop, severe weather experts from across the nation will present the latest techniques for severe weather preparedness and response. Speakers will include: Retired Navy Vice Admiral Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Jr. , under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator, Retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Jack Kelly, director of the National Weather Service (NOAA Weather Service), broadcast meteorologist Tom Skilling from WGN-TV in Chicago, and emergency managers.

Gary Jones, deputy regional director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Region 6, will discuss citizen preparedness. Additional presentations will be made by X. William Proenza, NOAA Weather Service southern region director; Dennis McCarthy, NOAA Weather Service central region director; as well as forecasters and researchers from the NOAA Weather Partners in Norman; Storm Prediction Center (SPC); NOAA Weather Service forecast office in Norman, National Severe Storms Laboratory, Radar Operations Center; and Warning Decision Training Branch.

“This is a unique national event where emergency managers, broadcast meteorologists, researchers and forecasters from around the country will get together to discuss how they can better protect the lives of American citizens,” said Joseph Schaefer, director of NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center.

Organizers have expanded the workshop from two to three days, allowing more interaction among participants. Free storm spotter and radar training will be offered from 3 to 5 p.m., Saturday. Two panel discussions will focus on the decision making process - from outlook to warning, and partnerships between the NOAA Weather Service, emergency managers and media.

Workshop registration of $50 includes admittance to all workshop sessions, spotter training, and lunch each day. The registration deadline is Feb. 10. Late registration will be accepted at the door at a cost of $65. Sponsor and vendor opportunities are available for businesses to promote their products or services during the event.

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

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 the nation’s coastal and marine resources. NOAA is part of the Department of Commerce.

On the Web:

NOAA National Weather Service:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov

Severe Weather Workshop:

http://www.nssl.noaa.gov/nsww2003

or by calling (405) 579-0771.