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NOAA
2003-R238 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Marilu Trainor 3/25/03 |
NOAA
News Releases 2003 NOAA Home Page NOAA Public Affairs |
Mike Vescio, a veteran weather forecaster, has been selected as the new meteorologist-in-charge of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Weather Service (NOAA National Weather Service) forecast office in Pendleton, Ore. NOAA is part of the Department of Commerce. Vescio brings more than a decade of government service to his new position. His assignment in Oregon is effective yesterday, March 24. His career started in 1990 and included assignments in South Carolina, North Carolina, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas. In Texas, he was the science and operations officer at the NOAA Weather Service forecast office in Fort Worth. Prior to his arrival at Fort Worth, Vescio spent several years as lead forecaster at the Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma. He received a master of science degree in atmospheric science from Colorado State University in 1990. “Mike has worked in many different weather offices and has a good understanding of forecast processes and an excellent background in dealing with severe weather,“ said Vickie Nadolski, director of the NOAA National Weather Service Western Region. She added, “His weather forecasting and management experience will continue to enhance the Pendleton office’s services for our partners and customers.” Vescio will oversee forecast operations and supervise 24 employees that serve the citizens of eastern Oregon and eastern Washington. The NOAA Weather Service Pendleton staff provides weather, water and climate information to those living, working or recreating in Crook, Deschutes, Gilliam, Grant, Jefferson, Morrow, Sherman, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa, Wasco and Wheeler Counties in Oregon. They also provide weather services for Benton, Columbia, Franklin, Kittitas, Klickitat, Walla Walla and Yakima Counties in Washington. The Pendleton forecast office issues severe weather watches and warnings that are critical to public safety. Additionally, it issues a seven-day public forecast, aviation forecasts, river and stream flood forecasts. The office works with various land management and tribal agencies to provide site-specific weather forecasts for prescribed burns and wildfire activities. "I’m looking forward to working with the staff in support of our customers and partners in Oregon and Washington. I realize how important accurate forecasts and warnings are in the Pacific Northwest. The area is susceptible to winter storms, flooding rains, wildfires, and even severe thunderstorms,” said Vescio. NOAA’s National Weather Service is the primary source of weather data, 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. 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 Net: NOAA: http://www.noaa.gov NOAA National Weather Service: http://www.nws.noaa.gov NOAA
National Weather Service forecast office in Pendleton, Ore.: http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/pendleton |
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