SAN DIEGO METEOROLOGIST TO LEAD LOS ANGELES
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE FORECAST TEAM

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Weather Service (NOAA National Weather Service) has named Dan Keeton to head the Los Angeles-Oxnard NOAA National Weather Service forecast office. Keeton begins his new duties as meteorologist in charge June 1. NOAA is part of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

NOAA National Weather Service Western Region Director Vickie Nadolski said Keeton will supervise all forecast operations serving residents and tourists of Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura Counties of southern California. The NOAA National Weather Service is responsible for issuance of severe weather watches and warnings critical to public safety and the adjacent coastal waters. Additionally, the Los Angeles/Oxnard office is responsible for public and aviation forecasts, and weather support to various land management agencies for prescribed and wildfire activities.

A 17-year weather service veteran, Keeton has held a variety of forecast and management positions. His most recent assignment was the meteorologist in charge at the NOAA National Weather Service Forecast Office in San Diego. Previously, he served as the meteorologist in charge of the Pendleton, Ore., and Kodiak, Alaska NOAA National Weather Service offices and the warning coordination meteorologist in Portland, Ore.

Nadolski said, “Dan has demonstrated outstanding leadership skills, particularly in the last two years as the meteorologist in charge of our San Diego office. He has extensive experience working with emergency management, local governments, the business community and the public that will continue to serve the people of southern California. He has excellent communication and outreach skills, and brings insight gained from broad experiences and leadership roles within the NOAA National Weather Service.”

During his weather service career, Keeton has embraced change and helped implement the use of new and improved technologies for NOAA National Weather Service customers.

“Working in today’s National Weather Service is the opportunity of a lifetime. We have a truly world class team of trained professionals using the latest technology to keep the people of southern California prepared for whatever weather Mother Nature has in store. More improvements are on the way as we embark on a digital revolution and provide forecasts in graphical form,” Keeton said.

Keeton added, “I am honored to be given the responsibility of leading the NOAA National Weather Service Los Angeles team as it serves the people of southern California. I look forward to working closely with the professionals on staff, our customers, our partners, and the public. My goal is to work with the entire weather services community and our customers to find new and innovative ways to provide the best products and services.”

In addition to his extensive forecasting experience, Keeton earned a bachelor of science degree in meteorology from Oregon State University in 1987. He enjoys woodworking and old home restoration.

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

Note: Media interested in scheduling interviews with Dan Keeton may contact the Los Angeles-Oxnard weather service office by calling (805) 988-6615 after June 2.

On the Web:

NOAA: http://www.noaa.gov

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

NOAA National Weather Service office in Los Angeles: http://www.nwsla.noaa.gov