NWS Forecasters Mike Cantin (left) and Paul Close(second from left) monitor radar and lightning detection systems at Tampa Emergency Operations Center during Super Bowl Week (Photo:WFO Tampa)
(Feb. 2, 2009) -- A team of NOAA National Weather Service emergency response meteorologists spent the week providing critical, on-site weather support to emergency managers, local police and fire officials, and Department of Homeland Security agents during Super Bowl week in Tampa, Fla.
The ten-member team from the National Weather Service forecast office in Ruskin worked rotating shifts to present multiple, daily weather briefings at an emergency operations center in Tampa.
"This was an excellent opportunity for the National Weather Service to collaborate with local emergency management officials in support of the Super Bowl," said Brian LaMarre, meteorologist-in-charge of the forecast office in Ruskin. "The on-site, decision-support services provided by our team of meteorologists, helped ensure the safety of all those involved in this prestigious national event."
The current population of the Tampa Bay region is approximately 2.7 million residents, with more than 330,000 of them living in Tampa. On February 1, Super Bowl XLIII was held in Tampa's Raymond James Stadium, which has a maximum capacity of just over 74,000. As this year's event was expected to draw more than 100,000 visitors to the area, the need for accurate, up-to-the-minute weather information became crucial to local decision makers.
"Tampa Fire-Rescue was glad to help the bay area prepare for a safe and successful Super Bowl experience," said Tampa Fire Chief/Emergency Manager Dennis W. Jones. "Working with all our partners in the emergency management and public safety community, we were hoping and working for the best, but planning for the unwelcomed and unexpected."
The Tampa ER-Met team included Meteorologist-in-Charge Brian LaMarre; Warning Coordination Meteorologist Dan Noah; Science and Operations Officer Charlie Paxton; Senior Forecasters Rick Davis, John McMichael, Michael Cantin, Paul Close, Nick Petro; and, Forecasters Jennifer Colson and Ernie Jillson.