As meteorologist-in-charge, Mathews will be responsible for ensuring the citizens in eastern Tennessee and portions of southwestern Virginia receive timely and accurate weather warnings, forecasts and climate information. His responsibilities also include maintaining close working relationships with NWS partners including the emergency management community and the media – and providing severe weather awareness, preparedness and safety education for the public.

A veteran meteorologist, George worked as a forecaster in private industry and for WTVC-TV in Chattanooga before joining the National Weather Service in 1990. He served as a meteorologist intern and forecaster in Lubbock, Texas before accepting the position of warning coordination meteorologist at WFO Midland/Odessa. He spent the last four years serving as WCM in Tulsa, Okla., where he helped launch the eastern Oklahoma / northwest Arkansas SKYWARN network of severe weather spotters. Mathews earned a bachelor’s degree in Meteorology at Texas A & M University and received a master’s degree in Atmospheric Science from Texas Tech.

“George's wide range of weather experience and dedication to providing the best possible weather service will be of considerable benefit to the people of Eastern Tennessee and southwestern Virginia,” said Bill Proenza, NWS Southern Region director.

“A meteorologist-in-charge is the front line officer carrying out the National Weather Service mission of serving the American public by helping protect lives and property,” said retired Air Force Brig. Gen. David L. Johnson, director of NOAA’s National Weather Service. “We are proud to have George Mathews serving in this important role.”

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

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’s National Weather Service: http://nws.noaa.gov

NOAA’s National Weather Service Southern Region: http://www.srh.noaa.gov