NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SELECTS NEW METEOROLOGIST-IN-CHARGE
FOR WILLISTON WEATHER SERVICE OFFICE

Tony Hall has been appointed meteorologist-in-charge of NOAA’s National Weather Service office in Williston, N.D., and began his new duties Feb. 20, 2005. NOAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, is an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

“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 Brig. Gen. David L. Johnson, U.S. Air Force (Ret.), director of NOAA’s National Weather Service. “We are honored to have Tony Hall serving in this important role.”

A 15-year Weather Service veteran, Hall has held a variety of forecast positions in Minnesota, Texas, Kentucky and Illinois. From beginnings as a meteorologist intern at the former International Falls, Minn., office, Hall worked his way through forecasting positions with increasing responsibility to lead forecaster at Jackson, Ky., and Central Illinois at Lincoln.

“Tony Hall brings to Williston a wealth of experience in meteorology and hydrology that will well serve the people of western North Dakota,” said Gary Foltz, acting director of the NWS Central Region. “I know Tony’s leadership will be an asset to the staff and the community. He will continue to promote the excellent coordination with local government and the business community, as well as supporting public outreach with area residents.”

Hall earned his bachelor’s degree in meteorology from Parks College of St. Louis University. Hall’s forecasting career began as an intern at International Falls before serving as a Hydrometeorological Analysis and Support forecaster at the West Gulf River Forecast Center in Fort Worth for more than five years, and became a lead forecaster at the Jackson, Ky., office in July 1998. In November 2002, Hall became a lead forecaster at the Central Illinois office in Lincoln.

“I look forward to working with the local NWS staff and Williston officials to provide area residents with the best forecasts and warnings we can produce,” Hall said.

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.

Note: Media interested in scheduling interviews with Hall may contact the Williston National Weather Service office at (701) 572-3198 after February 23.

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