NOAA
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TO HOST SEVERE WEATHER AND May 6, 2005 � The NOAA National Weather Service forecast offices in the Pacific Northwest will host the first region-wide Severe Weather and Wildfire Awareness Week from May 9-15, 2005. The effort is to raise public attention to the dangers of severe weather and wildfires in the Pacific Northwest and provide information to help protect life and property. (Click NOAA image for larger view of Incident Meteorologist, or IMET, Chuck Redman from the NOAA National Weather Service forecast office in Boise, Idaho, setting up the FireRAWS equipment near a wildfire in 2003. Click here for high resolution version, which is a large file. Please credit “NOAA.”) "Education is key to a successful forecast and warning process and is the goal of this awareness week," said retired Brig. Gen. David L. Johnson, director of the NOAA National Weather Service. "When National Weather Service forecasters warn the public of severe weather or wildfire hazards, it's important for citizens to know how to react in order to protect themselves and their property." "Some people incorrectly believe that the Pacific Northwest does not get severe weather," said John Livingston, meteorologist-in-charge of the NOAA National Weather Service forecast office in Spokane, Wash. "Yet, history shows this region does get severe weather, including tornadoes, severe thunderstorms and flash floods." "Wildfires are a perennial hazard in the Pacific Northwest," added John Jannuzzi meteorologist-in-charge of the NOAA National Weather Service forecast office in Boise, Idaho. "With most of the Northwest in severe to extreme drought conditions, wildfires may be a significant hazard this summer and fall." Topics to be covered during Severe Weather and Wildfire Awareness Week: Monday,
May 9: Flood and Flash Flood Safety Tuesday,
May 10: Tornadoes, Tornado Safety, Special Marine Warnings Wednesday,
May 11: Wind, Hail, Lightning Safety Thursday,
May 12: Wildland Fire Awareness Friday,
May 13: Watch and Warning Program Saturday,
May 14: NOAA Weather Radio All-Hazards Information The NOAA National Weather Service is the primary source of weather data, forecasts and warnings for the United States and its territories. The NOAA 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, an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce, 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 the nation's coastal and marine resources. Relevant Web Sites NOAA National Weather Service Safety Tips NOAA Fire Weather Information Center Media
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