BARNWELL AND EDGEFIELD COUNTIES DESIGNATED “STORMREADY”

The Commerce Department’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Weather Service (NWS) has certified Barnwell and Edgefield Counties “StormReady” as part of a nationwide program to help communities prepare against the ravages of severe weather.

Officials from the Weather Forecast Office Columbia, S.C., presented certificates of recognition and street signs announcing the “StormReady” status at ceremonies conducted recently at the county council meetings in each county.

“These close partnerships that our meteorologists form on the state, county and city levels are vital in maintaining a two-way communication between those who provide forecasts and those who benefit from the services,” said retired Air Force Brig. Gen. David L. Johnson, NWS director. “The ‘Storm Ready’ designation is an indication that Barnwell and Edgefield have taken the critical steps necessary to protect citizens in the event of a severe weather outbreak.”

“StormReady” is a voluntary program that gives communities the skills and education needed to survive severe weather before and during the event. “StormReady” helps community leaders and emergency managers strengthen their local hazardous weather operations by ensuring that they have the tools needed to receive timely life-saving NOAA NWS warnings.

“To be designated ‘StormReady,’ Barnwell and Edgefield counties enhanced communications and severe-weather awareness infrastructure, meeting or exceeding the established criteria in all areas,” said Steve Naglic, warning coordination meteorologist at Weather Forecast Office Columbia. “It’s noteworthy that the NWS worked with the State Emergency Management Division and the County Emergency Management of both Barnwell and Edgefield counties to deploy a new NOAA Weather Radio Transmitter, greatly expanding the reach of life-saving warnings.”

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

On the Web:

NOAA: http://www.noaa.gov

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

StormReady program: http://www.stormready.noaa.gov