THOMAS NIZIOL NOW LEADING NOAA NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
FORECAST OFFICE IN BUFFALO, N.Y.

Thomas Niziol is now leading the NOAA National Weather Service Forecast Office in Buffalo as its new meteorologist-in-charge. 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 Tom Niziol serving in this important role.”

A 24-year Weather Service veteran, Niziol has held a variety of forecast positions in the Buffalo Weather Forecast Office. From beginning as a forecaster, Niziol worked his way through positions with increasing responsibility to Science and Operations Officer and now meteorologist-in-charge.

“Tom Niziol is considered an expert in lake effect snow research. He is the author of several important publications on operational forecast techniques associated with lake effect snow storms on the Great Lakes. He has also lectured throughout the United States and Canada on winter weather forecasting techniques,” said Dean Gulezian, director of the NWS Eastern Region.

“I know Tom’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,” Gulezian ended.

Niziol earned his bachelor’s of science degree in meteorology from the State University of New York College at Oswego, graduating magna cum laude, and receiving the Graduating Class Meteorology Departmental Award. He has been the forecasting authority on several television programs concerning winter weather including the British Broadcasting Corporation, Dateline NBC, The Discovery Channel, The Public Broadcasting System and most recently, The History Channel and NBC Nightly News.

“When I was a young kid, my dad would load the neighborhood boys into the car and take us to the airport to watch the planes land and take off. While all the other boys were watching the planes, I was looking through the fence at the weather observer sending up the weather balloon on those evenings. It was a dream of mine to work as a ‘weatherman’ in Buffalo. Now, some 40 years later, my ultimate goal has come true, to lead the Buffalo Weather Forecast Office. I look forward to working with the excellent local NWS staff and Buffalo officials to provide area residents with the best forecasts and warnings we can produce,” Niziol said.

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 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 Mr. Niziol may contact the Buffalo Weather Service office at (716) 565-9001.

On the Web:

NOAA: http://www.noaa.gov

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