NOAA National Weather Service |
The National Weather Service is the government agency in
the U.S. charged with issuing weather forecasts, advisories, watches, and warnings on a daily basis. It is operated by The National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), in turn inder the U.S. Department of Commerce. The Weather Service operates NEXRAD, a nationwide network of doppler radars which can detect precipitation and atmospheric movement.
The newly-created Weather Service (then known as the Weather Bureau) made its first official meteorological forecast in 1870 on November 1: "High winds at Chicago and Milwaukee... and along the Lakes".
Trained volunteers called
Skywarn spotters relay severe weather to their local weather service office.
NOAA Weatheradio
The National Weather Service also operates NOAA Weatheradio, a network of
radio transmitters that broadcasts weather forecasts, severe weather statements, watches and warnings 24 hours a
day. Specially-equipped radios will sound an alarm when the local weather service office
issues a watch, warning, advisory, or special weather statement. Hundreds of stations are operated across the U.S. and its territories, and in neighboring
Canada by the Meteorological Service of Canada.
See also:
- National Severe Storms
Forecast Center (SFC)
- US National Hurricane Center (NHC)
External links
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