What's the weather like?
Meet some of the people who help us answer that question every day…
The National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service is
an organization of scientists and researcher who gather information about the
oceans, atmosphere, space, and sun to help us learn about the
weather and our environment. We can decide if it is warm enough to wear shorts,
cold enough to light the fireplace, a good day to go to the park or just stay
at home.
NOAA
uses radars, satellites and other technology to give us early
warnings about
tornadoes, snow
and other dangerous weather. It helps us decide whether it
is safe to fly in a plane, ride the bus to school, or just
stay
at home.
NOAA
also provides research and information that helps protect
the animals and plants that live in oceans, rivers
and streams - as well as those that live underground
and on land. The work at NOAA touches our lives in many ways. Click
here to learn more.
Forecasters at the National Hurricane Center keep a constant watch on tropical
cyclones during hurricane
season. They prepare and issue forecasts, warnings and watches
to help people get ready for violent weather. The National Hurricane
Center is the main source of weather information for countries
all over the world. The Center works with the Tropical Prediction
Center to be America's calm, clear and trusted voice when
dangerous weather strikes.
The 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron is best known by the name Hurricane Hunters.
The Air Force Reserve unit works with the National Hurricane
Center to track the path and patterns of tropical storms. During
hurricane season, the Hurricane Hunters fly into tropical storms
to collect information that cannot be gathered on the ground.
They help weather forecasters determine the strength of storms
and make early decisions about whether people should evacuate
or shelter in place because of violent weather.
Although
the Hurricane Hunters work mostly during hurricane season,
sometimes
the unit is called upon to fly missions into winter storms.
To learn more about the Hurricane Hunters, click here.
Meteorologists and weather forecasters on television predict the weather by using radars, maps, information from the National Weather Service and other sources.
In
Nashville, the Mayor's Office of Emergency
Management is the primary warning
point for severe weather and community disasters. OEM operations
officers keep an eye on the weather
all the time - looking out for tornadoes, thunderstorms,
flooding and other problems. Before, during and after a storm
- OEM works with other agencies and the media to make sure
people are safe when the weather
is dangerous.