National Weather Service (NOAA)

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 under 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

• NOAA Weather Radio site
• NOAA Radar images
• Geostationary Satellite Server
• National Weather Service
• Ocean Prediction Center