Covering the Storm: Broadcasting from the NWS Storm Prediction Center and other National Centers

When major tornado outbreaks occur anywhere in the contiguous United States that impact several NWS Regions or WFO County Areas of Responsibility, major news sources need a single place to go for information. These news outlets need to know number of fatalities and injuries, number of tornado and severe weather reports, and more importantly, how and why did the outbreak happen. (The information provided is similar to what is needed for land falling hurricanes.) For example, during a series of outbreaks that occurred May 4-11, 2003 covering 18 states, the NOAA Storm Prediction Center and NOAA National Severe Storms Lab performed numerous interviews each day, often between 5 p.m. and 5 a.m.

This presentation will show how the SPC and NSSL prepare for such events, and handle interviews for major network news and weather outlets.