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   You are at: NWS Home » SRH Home » SR News » 2004 » WFO Birmingham hosts 1,400 Visitors

WFO Birmingham hosts 1,400 Visitors during Second
Annual Shelby County Air Show


WFO visitors view 2004 Hurricane Season display.
The National Weather Service Forecast Office in Birmingham, Ala. co-hosted the second annual 2004 Wings and Wheels air show at the Shelby County Airport, Sept. 25-26. While thousands of people turned out to see classic cars, motorcycles, airplanes and a jet engine -- a National Weather Service open house proved to be one of the most popular attractions.

Located adjacent to the airport, the office drew nearly 1,400 visitors who examined poster displays of hurricane Ivan and the 2004 hurricane season, weather safety information, observation equipment -- and enjoyed a view the WFO operations area through the conference room glass. The operations area was labeled with signs to designate various locations where life saving forecasts, advisories and warnings are issued.

Trussville and Vestavia Hills Fire Departments also set up their tornado simulator trailers in the WFO parking lot. The 30 foot RV trailers simulated tornadoes with strobe lights, wind sounds and NWS warnings scrolled across television screens and broadcast over NOAA Weather Radio.

Throughout the two day event, the WFO provided numerous weather briefings and demonstrated weather balloon releases for the spectators. The staff also provided baked goods and held a sale - raising one thousand dollars for the local Red Cross Chapter to help victims of Hurricane Ivan.

While appreciation for an outstanding outreach effort is due to the entire Birmingham staff, participating families and friends - special recognition is in order for staffers Laura Sanchez, Jessica Stroupe, Jim Westland, Darone Jones, David Wilfing, Michael Scotten, Mark Rose, Don Smith, John Peruzzo and Jason Wright. Office volunteers from local universities were also on site to help with this popular event.

Birmingham Forecaster Darone Jones explains microbursts to WFO visitors during Wings and Wheels air show.
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