WFO Mobile MIC Randall McKee reviews storm surge graphics with Alabama Governor Bob Riley (seated) as (L to R) SOO Jeff Medlin, WCM Gary Beeler and Mobile County EM Ronnie Adair look on (Photo: Jack Cullen, WFO Mobile)

(Oct. 5, 2005) -- Alabama Governor Bob Riley paid a visit to the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Mobile to discuss hurricane preparedness. With the emergency management directors for Mobile and Baldwin Counties in tow, the Governor toured the operations area and received a demonstration of AWIPS capability.

But the Governor's primary purpose was to preview a presentation detailing potential storm surge and wind effects from a Category 5 hurricane. Discussions also covered evacuation decisions and associated problems, sheltering, and the need for better education on the public's vulnerability to storm surge and flooding. Mobile Meteorologist-in-Charge Randall McKee noted the local expertise and experience of the staff was the primary reason WFO Mobile correctly forecasted the record storm surge for Mobile Bay during Hurricane Katrina.

The governor also reviewed a series of posters created to help emphasize the dangers - should a Category 5 hurricane target Mobile Bay. He indicated his primary goal is to make sure the citizens fully understand the threat and the critical importance of responding quickly when emergency managers call for evacuations.

With 20 named storms, 11 of them hurricanes and five of those classified as major hurricanes - the 2005 hurricane season in on track to become the most active on record. The record 1933 season saw 21 named storms, 10 hurricanes - five of which were major. The hurricane season continues to November 30.