Hands Across the Border

WFO Brownsville WCM Jesus Haro provides Tropical Meteorology lecture for attendees at the Hurricane Preparedness Workshop in Matamoros Tamaulipas (Photo: Courtesy Televisa Noreste)

(Sept. 30, 2005) - With the dramatic images of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita fresh in everyone's mind, the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Brownsville recently joined forces with Mexican television affiliate Televisa Noreste to co-sponsor a hurricane workshop for emergency managers and Mexican media. Held at the Televisa Noreste studios in Matamoros Tamaulipas, the workshop drew local and state officials, emergency managers and print and broadcast media from throughout northeast Mexico.

The WFO staff gave presentations on hurricane hazards, climatology and the hydrologic impacts of tropical cyclones. An abbreviated storm spotter presentation was provided, and MIC Andy Patrick, WCM Jesus Haro and Televisa Weathercaster Oscar Sobrevilla also led discussions on the aftermath of Katrina and Rita. Sobrevilla is an excellent media partner and has been a strong supporter of the National Weather Service for many years.

Mexican media and Red Cross attendees listen to lecture as Brownsville MIC Andy Patrick (seated in rear) and Weathercaster Oscar Sobrevilla (standing) look on (Photo: Courtesy Televisa Noreste)