(L to R) WFO staffers Cody Lindsey, Rebecca Gould, Eric Platt, Greg Jackson, Susan Griffin, Wayne Patterson, Pat Vesper and Raymond Fagan pose with Congressman Michael Conaway (Second Row-Center): Photograph by Beverly Martin, WFO Midland.

(Oct. 3, 2005) -- United States Congressman Michael Conaway paid a visit to the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Midland, Texas.

Warning Coordination Meteorologist Pat Vesper provided the Congressman with a briefing on recent weather events that have impacted west Texas and southeast New Mexico. Vesper focused on the importance of developing and nurturing local relationships with the emergency management community, the media and other NWS partners.

Midland County emergency management representatives Dale Little and Judy Siefker and KWES-TV 9 Chief Meteorologist Tom Tefertiller were also on hand to discuss their partnerships with WFO Midland, and the valuable collaboration that has occurred on numerous projects over the last several years.

Congressman Conaway toured the office, meeting with staff members and learning about the innovative technology WFO Midland is using to provide enhanced local service and communication for its customers and partners. Local computer programs developed by ITO Greg Jackson were highlighted.

They include the daily Emergency Management/Spotter Briefing, which is viewable on the WFO Midland web site; and, the office contact database, which allows for watch, warning, newsletter and fire weather information to be sent and received in real-time to cell phones, pagers, personal computers and other communication devices.

WFO staffers Cody Lindsey, Eric Platt, and Susan Griffin provided details about an approaching cold front expected to impact west Texas. Vesper also briefed the Congressman on the important role played by local SKYWARN spotters during severe weather operations.

A Midland native, Congressman Conaway represents the 11th Congressional District of Texas. He is a member of the Agriculture, Armed Services and Budget Committees.