New Weather Forecast Office in Key West "Topped Out"

(Photo by Electronic Systems Analyst Paul Schaafsma, WFO Key West)

A "Topping Out" ceremony was held for the newest National Weather Service Forecast Office, under construction in Key West, Fla. The traditional fir tree and an American flag were placed atop the building's highest structural piece which will form the roof of the weather balloon inflation shelter. Before being hoisted to the top of the balloon release tower, the ceiling piece was signed by construction crews from Sauer Inc. and its sub-contractors; National Weather Service staff; representatives from Naval Air Station Key West; and, officials from Monroe County, Marathon and Key West.

While no one is certain, the origin and nature of "Topping Out" ceremonies have been attributed variously to the ancient European Celts, Romans and the Chinese. Fortunately, the early pagan ceremonies, which frequently involved sacrifices (human and otherwise) to the gods - have been replaced by more socially acceptable symbolism. Today, the fir tree may represent a project completed without the loss of life or as a good luck charm for future occupants. The flag frequently symbolizes a project completed with federal funds or simply as a gesture of patriotism - both applicable in this case.

The project has been going well and the completed structure should be handed over to the National Weather Service in June, just as the 2005 hurricane season gets underway. Constructed with a combination of concrete, reinforcing steel and hurricane impact resistant glass, the new building will be capable of withstanding sustained winds of 165 mph. The interior will also contain an additional concrete box designed to serve as a Severe Weather Occupancy Shelter to protect National Weather Service employees against winds up to 250 mph.

The two acre site is located approximately 2,500 feet from the shoreline and rises six-and-a-half feet above sea level. When construction is completed, the interior floors would be an additional seven feet above the grade B for a combined height of 13.5 feet above sea level - 2.5 feet above the anticipated storm tide for a Category 5 hurricane.

Key West was fortunate to escape the worst of a deadly and unprecedented hurricane season in Florida in 2004. But 2005 may bring new threats to the Keys. If the worst happens, the Key West staffers will continue to man their station even when urging everyone else to evacuate. The new hurricane-resistant Weather Forecast Office is designed to provide them with maximum protection from wind and water.