WFO Jacksonville Hosts "Super" Event

MIC Stephen Letro and Forecaster Phil Peterson staff the NWS Kiosk at Jacksonville International Airport as "Roary" the lion looks on during Super Bowl week. (Photo: Courtesy WFO Jacksonville)

City fathers in Jacksonville, Fla. are justifiably proud of the city's first time effort at hosting a Super Bowl. It was a resounding success. And part of the reason for that success was preparation and weather support provided by WFO Jacksonville throughout the week-long event schedule which culminated in the big game on February 6. During that period, the WFO worked closely with National Football League operations and security staff.

At the invitation of the Jacksonville Airport Authority, the WFO also staffed a kiosk in the Jacksonville International Airport terminal during Super Bowl week through the heavy travel day after the game. The staff provided on-site local weather information, travel weather and hazardous weather preparedness tips for the tens of thousands of travelers visiting the area.

The kiosk featured interactive touch screen displays fed by wireless internet for accessing NWS forecasts and data; a large plasma screen for displaying forecast, radar and other weather graphics; and, office staff to answer visitors' questions. The kiosk was staffed 16 hours a day by volunteers from the WFO and CWSU in Jacksonville who received technology and graphics support from Southern Region Headquarters. The kiosk was a huge success, as evidenced by the thousands of visitors who took advantage of the information, the gratitude of Jacksonville Airport officials and the widespread media coverage.

Fortunately, after a wet and chilly start to the week, the weather - as forecast -- turned clear and mild for the weekend, making for a truly "Super" weekend for everyone.