2006 Gulf Coast Hurricane Awareness Launched
in Brownsville, Texas
 Visitor tour "Kermit", a WP-3 Orion Hurricane Hunter Aircraft at Brownsville/South Padre Island International Airport (Photo: WFO Brownsville) |
(May 1, 2006) - The 2006 Gulf Coast Hurricane Awareness Tour got off to a fast start at the Brownsville/South Padre Island International Airport. Forecasters from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Hurricane Center, the aircrew from NOAA's Aircraft Operations Center and National Weather Service officials were on hand to launch the first leg of a five-city, five-day mission to increase hurricane awareness and encourage preparedness in vulnerable coastal and inland communities along the Gulf Coast and Florida.
The team of hurricane experts are riding a WP-3 Orion four-engine turboprop hurricane hunter, nicknamed "Miss Piggy," to meet emergency managers, media and the public. Other cities on the route include Beaumont-Port Arthur, Texas; Mobile, Ala.; West Palm Beach, Fla.; and Tampa, Fla.
"Working in partnership with federal, state and local emergency managers and the media -- we can help educate the public," said retired Air Force Brig. Gen. David L. Johnson, director of NOAA's National Weather Service. "But the public should also take responsibility for preparing themselves to recognize and respond appropriately to severe weather threats."
"Educating the public is our continuing mission," said Max Mayfield, director of the National Hurricane Center. "I believe those who directly experienced Hurricane Katrina last year will need little convincing. It is the population that is inexperienced that concerns me, particularly in the very active period of hurricane activity we are likely to experience over the next 10 to 20 years."
The National Hurricane Center will continue its hurricane hazard education campaign during national Hurricane Preparedness Week from May 21-27. The 2006 Hurricane Season runs from June 1 to November 30.
 NOAA Aircraft Operations Center crewmen answer student questions at Brownsville/South Padre Island International Airport (Photo: WFO Brownsville) |
