MIC Steve Drillette and Forecaster Kirk Caceres (seated) discuss digital forecasts with Rep. Farenthold (Photo: WFO Brownsville)
(June 15, 2012) -- U.S. Congressman Blake Farenthold, who represents much of coastal South Texas from Corpus Christi to Brownsville, visited the National Weather Service forecast office in Brownsville June 13.
Representative Farenthold, his wife Debbie, and several staff members watched a presentation by Meteorologist-in-Charge Steve Drillette which included an overview of the National Weather Service, the Weather Ready Nation initiative and the numerous ways the office serves more than one million people throughout southern Texas.
A self-proclaimed "tech geek", the Congressman asked a number of questions on topics ranging from NOAA Weather Radio to hurricane forecasting. The visitors also received a tour of the operations area, which included an overview on how digital forecasts are created using the Interactive Forecast Preparation System and a sample NOAA Weather Radio broadcast.
They were given a primer on how radiosondes are used to collect data across the United States and around the world; and each visitor left with a 2012 Texas Hurricane Guide, Rio Grande Valley Edition.
"Having our District Representative visit the office in Brownsville allowed our staff show how they serve people in the Rio Grande Valley, 24 hours a day and 365 days a year," said Drillette. "Representative Farenthold expressed his appreciation to the staff for their hospitality and their dedication to serving residents in his district."
SOO Douglas Butts explains how radiosondes measure wind speed, temperature, barometric pressure and humidity to Rep. Farenthold (Photo: WFO Brownsville)
