WFO Huntsville MIC Chris Darden addresses attendees during 10th anniversary celebration (WFO: Huntsville)
Former U.S. Congressman Robert "Bud" Cramer (Photo: WFO Huntsville)
Located in the National Space Science and Technology Center Annex at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, the office became the 122nd forecast office in the nation and the 32nd to serve the National Weather Service Southern Region.
When the office first became operational in 2003, former U.S. Representative Robert "Bud" Cramer noted, "North Alabama has been anxiously anticipating the opening of our own weather forecasting office for a long time."
"Our North Alabama community has a history of tornadoes and unique weather patterns, and we deserve the best severe weather coverage possible for the Tennessee Valley."
In the years since then, the office has enjoyed a high level of achievement. The staff was awarded Department of Commerce Bronze Medals for outstanding warning service in connection with an historic flood event and Hurricanes Ivan and Katrina.
The staff was also recognized by the National Weather Association with Operational Achievement awards for outstanding operational support during Hurricane Katrina and for outstanding collaborative research efforts with its NASA and University of Alabama-Huntsville partners.
Current U.S. Congressman Mo Brooks (Photo: WFO Huntsville)
In addition to Rep. Cramer, the ceremony included current U.S. Congressman Mo Brooks, former Meteorologist-in-Charge John Gordon, University of Alabama-Huntsville Professor Emeritus Dr. Ron Greenwood and former Alabama Emergency Management Agency Area Coordinator Jim McCamy.
Huntsville MIC Chris Darden said the event was a great success. "We had more than 50 attendees including staffers from U.S. Senators Richard Shelby and Jeff Sessions; and a wide cross section of local and state emergency management officials, representatives of the university, Tennessee Valley Authority, NASA, Redstone Arsenal and the media."
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