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AMERICAN METEOROLOGICAL SOCIETY

NEWS RELEASE February 10, 2003

Contact: Stephanie Kenitzer
(425) 432-2192
kenitzer@dc.ametsoc.org

NWS Contact: Mike Evans
(607) 770-9531
@noaa.gov 		AMERICAN METEOROLOGICAL SOCIETY LOGO


FOUR NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE METEOROLOGISTS HONORED BY AMERICAN METEOROLOGICAL SOCIETY

Four National Weather Service meteorologists have been selected to receive the 2003 Award for Exceptional Specific Prediction presented by the American Meteorological Society, the nation's leading professional society for scientists in the atmospheric and related sciences. The award is being given for their work in providing emergency management officials with accurate and timely warnings for the unusual outbreak of severe weather during 31 May-2 June 1998. The meteorologists are Raymond H. Brady, Michael L. Jurewicz, and David Morford, all forecasters at the National Weather Service (NWS) Office in Binghamton, N.Y., and Jeff. S. Waldstreicher, deputy chief of the Scientific Services Division at the NWS Eastern Region in Bohemia, N.Y.

Photo of Ray Brady Photo of Mike Jurewicz Photo of Dave Morford Photo of Jeff Waldstreicher


The meteorologists were all on duty during a severe weather outbreak that ranks among the worst in central New York and northeast Pennsylvania history in more than 50 years. During May 31 and June 2, 1998, 19 tornadoes occurred resulting in millions of dollars in damages and two fatalities (click here for additional information on the tornado outbreak). These outbreaks were exceptional for an area that averages 2.1 tornadoes per year.

The four forecasters made critical decisions that resulted in extremely timely severe weather and tornado warnings that saved many lives. The team also made extraordinary efforts to coordinate with emergency managers and utility managers, two groups that are highly impacted by severe weather.

Brady was the forecaster on duty prior to both of the events. He issued severe weather outlooks and thunderstorm potential statements describing the potential threat well in advance. Jurewicz was the radar operator/warning decision maker on May 31st analyzing the storms on radar and providing guidance for the warnings. On June 2nd, Morford was the radar operator/warning decision maker, verifying the severe weather events and warnings. The average lead time for the tornadoes was 20.5 minutes on June 2nd, well above the national average. Public forecaster Waldstreicher also oversaw the radar operations on June 2nd recognizing and verifying storms as they approached the area. Their work has earned numerous awards and recognitions from government officials at the local, state and national level.

Click here for additional details on their award winning work during the tornado outbreaks.

The Exceptional Specific Prediction Award will be presented February 12 at the 83rd Annual AMS Meeting in Long Beach, Calif.