The Virginia independent cities covered by WFO AKQ (Wakefield, VA) include:
The LWX forecast area covers portions of northern Virginia. The Virginia counties covered by WFO LWX (Sterling, VA) include:
The Virginia independent cities covered by WFO LWX (Sterling, VA) include:
The MRX forecast area covers portions of southwest Virginia. The Virginia counties covered by WFO MRX (Morristown, TN) include:
The Virginia independent cities covered by WFO MRX (Morristown, TN) include:
The RLX forecast area covers portions of southwest Virginia. The Virginia counties covered by WFO RLX (Charleston, WV) include:
The RNK forecast area covers portions of southwest Virginia. The Virginia counties covered by WFO RNK (Blacksburg, VA) include:
The Virginia independent cities covered by WFO RNK (Blacksburg, VA) include:
National Weather Service HeadquartersNWS Headquarters, located in Silver Spring, Maryland, establishes policies and coordinates the national fire weather program. The national program manager coordinates the program with the regional program managers. The national program manager also works with the national headquarters of the Federal forestry and other natural resource management agencies and the Association of State Foresters in determining overall requirements for meteorological support. The national program manager coordinates national training in forestry and fire weather for NWS forecasters. National Weather Service Regional HeadquartersRegional Headquarters manage the technical operational aspects of the fire weather program within each region. They also provide guidance and assistance to meteorologists-in-charge (MIC) on program operations and developing issues through Supplements to the National Directives System (NDS) and conferences. Regional Headquarters advise National Headquarters on matters pertaining to technical planning and operations. The regional program managers coordinate the regions' fire weather programs and advise the Regional Directors on the operational and administrative aspects of the regions' programs. Weather Forecast Offices (WFO)Weather Forecast Offices prepare and disseminate forecast products for all sectors of the population, including those for the Fire Weather program. These offices are responsible for providing forecasts for user agencies within their County Warning Area (CWA). Most offices have a designated fire weather focal point or fire weather program leader. The National Weather Service Weather Forecast Offices will provide 24-hour, 365 days a year service. The NWS WFO's can be reached at: National Weather Service National Weather Service National Weather Service National Weather Service National Weather Service NOTE: Unlisted telephone numbers used for coordination cannot be listed here. All user agencies have been or will be provided voice and fax numbers to be used for official purposes only. (TOP)Meteorologists-in-Charge (MIC)The Meteorologists-in-Charge is responsible for the provision of adequate weather services for the offices' assigned areas of program responsibility. The MIC will ensure that the focal points or program leaders are provided adequate time for user liaison and assistance activities. MICs can be reached via email or through contact with their respective office: Dave Wert, Blacksburg, VA George Mathews, Morristown, TN James Lee, Sterling, VA Jeff Orrock, Wakefield, VA Program Leaders (or Focal Points)Fire weather focal points and program leaders are the "customer service representatives" for the program. The focal points or program leaders, as representatives of the MIC's, are in regular contact with the partner agencies, helping them assess their meteorological needs, informing them of NWS products and services available to meet these needs, and educating them in the most effective use of the various NWS products and resources, including NOAA Weather Radio (NWR). Focal points and program leaders will work with users to utilize existing NWS products and services produced for other programs that could meet the requirements of natural resource management. The focal points and program leaders are also tasked with ensuring staff meteorologists are trained and remain proficient in preparing forecast products for support of the fire weather program. Fire Weather Program Leaders can be reached via e-mail or through contact with their respective office: Phil Manuel (phillip.manuel@noaa.gov), Blacksburg, VA Participating AgenciesThe following agencies are participants of this operating plan:
NOAA National Weather Service USDA Forest Service USDI Fish and Wildlife Service VA Department of Forestry |