U.S Code last checked for updates: May 12, 2024
§ 8545.
Warning coordination meteorologists at weather forecast offices of National Weather Service
(a)
Designation of warning coordination meteorologists
(1)
In general
(2)
No additional employees authorized
(3)
Performance by other employees
(b)
Primary role of warning coordination meteorologists
(c)
Responsibilities
(1)
In general
Subject to paragraph (2), consistent with the analysis described in section 409,1
1
 See References in Text note below.
and in order to increase impact-based decision support services, each warning coordination meteorologist designated under subsection (a) shall—
(A)
be responsible for providing service to the geographic area of responsibility covered by the weather forecast office at which the warning coordination meteorologist is employed to help ensure that users of products of the National Weather Service can respond effectively to improve outcomes from weather events;
(B)
liaise with users of products and services of the National Weather Service, such as the public, media outlets, users in the aviation, marine, and agricultural communities, and forestry, land, and water management interests, to evaluate the adequacy and usefulness of the products and services of the National Weather Service;
(C)
collaborate with such weather forecast offices and State, local, and tribal government agencies as the Director considers appropriate in developing, proposing, and implementing plans to develop, modify, or tailor products and services of the National Weather Service to improve the usefulness of such products and services;
(D)
ensure the maintenance and accuracy of severe weather call lists, appropriate office severe weather policy or procedures, and other severe weather or dissemination methodologies or strategies; and
(E)
work closely with State, local, and tribal emergency management agencies, and other agencies related to disaster management, to ensure a planned, coordinated, and effective preparedness and response effort.
(2)
Other staff
(d)
Additional responsibilities
(1)
In general
Subject to paragraph (2), a warning coordination meteorologist designated under subsection (a) may—
(A)
work with a State agency to develop plans for promoting more effective use of products and services of the National Weather Service throughout the State;
(B)
identify priority community preparedness objectives;
(C)
develop plans to meet the objectives identified under paragraph (2); and
(D)
conduct severe weather event preparedness planning and citizen education efforts with and through various State, local, and tribal government agencies and other disaster management-related organizations.
(2)
Other staff
(e)
Placement with State and local emergency managers
(1)
In general
(2)
Treatment
(Pub. L. 115–25, title IV, § 405, Apr. 18, 2017, 131 Stat. 107.)
cite as: 15 USC 8545