National Weather Service Employees and Team Members in the NWS Southern Region, the National Storm Prediction Center and the National Weather Prediction Center

NWS Southern Region employees and team members in New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and Puerto Rico; National Storm Prediction Center employees and team members in Norman, Oklahoma; and National Weather Prediction Center employees and team members in College Park, Maryland.

The National Weather Service remains prepared and ready to respond to extreme weather events regardless of challenges due to COVID-19.  This readiness was put to the test in March and April, when multiple severe weather outbreaks and flooding events impacted the Southeastern United States. Responding to these severe weather events would be challenging under normal circumstances, but was complicated by new telework and social distancing guidelines.  Despite these obstacles, employees of the NWS Southern Region, the National Storm Prediction Center, and the National Weather Prediction Center, demonstrated amazing coordination in protecting lives and property in the Southeast. Starting days in advance, NWS delivered outlooks, watches, and warnings through innovative communication networks to decision-makers and stakeholders, providing critical briefings at the local, state, and regional levels.  This effort took a team, and included critical behind the scenes IT and administrative support. Without question, the NWS response saved lives, showing the commitment and dedication of NOAA staff to continue protecting the American public during the COVID-19 outbreak.