Service assessment

"January 6-8, 1996, a major "nor'easter" paralyzed the Eastern Seaboard for the better part of a week. Right on the heels of a Federal Government shutdown that furloughed most Federal employees, some of the heaviest snow of the late 20th century blanketed the highly populated urban corridor from Washington, D.C., to Boston, Massachusetts. I believe the facts contained in this report speak for themselves concerning the quality of service that both the National Weather Service (NWS) and all of our partners in the hazards community provided to the public. Many NWS employees were stranded at or near the office for several days, working long hours and sleeping either on-site or at nearby hotels. A few risked their lives to get to work. Local emergency managers across the affected area commended local NWS offices for timely and accurate warnings, watches, and outlooks. Rigorous continuing coordination between NWS field offices, local emergency managers, and the media months in advance of the event ensured that clear lines of communication were already in place when the storm struck. The final result was that the warning system worked, enabling the public, local decision makers, and all weather sensitive interests to take timely actions to reduce the threats to life and property"--Preface.

Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR)
National Weather Service (NWS)

Northeastern States