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District 4 first to receive 'StormReady' recognition for winter preparedness

The National Weather Service formally acknowledged District 4's efforts to document and ensure that ITD meets the standards of weather safety.

The South Central Idaho StormReady Local Advisory Board awarded District 4 the National Weather Service StormReady Recognition on on Jan. 31.

According to Vernon Preston, warning coordination meteorologist for NWS in Pocatello, District 4 is the first transportation entity in Idaho and the United States to earn the recognition that is usually given to towns and other municipalities.

To meet the requirements of the StormReady Recognition, the district had to demonstrate adequate levels of emergency operations to include communications, equipment, facilities and human resources. The recognition also considered such factors as redundant methods of weather monitoring, trained storm spotters and communications with NWS, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radios in each building.

The recognition is valid for three years; renewal is based on improvement of technology and techniques.

“Preparation for a variety of weather events fits into much of our work and how we manage resources,” District 4 Engineer Devin Rigby said. “This recognition is validation of everything we do to support our local communities, the state of Idaho and the mission of the National Weather Service.”

This isn’t the first time ITD-District 4 has been recognized by NOAA - NWS for its efforts.

In July, 2008, ITD in Shoshone accepted an Honored Institution Length of Service Award for 50 years of distinguished service in the NWS Cooperative Weather Observations program. The weather observation station is located near the mechanics shop in Shoshone from which ITD staff has reported weather readings since 1958.

For more information about the National Weather Service StormReady program, go to www.stormready.noaa.gov.