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D-4 receives first-in-nation StormReady recognition
Weather Service honors commitment to training, preparedness

ITD's District 4 became the first organization of its kind to receive a StormReady designation from the National Weather Service -- an acknowledgement of the district's commitment to training for storm responses. District representatives received a plaque and signs from the Weather Service during a recent coordination meeting in Shoshone.

State officials, including Bryan Smith, manager of the department's emergency program, joined 511 page coordinator, observation program leader and emergency messaging managers to accept the award. District 4 covers the south central part of the state, including Twin Falls, the Sun Valley area and the highest mountain pass in Idaho – Galena Summit.

“We are excited to be recognized for our readiness capabilities and are proud to partner with the National Weather Service in critical decision-making processes,” Smith said.

“The StormReady® process provides government agencies improved communication and safety skills needed to save lives and property – before and during a weather event,” said Vernon Preston, Warning Coordination Meteorologist of the National Weather Service forecast office in Pocatello.

Through a six-year partnership with ITD, the NWS has developed a decision support travel page that includes: briefing information with recordings; 511 road conditions with links to their weather observation system and cameras; forecast tools; and safety information.

ITD uses NWS forecasts to make critical staffing decisions before and during major storms, decide what winter applications to use and where to stage resources. ITD has demonstrated that using NWS decision-support services saves the state money, and more important, reduces the time highways experience dangerous conditions with a corresponding decrease in accidents, injuries and loss of life.