Foothills Weather Network: Supporting the NOAA/NWS for a Safer, More Informed Community

*NON POLITICAL POST*

At Foothills Weather Network, we take immense pride in our partnership with the National Weather Service (NWS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Every day, media outlets like ours across the nation rely on NWS data to build accurate forecasts that keep our communities safe and informed. Our local NWS Office in Greenville Spartanburg is the best, though we may be a bit biased.

Thanks to NOAA’s extensive data collection and analysis, we’ve been able to maintain a 91% day 1-3 accuracy rating in our forecasts. This wouldn’t be possible without the critical meteorological information they provide—including satellite observations, weather balloon launches, and data from hurricane reconnaissance flights.

Take Hurricane Helene as an example: without NOAA and the NWS, the loss of life could have been much greater. Their early warnings, flash flood warnings/emergencies, and real-time tracking gave emergency managers, first responders, and the public the information needed to prepare and respond effectively. In my emergency management role we were constantly on the phone with the NWS GSP’s Hydrologist coordinating warnings, highlighting target areas.

But their work goes far beyond hurricanes. Did you know the NWS deploys meteorologists to wildfire incidents to provide real-time weather support for suppression efforts? Their on-the-ground teams give firefighters the crucial weather intelligence they need to make life-saving decisions in dynamic and dangerous conditions.

Another major role of NOAA/NWS is managing the nation’s radar network, providing the critical radar data that powers the weather apps and platforms you use every day. While some services charge for premium mapping and integration, the actual radar data itself is provided free of charge by NOAA to ensure public access to life-saving weather information.

The NOAA/NWS operates as one of the most cost-effective public safety investments your tax dollars support. From severe storms and tornadoes to winter weather and drought monitoring, their work saves lives and livelihoods every single day.

We at Foothills Weather Network stand with the NOAA/NWS and are grateful for their dedication to advancing weather science and public safety. Their work is essential, and we are thankful for their data to keep our community informed, prepared, and resilient.