NOAA Takes Miami-Dade County Fair By Storm
Dennis Feltgen
NOAA National Hurricane Center
April 23, 2009 — An estimated half-million visitors passed through NOAA’s one-stop weather preparedness and awareness display at this year’s Miami-Dade County Fair and Exposition.
Doug Harper, NOAA Fisheries, and Bob Ebaugh, NWS Miami weather forecast office, answer questions from a visitor to NOAA’s display at the Miami Dade County Fair and Exposition.
Photo Credit: Lilly Harper.
The high-tech exhibit — which spanned the fair’s 18-day run, March 26 through April 12 — was hosted by NOAA's Miami National Weather Service forecast office and the National Hurricane Center. Experts from NOAA's Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory/Hurricane Research Division, NOAA Fisheries, and the Miami-Dade County Department of Emergency Management also participated in the exhibit.
High-speed computer lines provided visitors real-time radar and weather updates, along with access to other Weather Service Web sites. The display showcased dramatic scenes of severe weather and offered free educational and teaching materials on topics like hurricane preparedness and boating safety.
NOAA staffers working the booth spoke to high school and college students about career opportunities within NOAA. They also networked with civic groups interested in working with NOAA on related public awareness programs and outreach activities.