Virtual Office Tour
A Brief Look at NWS Operations
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The National Weather Service (NWS) is a
component of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). NOAA is an
operational component of the U.S. Department of Commerce. The NWS provides weather,
hydrologic, and climate forecasts and warnings for the United States, its territories,
adjacent waters and ocean areas, for the protection of life and property and the enhancement
of the national economy. The Lincoln NWS office is one of 122 Weather Forecast Offices (WFO)
that serve the Nation. Additionally, the NWS contains the National Centers for
Environmental Prediction, which is divided among severe weather, tropical weather, ocean
weather, and aviation weather, among other operations; River Forecast Centers; and Center
Weather Service Units to assist the FAA with forecasting at the nation's air traffic
control centers. |
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The 102 counties in Illinois are served by 5 different WFO's. The Quad Cities WFO (at Davenport, IA) covers northwest Illinois. The Chicago WFO (at Romeoville) covers north central and northeast Illinois. The Central Illinois WFO (at Lincoln) covers central and southeast Illinois. The St. Louis WFO (at St. Charles, MO) covers west central and southwest Illinois. The Paducah WFO (at Paducah, KY) covers southern Illinois. Additionally, a Center Weather Service Unit operates at the Chicago Air Route Traffic Control Center near Aurora. |
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