The American Meteorological Society East Mississippi Chapter of the National Weather Association is having its 10-year anniversary this year at Mississippi State University. Last week, NWA merged with AMS, creating NWA/AMS.
Ryan Wade, president of the NWA/AMS, comments on the purpose of the organization: “The main goal that NWA/AMS has is to educate and heighten public awareness about severe weather and how to respond to it.”
The organization began as the National Weather Association in 1975, and the first local chapter was established in 1991 at MSU and now has 60 members. There are currently over 25 local chapters and over 3,000 members nationwide.
The organization holds monthly meetings in Room 202 in Hilbun Hall. At these meetings, meteorologists from Jackson, Memphis and Birmingham speak about severe weather. The next scheduled meeting is Oct. 3.
NWA/AMS also participates in national conferences. In October, five to 12 students will travel to Washington to partake in a national conference.
The NWA/AMS works closely with the North Mississippi Severe Storms Intercept Team, a storm chasing team. North Mississippi Severe Storms Intercept Team is sometimes able to report storms to local weather stations and help spread awareness for the storm.
Volunteering is a significant part of the NWA/AMS. The chapter has worked closely with local schools, donating a dozen weather radios and giving talks at most schools in Starkville, Columbus and West Point. Talks have also been given to the local rotary club to teach better preparation for a severe storm.
Other volunteer efforts include supporting Welcome Week, held for new students and transfers and teaching disaster assistance classes with the Red Cross. For more information about NWA/AMS, visit www.msstate.edu/org/nwa.
“Anybody can come and participate if they have an interest in storm chasing,” Wade said.