NOAA ISSUES LA PLATA TORNADO SERVICE ASSESSMENT REPORT

October 4, 2002 — A team of experts from the NOAA National Weather Service today released its service assessment report on the performance of its forecast operations during the severe weather outbreak in southeast Maryland, punctuated by the F-4 tornado that struck parts of La Plata, Md., on April 28, 2002. The assessments are a routine internal review of National Weather Service operations during major weather events. (Click NOAA photo for larger view of tornado damage to home in La Plata, Md., taken April 29, 2002. Click here to see high resolution version of same photo. Note that this is a very large file. Credit "NOAA.")

The La Plata tornado was part of a large, severe weather system that began in the mid-Mississippi Valley, and rolled across states in the Ohio Valley and Mid-Atlantic. The La Plata tornado carved a 64-mile path across southeast Maryland. The whole storm system caused three deaths, 122 injuries and more than $100 million in damages in the state.

The service assessment report includes key findings and recommendations, ranging from improvements to future weather operations and warnings, to strengthening cooperation with other agencies on damage surveys.

The service assessment report is available online.

NOAA National Weather Service is the primary source of weather data, forecasts and warnings for the United States and its territories. NOAA National Weather Service operates the most advanced weather and flood warning and forecast system in the world, helping to protect lives and property and enhance the national economy.

Relevant Web Sites
NOAA Meteorologists Learn More about Maryland Tornado

NOAA's Storm Watch — Get the latest severe weather information across the USA

NOAA's Tornadoes Page

USA Weather Hazards

NOAA's Weather Page

NOAA's Storm Prediction Center

NOAA's National Severe Storms Laboratory

Media Contact:
John Leslie, NOAA's National Weather Service, (301) 713-0622