NWS Huntsville building evacuated following fire
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (HERE NEWS) – The National Weather Service forecast office in Huntsville evacuated Monday morning following a fire, per officials.
Officials with the NWS Huntsville said operations will be backed up at the Jackson, Miss. forecast office (WFO), sending out all forecast products until further notice. People inside the building during the incident were reported as safe. The building is on the campus of the University of Alabama Huntsville (UAH), co-managed by the Marshall Space and Flight Center and the university.
Electrical Issue Causes Evacuation
Officials with the Marshall Space and Flight Center said the incident was due to an electrical issue. National Space Science and Technology Center (NSSTC) entry is not authorized at this time. Officials said once air quality conditions are considered safe, operations will then go back to normal.
Safety Precautions in Place
The safety of individuals inside the building was the top priority during the evacuation. Fire officials and first responders were on the scene to ensure the well-being of all occupants. The swift response helped prevent any injuries or casualties.
Impact on Weather Services
With the NWS Huntsville building evacuated, meteorological operations will be temporarily shifted to the Jackson, Miss. forecast office. This may cause delays in the dissemination of forecast products and updates to the public. However, the continuity of weather monitoring and forecasting services will be maintained throughout the transition period.
Conclusion
As the NWS Huntsville building is evacuated following the fire, authorities are working diligently to restore normal operations and ensure the safety of staff and visitors. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of emergency preparedness and rapid response in safeguarding critical facilities and personnel.