Legal Definitions - National Weather Service

The National Weather Service is a part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which is a unit in the U.S. Department of Commerce. Its main responsibility is to monitor the environment to provide accurate and timely weather forecasts and to protect life, property, and the environment.

NOAA was established in 1970 under Reorganization Plan No. 4 of 1970 and operates through several agencies:

• The National Weather Service (NWS)
• The National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS)
• The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)
• The National Ocean Service (NOS)
• The Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR)

The National Weather Service is responsible for providing weather forecasts and warnings to the public. For example, if there is a hurricane approaching a coastal area, the National Weather Service will issue a warning to let people know to evacuate or take other necessary precautions. The National Weather Service also provides information about current weather conditions, such as temperature, precipitation, and wind speed, to help people plan their day.

Overall, the National Weather Service plays an important role in keeping people safe and informed about the weather.