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New NOAA Weather Wire Service During 2013

(Last update November 2012)

NWS is changing the management and operation of NWWS. This change will now occur in early summer (July/August) of next year (2013).
Weather Radio Improvement Project (WRIP) will start operational test and evaluation of the initial operating capabilities (IOC) of the new NWWS in the Spring. The new NWWS will operate similar to the current system, with dissemination of weather data via either:

  1. C-band satellite
  2. Uusing an Internet-based method known as the "Open Interface"
  3. Through the International Justice and Public Safety Network (NLETS)

C-band satellite users can continue to re-use the outdoor antennas they already have in place (which will not require re-pointing), but will need 1) a new satellite receiver, 2) new Low Noise Block (LNB) down converter, and 3) new (or modified) weather data display software.

Open Interface users will need new (or modified) display software. The plan is to provide similar “RSS/ATOM” capability for NWWS products over the Internet, World Meteorological Organization (WMO) formatted text only; and at http://alert.weather.gov, Common Alert Protocol-CAP formatted text; alerts and warnings only. All NWWS products including the alerts and warnings will be available at www.weather.gov.

NWWS products are also available over the Emergency Managers Weather Information Network (EMWIN) satellite product stream (currently includes only NWWS alert and warning text messages) at , and via the NWS Family of Services (all NWWS products).

The NLETS system is a private law enforcement/emergency management network not open to the general public. Costs to use the new NWWS are forecasted to be at or below current costs. As we proceed with the transition, your cooperation, collaboration, and input would be appreciated. Please feel free to contact us for more information about the upcoming change or to provide input on system capabilities and proposed distribution methods. The old NWWS (operated under contract with Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC) for the past 12 years) will be evaluated and if possible phased out to allow as little disruption in service.

Please stay tuned to this website to keep informed about the upcoming change.

Contact at NOAA/NWS
Gregory Zwicker (NOAA, NWWS Program Manager)
Tel. 301-713-9479 X141, email gregory.zwicker@noaa.gov

Ronald Vaillant (NOAA, NLETS Program Manager)
Tel. 301-713-9478 X171, email ronald.vaillant@noaa.gov

Ron DeWaters (NOAA, NWWS Satellite Program Lead)
Tel. 301-713-9478 X173, email ron.dewaters@noaa.gov