Date of Issue:			July 17, 2000		Effective Date:		July 17, 2000
In Reply Refer To:				W/SP	File With:	A-06
Subject:	Guidelines for Support of Special Events
References:		WSOM Chapter A-06, "Policy and Guidelines Governing NWS and Private Sector Roles" Issuance 93-08, dated July 30, 1993.

This OML clarifies Section 5 of Weather Service Operations Manual (WSOM) Chapter A-06 containing guidance for weather briefings and other related weather services to support special events.

It is NWS policy not to provide special forecasts and direct forecasting services to outdoor event organizers, with the exception of certain international events listed in Section 5 of Chapter A-06, which may continue to be supported directly. However, it is NWS policy to (1) publicize the various methods, both public and private, where official NWS forecasts and warnings can be accessed for the benefit of the general public including outdoor event organizers and participants; (2) promptly inform emergency managers and/or event organizers when local weather conditions may threaten life or property during such events; and, (3) where appropriate, inform emergency managers when weather conditions may impact emergency management decisions during such events.

Responsibility for implementing this policy rests with regional and center directors, meteorologists in charge, and hydrologists in charge.

This is not a new policy direction for the NWS: A June 7, 1996, memorandum (attached) from the Assistant Administrator for Weather Services reminded NWS Directors of the policy and providing additional guidance. Ensure the attached Memorandum is appropriately reflected in every office's Station Duty Manual and filed along with this OML with WSOM Chapter A-06.

The June 7, 1996, memorandum

John J. Kelly, Jr.

Assistant Administrator

for Weather Services

Attachment

NA060400