Weather lovers from around the region will converge on Walter Hall this weekend to hear experts talk about safety and preparedness in the face of severe weather.
Ohio University’s chapter of the American Meteorological Society is hosting the OU Meteorological Symposium tomorrow in Walter Hall. The symposium, which is in its second year, brings students, faculty, staff and Athens residents together to share an interest in meteorology.
“It’s an opportunity for students in the sciences and engineering to come together to hear about the industry from professionals,” said Nicole Grams, president of the OU chapter of the American Meteorological Society. “This year, in the aftermath of the tornadoes in September, we thought it would be good to make the symposium more geared towards safety.”
The symposium will feature guest speakers Mark Johnson, chief meteorologist for WEWS Channel 5 in Cleveland, and Spencer Adkins, chief meteorologist of WOWK Channel 13 in Huntington, W. Va. Adkins was the meteorologist who issued Athens County the Sept. 16, 2010, tornado warning.
“(Adkins) will give a perspective of how the events unfolded and what we can do to be a little more prepared should this ever happen again,” Grams said.
The symposium also will feature several people from the National Weather Service who speak on their experiences and jobs in the weather. The event is expected to draw 100 to 150 people, Grams said.
“We see a lot of gratification come from students coming and learning from specialists they might not have a chance to meet otherwise,” she said.
@ThePostCampus
