Meet the National Weather Service meteorologists

David Andra, meteorologist in charge, National Weather Service, Norman Forecast Office

• Years with the National Weather Service: 25-plus.

• Years at this office: 19

• Years as the meteorologist in charge at this office: Less than 1 year.

• Staff size: 29

• How many counties do you cover in all? 48 in Oklahoma and eight in western, North Texas.

• If needed because of a severe weather threat at your office, which National Weather Service office is your primary backup? Tulsa, then Fort Worth, Texas.

• What is different about severe weather coverage, such as severe thunderstorms and/or tornadoes, in your area? The dryline, a boundary that helps storms to develop, is near or over western Oklahoma most of the spring. This gives us the potential to have several days of severe storms in a row, each with the potential for tornadoes. In many parts of the U.S. the threat lasts a day or less at any given time.

• What would you tell the public about monitoring severe weather coverage in the daytime? When storms are forecast, make it a point to check the weather situation throughout the day. Monitor our webpage, weather.gov/norman, radio, television, or NOAA weather radio. Be prepared to take shelter if a warning is issued.

• What would you tell the public about monitoring severe weather in the overnight hours? The same thing, but when asleep, weather radio may be the best way for you to be awakened to take action.

• Is there anything else you would like to add about severe weather coverage such as severe thunderstorms and tornadoes? It's important at work, school or home to have a plan in the event you find yourself or your family in the path of a tornado. If a warning is issued, take action quickly, don't wait.

Steven Piltz, meteorologist in charge, National Weather Service, Tulsa Forecast Office. Photo Provided Photo Provided - Photo Provided

Steve Piltz, meteorologist in charge, National Weather Service, Tulsa Forecast Office

• Years with the National Weather Service: 25

• Years at this office: 22

• Years as the meteorologist in charge at this office: 13

• Staff size? 25

• How many counties do you cover in all? 25 in Oklahoma, seven in Arkansas.

• If needed because of a severe weather threat at your office, which National Weather Service office is your primary backup? Norman.

• What is different about severe weather coverage, such as severe thunderstorms and/or tornadoes, in your area? Auto-updating Decision Support Page ... www.srh.noaa.gov/tsa/dsp/dsp.php

• What would you tell the public about monitoring severe weather coverage in the daytime? Stay engaged with local information ... i.e. not watching / listening to a national (cable/satellite) TV / radio channel with no connection to a local alert.