The Associated Press
MARIETTA - A top meteorologist with the National Weather Service admitted that the agency blew it when it failed to issue a flood warning before the Ohio River swamped Marietta last month.
Alan Rezek, chief meteorologist in the weather service's Charleston, W.Va., office, told about 100 residents and businessmen Thursday night that forecasters didn't expect the river to rise 22 feet in 24 hours.
"Flat out, we didn't believe it was going to happen," he said. "In this business, it's still a lot of judgment. The decisions weren't suitable."
The river's rise occurred after remnants of Hurricane Ivan dumped about 5 inches of rain on the area Sept. 17.
The weather service issued on-again, off-again flood warnings and left Marietta residents unprepared for their worst flooding in 40 years.
Rezek promised that the agency will do better.
He said his office will develop a better method to issue flood warnings based on rainfall forecasts, and will work better with emergency officials to publicize the warnings.
Also, his office will work with other agencies to boost the signal strength of a weather-emergency radio system, and ensure that the latest river forecasts are on its Web site.
ELECTION 2004
Kerry film stirs storm
Roundtable and a coney
Fairfield levy opponent says his truck vandalized
Senator keeps eye on economy
Senate foes set to debate
Dearborn to elect two commission newcomers
Monroe tax issue on ballot
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Election 2004 section
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