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National Weather Service Brownsville/RGV Booth setup at McAllen for Amazing Skies, March 12 2011 (click to enlarge)
Before...
Children enthralled with the National Weather Service Tornado Chamber at Amazing Skies, March 12 2011 (click to enlarge)
During. Children gather around the now–famous NWS Brownsville/Rio Grande Valley tornado chammber.
Thousands and thousands Served...Again!
NWS Brownsville/RGV educates residents Valley-wide, March 2011

RGV Air Fiesta, March 12th and 13th
The 2011 Commemorative Air Force, Rio Grande Valley Wing Air Fiesta in Brownsville drew massive crowds again, with an estimated 20,000 persons passing through the hangar on their way out to the show. Hundreds of these folks stopped by the NWS tent and booth (photos coming soon!) to chat about all things weather. Booth organizer Geoffrey Bogorad was joined by staff, including Meteorologist in Charge Steve Drillette and forecaster Jason Straub. We sincerely hope everyone enjoyed our presence at this event this year!

Condolences: The staff of the National Weather Service in Brownsville prays for a speedy recovery of Kyle and Amanda Franklin, who were critically injured when the engine caught fire to their Waco Classic Aircraft and the plane was forced into a hard landing in a grass and mesquite field near the site. The Franklins, aerobatic wing walkers extraordinaire, suffered severe burns and were recovering in San Antonio as of this writing. Heroic work of on–site emergency services personnel more than likely saved their lives. Donations for their recovery, and other burn injury survivors, can be made to The Moonlight Fund.

Aviation Skies, March 12th
Warning Coordination Meteorologist hosted a booth for children of all ages at Amazing Skies, held at the International Museum of Art and Science in McAllen. Amazing skies featured a keynote speaker from NASA, the famous Science on a Sphere, and evening viewing of a starry sky from telescopes outside of the museum. Once again, the Brownsville tornado chamber (above) was a big draw for hundreds of children, while videos of flooding captivated dozens of parents and teachers.

Skywarn® Spotter Training Continues
Through March 1st, nearly 130 people have been certified, or re–certified, as Skywarn® spotters across the Rio Grande Valley and Deep South Texas. Thanks to all who have attended so far! We expect hundreds more to enjoy a few hours of learning how to observe and report hazardous weather with 9 more classes to close out March 2011. Classes are coming in Harlingen, McAllen, Pharr, and Hebbronville, to name a few. The NWS Brownsville/Rio Grande Valley Skywarn® program deeply appreciates your support!

Tours and other Events to Come
Spring is a great time to visit our facility! From boy scouts to students to Winter Texans, a tour of our office is a great way to spend an hour, learning how we provide weather information to you. Schedule yours today by calling 956-504-1432. The NWS in Brownsville, serving the Rio Grande Valley, will be at World Water Day festivities at the International Museum of Art and Science, 1900 Nolana Avenue in McAllen, on March 28th. Brownsville residents, be sure to look for our tent at the Brownsville Farmers’ Market one Saturday later in March.