About Mike Vescio

How did you become interested in your profession?

When I was 5 years old a tornado hit the golf course where I was living in New York State. My dad took me there afterward and I was amazed at all the huge trees that were down. I was fascinated with the weather from that point on.

What led you to a career with the NWS (National Weather Service)?

At the end of undergraduate school I was on the fence about going to grad school or joining the NWS. I ended up getting my Masters Degree at Colorado State. Even so I knew I liked the operational side of meteorology and when an intern job opened up in Columbia, SC right at the end of my time at Colorado, I jumped at the chance rather than staying for my PhD.

How did you end up in Pendleton?

I wanted to become an MIC and I was not terribly concerned about where. I was the SOO in Fort Worth when Flagstaff and Pendleton came open. I flew out to Salt Lake City to interview for both jobs and was offered Pendleton. I went to Pendleton never having been to the Pacific Northwest.

What do you enjoy most about working for the NWS?

My favorite part of working for the NWS is how we help people and the fact that we protect lives and property. In a nutshell the fact that we are service oriented. I also like the direction the agency is headed with communicating the forecast and utilizing probabilistic and uncertainty information.

What is your favorite type of weather and why?

This is easy for me to answer. Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes. I have always been fascinated by the power of severe storms. I also worked at the Storm Prediction Center where it was my entire job to forecast them. Finally, I lived in Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas where these storms were quite common.

What is the most memorable weather event you've ever experienced?

Another easy question to answer. The May 3rd, 1999 Moore, OK F5 tornado. I was the shift leader at the Storm Prediction Center that evening and it was a really challenging event. It was also not certain that the tornado would not hit Norman, until the storm took a jog to the left and went up into Moore. I worked a lot of big events at SPC but this was by far the biggest.

What are some of your hobbies and interests outside of work?

I like to exercise, hang out with my dog and when they are free visit with my now adult children. Before COVID I liked to travel. I have been on six cruises to various places.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

Retired! Not sure if I'll stay in Pendleton. There is the potential of moving to the southeast to be closer to family but a lot will depend on where my kids end up.