CONTACT:	Frank Lepore	      NOAA 00-R254
                (305)229-4404         FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
         flepore@nhc.noaa.gov	      August 23, 2000

EDWARD N. RAPPAPORT NAMED DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF TROPICAL PREDICTION CENTER - NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER

Edward N. Rappaport has been selected to serve as deputy director of the NOAA National Weather Service's Tropical Prediction Center-National Hurricane Center, located in Miami, Fla. Rappaport assumes the deputy's duties from Max Mayfield, who was appointed as the center's director in May. The Tropical Prediction Center/National Hurricane Center issues watches, warnings, forecasts, and analyses of hazardous tropical weather to save lives, mitigate property loss, and improve the nation's economic efficiency.

"Dr. Rappaport's appointment recognizes a unique combination of scientific and management skills," said retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Jack Kelly, National Weather Service director. "His extensive background in hurricane forecasting and management of scientific support and research staff will contribute to accomplishing our mission."

Rappaport began his career with the National Hurricane Center in 1987 training as a post-doctoral fellow. He became a research meteorologist in 1988 and worked on a wide range of assignments. In 1990 he became an assistant hurricane specialist and Tropical Satellite and Analysis Center meteorologist. He became one of the center=s six hurricane specialists in 1993.

From 1998 to the present, Rappaport was the chief of the center's Technical Support Branch. This unit maintains computer and communications systems, conducts applied research, and develops tools for hurricane and tropical weather analysis and prediction. Its storm surge group provides information for developing evacuation procedures for coastal areas.

According to Mayfield, Ed brings a blend of the theoretical and practical application to the 'real world' of tropical cyclone meteorology. Having worked as both a hurricane forecaster and a supporting scientist, he knows what it takes to provide the public the best possible forecast product and service. He has also developed a close working relationship with the emergency management community and the media - critical partners to NOAA.

Rappaport has published numerous papers in scientific journals in the United States and abroad. His recent study on the United States loss of life associated with hurricanes is scheduled to appear in the September issue of the Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society. Rappaport earned his bachelors (1979) and master of science degrees (1983) from the University of Washington and doctorate in atmospheric science from Texas Tech University (1988). He is an adjunct faculty member at Florida International University.

Rappaport received a Department of Commerce Bronze Medal for applied research. He has shared a Commerce Gold Medal for his work forecasting Hurricane Andrew and NOAA Administrator's Award for technical developments.

Rappaport, 42, resides in Pembroke Pines, Fla., with his wife and two children.