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Bering Sea Storms in Alaska; Heavy Rain in Hawaii; Severe Thunderstorms in the Upper Mississippi Valley

A series of Bering Sea storms continues to impact western Alaska this week, with elevated water levels, isolated coastal flooding, high surf, erosion, and strong winds. Tropical moisture will bring the potential for heavy rain and thunderstorms to Hawaii through early Thursday. A few severe thunderstorms are possible over the Upper Mississippi Valley today with some tornado potential. Read More >




Michelle Mainelli
Deputy Director,
National Weather Service


Michelle Mainelli is the NWS Deputy Director and has served in various roles in the NWS for more than 30 years.

Michelle most recently served as the Director of the Office of Dissemination at NWS headquarters, and over the last three years, she served as Acting Director for OPPSD, Office of Facilities, and Office of Observations. Prior to coming to NWS headquarters in 2016, she gained experience in several NWS field positions.

Michelle began career with the NWS as an intern at the WFO in St. Louis, Missouri, and then worked at the National Hurricane Center for 15 years where she served in all three branches of the Center and held positions as Marine Forecaster and Hurricane Specialist. In 2008, she was selected as the Software Development Team Lead for NCEP Central Operations (NCO) Systems Integration Branch and was promoted to Branch Chief in 2010, and NCO Deputy Director in 2014.

Michelle holds a B.S. in Meteorology, a M.S. in Meteorology and Physical Oceanography, and a MBA in Technology Management.

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