Tropical Storm Podul (16W) will bring heavy rain and gusty winds to Agrihan, Pagan and Alamagan in the Northern Mariana Islands though Saturday. Severe thunderstorms may produce a few tornadoes, large hail, severe winds and heavy rain across the Northern Plains through the night and the threat will shift to the Upper Midwest Friday. Hot temperatures and fire weather conditions continue in the West Read More >
Joseph A. Pica serves as the Director of the NWS Office of Observations and is responsible for the collection of space, atmosphere, water, and climate observational data owned or leveraged by the NWS to support the mission of providing weather, water, and climate data forecasts and warnings for the protection of life and property; and for the enhancement of the National economy.
Mr. Pica came to the NWS after serving as a NOAA commissioned officer for 23 years, including responsibility as Commanding Officer of two ships - NOAA’s flagship and only global class vessel (Ronald H. Brown) and the fleet’s most technologically advanced ship for deep sea exploration (Okeanos Explorer). Between sea assignments, he brought his operational, technical, and leadership skills to a variety of shore assignments ranging from Hydrologist at the Northwest River Forecast Center to Executive Director to the Deputy Under Secretary for Operations.
Mr. Pica completed the Senior Executive Fellows program at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government and holds a Master's degree in Civil Engineering from Portland State University and Bachelor's degree in General Engineering from the University of Illinois.
Mr. Pica resides in Rockville, Maryland with his wife and daughter.