Director of National Hurricane Center Leaving for Weather Channel

MIAMI, FL — The director of the National Hurricane Center will continue to help Miamians deal with severe weather during the upcoming hurricane season only he'll be doing it on television for The Weather Channel.

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Rick Knabb, Ph. D., director of the National Hurricane Center since June 2012, has accepted a new position as on-air hurricane expert at The Weather Channel in Atlanta.

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His last day with NHC in Miami will be May 12. Knabb begins his new position on May 15.

"I will forever be grateful to the entire staff of talented public servants at the National Hurricane Center for their dedication, professionalism and teamwork," he said. "They will continue to accomplish great things together with our many colleagues throughout the National Weather Service and NOAA, and with our diverse partners in emergency management, disaster safety, media, academia, and the international community."

He said that his new position will allow him to spend more time at home with his family while still following his passion.

"In my new job, I look forward to utilizing all of the innovative products and warnings that we developed at the National Hurricane Center during the past several years," he added. "I am as determined as ever to help prepare the nation in advance and to keep the public safe and resilient when the next hurricane strikes."

Edward Rappaport, Ph.D., who had been deputy director of the National Hurricane Center for the past 17 years, will become acting director for the upcoming hurricane season as the National Weather Service undertakes a comprehensive search for the next director.

Louis W. Uccellini, Ph.D., director of the National Weather Service said that the Hurricane Center launched several new tools under Knabb's five-year tenure.

“Under his watch, NHC launched several new decision-support tools to help America prepare for and respond to hurricane threats," Uccellini explained. "He expanded relationships with emergency managers and the media, and has been a respected U.S. ambassador within the international weather community."

Photo of Rick Knabb courtesy of NOAA/NHC