Tuesday afternoon, the National Weather Service (NWS) of Wilmington recognized Logan County Emergency Management Agency Director, Helen Norris, for her years of dedicated leadership in the Storm Ready Program.
Norris was honored in a ceremony attended by friends, family, and several community leaders.
Tom Johnstone, Meteorologist in Charge at the National Weather Service in Wilmington, presented her with recognition for her outstanding contributions to storm preparedness in the region. Johnstone credited Norris with playing a pivotal role in making Logan County a designated “Storm Ready” county, ensuring the community’s resilience in the face of severe weather threats.
“Helen’s efforts have made Logan County as prepared as possible for any potential storm,” said Johnstone, referencing the upcoming tornado season and its challenges. “Her proactive measures have been instrumental in helping the county ready for situations like the tornado that touched down in March 2024.”
The Storm Ready program, which is part of the NWS initiative to help communities better prepare for severe weather events, emphasizes effective communication, public safety efforts, and partnerships between emergency management agencies and local meteorologists.
Norris’s leadership has helped Logan County align itself with these standards, increasing the community’s preparedness.
Brandon Peloquin, Warning Coordination Meteorologist at NWS Wilmington, acknowledged Norris’s statewide impact. “While we cannot stop the weather, we can use our relationships to control the outcome,” he said. “Helen has not only helped Logan County, but she’s also worked tirelessly across the state to ensure that other counties are just as prepared.”
In response to the honor, Norris reflected on the difficulties of managing severe weather threats, particularly tornadoes. “I’ll take an ice storm or a flood over a tornado any day,” she said, illustrating the unique challenges of responding to such high-intensity storms.
Andy Hatzos, a meteorologist with the NWS, further emphasized Norris’s ability to plan and prepare for any situation that might arise. “Her readiness and quick thinking make her a key asset to the community, and we’re fortunate to have someone like her leading the charge,” he remarked.
Logan County Commissioner Mike Yoder also expressed his gratitude for Norris’s leadership. “I’m extremely thankful for Helen and her organization,” said Yoder. “The community came together during the March tornado disaster.”
As Logan County looks toward future weather events, Norris remains committed to maintaining its status as a Storm Ready county.
