Edward N. Rappaport — Acting Director of the U.S. National Hurricane Center

Career and role at the National Hurricane Center

Rappaport has spent much of his professional life at agencies focused on tropical meteorology and public weather services. As acting director, he assumed oversight of forecasting operations, staff coordination, and public communication during tropical cyclone events. His position involved managing the center's routine predictions as well as its response when storms threatened land.

Responsibilities and contributions

• Providing leadership for forecasting teams and setting priorities for operational products.
• Communicating forecast information to emergency managers, the media, and the public.
• Bridging research and operations by encouraging the use of improved models and techniques.
• Participating in scientific studies and publications related to hurricane dynamics and forecasting.

Rappaport holds a doctoral degree in meteorology and has contributed to the scientific literature on tropical cyclone analysis, though his work is best known for practical applications that improve forecast accuracy and public safety.

Context and significance

The National Hurricane Center is the United States' principal agency for issuing warnings and guidance on tropical cyclones. Leadership transitions at the center occur periodically and can take place during active hurricane seasons; acting directors like Rappaport play an important role in maintaining continuity of forecasts and advisories. The center maintains an online presence at the National Hurricane Center, where advisories, outlooks, and educational material are published.

Rappaport's tenure as acting director is part of a broader professional record that emphasizes operational excellence, coordination with partner agencies, and the translation of tropical meteorology research into tools and practices used in weather forecasting and emergency preparedness.