Thursday, January 24, 2008

Just as Montgomery County's new Storm Operation Center opened last week, it was put to use for the first time as officials monitored and reacted to snowfall.

The center, in Department of Public Works and Transportation offices in Gaithersburg, has put all storm managers in one location with improved technology, including an internal Web-based snow program that allows staff members to track progress on plow routes countywide.

The center also uses WeatherBug, a Web-based local forecasting system that allows staff to focus resources in areas with the greatest need.

"The county's first test of our new Snow Operations Center was a success," County Executive Isiah Leggett (D) said. "Our enhanced capabilities to track conditions right here in Montgomery County in real time is a boost to the efficiency and effectiveness of our snow operations."