Kevin Martin - Message From the Deputy Director of the NWS.

Department of Commerce Security officials have advised the National Weather Service to disassociate the organization and immediately cease any professional contacts with Mr. Kevin Martin and his web pages and social media applications. Mr, Martin has never been employed by NWS or associates with NWS in any official capacity; he operates or is associated with various web pages under various names including the Southern California Weather Authority, Tornado Risk Analysis Model (TRAM), and Weather Space.

Effective Immediately

• Access from National Weather Service computer systems to the online accounts owned or operated by Mr. Martin is Prohibited. Mr. Martin in the past has captured IP addresses and reposted them on his web page.
• NWS personnel are NOT to contact or engage in discussions, either by mail, phone, or in person with Mr. Martin while on duty.

What to do if contacted by Mr. Martin:

• Notify your chain of command and forward Mr. Martin's message to the NWS Communications Office.

The reason for the prohibited access involves both physical security for the NWS and our employees, and public safety considerations. Mr. Martin's previous web postings have been interpreted by federal authorities as threatening. In addition, in recent months Mr. Martin has begun issuing severe weather watches that appear to mimic the visual  and linguistic branding used by the National Weather Service; although there are disclaimers posted on his web pages there is continued public confusion over whether Mr. Martin's products are those of the National Weather Service.

NWS is taking other actions to clearly disassociate itself from Mr. Martin and his projects and products. Following the guidance in this message will help clearly establish the boundaries between Mr. Martin's work and that of the National Weather Service.