Depending on the location, these recordings provide weather services such as public forecasts, marine forecasts, tropical weather, current conditions and an extended forecast. More than 100 of these systems have ring-through devices that allow direct contact by users with NWS personnel to obtain more information. Since the mid-1980s, the NWS has been phasing out its own local forecast recording service whenever the private sector could offer equal or better service. NWS will continue to contract out its recording service as it identifies qualifies vendors. We will continue to use telephone recordings as an important method of communication with users.
Numerous locations are available, as well as the hurricane hotline.
Users must sign an agreement with the Government and pay a one-time charge and an annual fee. Another access alternative is to connect to an existing NWS dedicated GOES-TAP circuit at the closest access point. The Government does not charge for this service. WSFO-TAP customers do not have the capability to select sectors and will receive only the data the NWS office selects. Private vendors also can furnish GOES imagery.