Site Logo

Weather scientist dies in rough surf after forecast of risk

Published 1:30 am Wednesday, October 2, 2019

Weather scientist dies in rough surf after forecast of risk
1/2
Weather scientist dies in rough surf after forecast of risk
In this undated photo, William Lapenta poses at the Weather Prediction Center, in College Park, Maryland. Lapenta, a federal scientist who oversaw weather prediction centers that track ocean, hurricane and even space conditions, died Monday after lifeguards pulled him from the surf in rough seas on North Carolina’s Outer Banks. (NOAA via AP)

Associated Press

DUCK, N.C. — A top weather forecasting official, who oversaw the government’s prediction centers that track ocean, hurricane and even space conditions, has died in rough seas on North Carolina’s Outer Banks.

William Lapenta, 58, died Monday after lifeguards pulled him from the surf off the coastal town of Duck, local officials said. The National Weather Service had issued a warning earlier Monday about the area’s high risk of rip currents, a beach phenomenon that can pull swimmers out to sea.

Lapenta was swimming alone and it’s not clear if he’d been caught by a rip current, town spokeswoman Christian Legner said Wednesday. Lapenta was declared dead at the scene, Legner said. While the specific reason he ran into trouble isn’t known, Monday’s surf conditions were likely a factor, Legner said.

The weather service has recorded seven previous deaths in rip currents in North Carolina this year, among 41 nationwide.

Lapenta was director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Centers for Environmental Prediction, which issues forecasts and warnings for aviation, ocean, storm and climate conditions in U.S. territories and beyond.

Lapenta led NOAA’s efforts to develop enhanced weather prediction methods by allowing outside scientists virtual access to help improve government models, National Weather Service Director Louis Uccellini said in a statement.

You Might Like