For almost 30 years, Roger McNeil was integral to the operations of Alabama Power’s Hydro department – and he didn’t even work for the company.

McNeil was a service hydrologist for the National Weather Service. Weather is critical to Alabama Power’s operations, from storms that could cause power outages, to heavy rainfall that could lead to runoff and flooding. McNeil was “instrumental” in assisting Alabama Power, particularly during flood control operations.

McNeil, who retired last week from his post in the Calera NWS office, said weather and his hydrology role go hand-in-hand.

Weather includes monitoring moisture in the atmosphere. Once that moisture hits the ground, hydrologists become critical.

“My role has been to monitor that rainfall once it hits the ground and use that information to disseminate information to the public on what the rainfall is going to do to rivers and streams,” he said. “We look at how the weather might adversely impact people and make decisions based on that.”

“He’s been great to work with,” said Scott Fant, Alabama Power Hydro Services principal engineer. “He was always proactive about informing us of issues or changes he might see developing during large rain events. Beyond that, you always felt like you could pick up the phone and call him with any questions you had.”

McNeil’s work even earned him the Southern Region National Weather Service nomination for the national Max A. Kohler Lifetime Achievement Award for meritorious service. Alabama Power’s Reservoir Management Department wrote a letter supporting his nomination.

“Roger McNeil is solely responsible for building the strong relationship and partnership we have enjoyed for many years with the Birmingham Weather Forecast Office,” the letter reads. “He … has a wealth of knowledge for a job position that is critical to the safety and well-being of many Alabamians.”

Fant said McNeil served a key role in communicating critical information with emergency management agencies during high-flow conditions. McNeil  supported Alabama Power by participating in drills that help ensure the company is prepared in case of an emergency at its hydro facilities.

McNeil said the cooperative relationship between the power company and the National Weather Service supports both organizations.

“The partnership with Alabama Power is vital to our mission to forecast and warn the public of hydrologic events,” McNeil said. “Their rainfall and river data are used every day in our forecast models and is vital to what we do.”

Alan Peeples, Alabama Power’s reservoir management manager, made his feelings clear about McNeil’s departure: “Roger is someone you wish would never, ever retire.”