National Weather Service forecasters insert coded plea in forecast

[UrbScotty]

The message was hidden in the first paragraph of the early morning forecast for the Anchorage region Friday. The first letters of each line of the paragraph spell it out — a type of simple code called an acrostic.

Most federal services are on hold because of the shutdown, but weather forecasts aren't among them because they're considered information "necessary to protect life and property."

The person answering the phone at the Anchorage office wasn't immediately able to track down anyone who knew about the hidden message or who could say how it made it on to the agency's website.

But someone was on duty, because about the time NBC News called to ask about it, the message was replaced at the same URL without the pay-us demand. NBC News took a screenshot before it vanished, above.

http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/10/04/20822490-secret-coded-plea-on-national-weather-service-site-please-pay-us?lite

[Skinner]

1. Awesome.

[SunSeeker]

2. K & R

[underpants]

3. Very clever

[BlancheSplanchnik]

4. smart crew there.

[RoccoR5955]

7. The NWS is a "smart crew" EVERYWHERE!

Not just in Anchorage.

[BlancheSplanchnik]

8. cool!

I like smart crews!! The more, the better!!!

[love_katz]

5. Love it!

And so sad that the message should be needed.

[IrishAyes]

6. And the rumble grows....

[riqster]

9. First their satellites, now their salaries.

How they can get their work done, the Gods only know. But I am grateful they still show up and provide the service we all rely on.