MIAMI, Aug. 26 (UPI) -- Max Mayfield, director of the National Hurricane Center in Miami, has decided to step down and take some time off after two of the busiest seasons ever.
Mayfield plans to leave at the end of the current season Jan. 3, go on a cruise to Alaska with his wife and then return to working with hurricanes in South Florida in a less high-profile role, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported.
"I'm tired," he said. "The last two seasons have taken a toll, you could say."
In 2004, Florida was hit by four hurricanes, while 2005 became the busiest Atlantic hurricane season ever with so many named storms the hurricane center ran through the alphabet.
Mayfield, who calls himself "the world's biggest introvert," became a radio and television personality, known for making calm predictions of disaster. He also testified before Congress about efforts to warn New Orleans officials as Hurricane Katrina approached the city.
