62 nd Interdepartmental Hurricane Conference Tropical Cyclone Operations

62 nd Interdepartmental Hurricane Conference “Tropical Cyclone Operations and Research: Priorities for the Future” March 3 - 7, 2008

Closing / Wrap-up Remarks Mr. Samuel P. Williamson Federal Coordinator for Meteorology 62 nd Interdepartmental Hurricane Conference “Tropical Cyclone Operations and Research: Priorities for the Future” Sponsored and hosted by The Office of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research

Overview • • • Conference Objectives Action Items / Next Steps Feedback Special Recognition Location of Future IHCs

Why Are We Here? • Reduce / eliminate deaths, and reduce injuries and economic and societal vulnerability to hurricanes • Societal demands driving need for further improvements • Need improvements in seven tropical-cyclone-related, dayto-day operational forecast and warning categories § Track § Waves § Intensity § Storm surge § Structure § Rainfall -- Observations --

Conference Objectives • Review the Nation’s tropical cyclone forecast and warning program from end-to-end – Update the National Hurricane Operations Plan for 2008 • Review the 2007 Joint Hurricane Testbed (JHT) projects, and identify candidates that may be successfully transitioned into operations

Conference Objectives • Examine how hazard risk reduction improvements can be made through stronger local partnerships and alliances • As recommended in the 2007 Interagency Strategic Research Plan for Tropical Cyclones: The Way Ahead, begin developing an interagency implementation strategy for the tropical cyclone research priorities

Action Items / Next Steps • 61 st IHC Action Items: – Revise NHOP and publish by May 15, 2007 – Implement the Interagency Strategic Research Plan for Tropical Cyclones: The Way Ahead • Develop a succinct 10 -year implementation plan to address the strategic plan’s research priorities and update annually • Establish a Joint Action Group to develop a strategic/ implementation plan for improved tropical cyclone reconnaissance and surveillance systems

Action Items / Next Steps • 62 nd IHC Action Items: – Revise NHOP and publish by May 15, 2008 – From the results of the conference: • Analyze agency activities with respect to the priorities established in Table 5 -1 • Identify overlaps, gaps, areas for collaboration, and leveraging opportunities • Establish the next steps needed to fill the gaps

Conference Materials Available Presentations and other material will be available on the OFCM web site shortly after the IHC. Click on “Special Projects” and navigate to the 62 nd IHC. http: //www. ofcm. gov/

Feedback We need and want your feedback on any aspect of the conference to help us maximize the value to you and the results of this conference. samuel. williamson@noaa. gov mark. welshinger@noaa. gov michael. babcock@noaa. gov (301) 427 -2002

Special Recognition Participants Session Leaders / Moderators / Chairpersons / and Panelists OFCM / STC Staff / Ellis Godfrey (CSC) Francis Marion Hotel Howard Chapman, CARTA Mayor Riley & Staff, City of Charleston, SC Media Support

Next IHC The 63 rd Interdepartmental Hurricane Conference is tentatively planned for Tampa, Florida, in March 2009

Thank You! Thank you for your attendance and participation in the 62 nd Interdepartmental Hurricane Conference On behalf of the Office of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorology, Have a safe trip home!