Experiments designed to optimize the assimilation of winds derived from GOES rapid-scan data into the National Centers for Environmental Prediction's Eta model are being performed. These experiments have been performed on various Atlantic hurricanes in the 2000 and 2001 storm season. The wind data are being assimilated into parallel runs of the Eta model through the Eta Data Assimilation System.

It is hoped that the satellite winds will more accurately describe the initial upper-level environment over these hurricanes. Various assimilation strategies will be explored in order to optimize the influence of the satellite wind data. Model forecasts of track and intensity will be used to validate the various imposed assimilation strategies. Results will be presented at the meeting.