Weather Ready Nation: A Vital Conversation—Themes and Actions from the December 2011 Meeting in Norman Oklahoma

Despite excellent warnings and longer than average lead times, 553 lives were lost in tornadoes in 2011, the second deadliest tornado year in U.S. history. On the 13th of December 2011, 175 experts and leaders gathered at the National Weather Center in Norman, Oklahoma to begin a conversation on what it takes for our country to become a “Weather Ready Nation”. Their goal was to "identify, prioritize, and set in motion actions to improve the nation's resiliency against severe weather, especially tornadoes, to protect lives and property."

Seven major themes emerged from this initial conversation. Specific actions identified during the meeting fell under each of these themes. Many of these actions are multi-disciplinary and multi-organizational, and will require varying levels of effort and collaboration. Some actions are more specific to the National Weather Service, and can be accomplished with little additional resources. The currently identified actions and a status report on those actions will be presented.