Welcome and Keynote

The focus of the panel is Hurricane Katrina, one of the deadliest hurricanes ever to hit the United States. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the storm that killed over 1800 people and left millions homeless. We haven’t had another hurricane like it since, so as we move into another tropical season, we’re going to hear from experts that have studied the storm, the events leading up to it and ultimately how we can learn from it going forward. The discussion will be streamed live. (http://www.ametsoc.org/meet/fainst/katrinapanel/).

Bill Lapenta, Director of the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP), wants to hear from YOU! NCEP is planning a strategic review of the NCEP Production Suite and wants an opportunity to tell you about it and solicit input from the broadcast community. The operational modeling suite at NCEP provides timely information on the future state of weather, land surface, ocean, sea ice, short-term climate, and ecosystems. The modeling suite provides input for the decision-making process for individuals and policy makers, and for sectors ranging from water resources to financial markets. The modeling systems directly support the National Weather Service (NWS) mission to provide weather, water, and climate data, forecasts and warnings for the protection of life and property and enhancement of the national economy. The Town hall is intended to provide an opportunity to ask questions you always wanted to. NCEP will open with a 15-minute presentation describing the production suite scope and purpose, how it’s executed on the NOAA supercomputers, and a description of the model upgrade process. The discussion will then focus on creating a strategy to evolve the suite into the 2020’s that’s based on mission requirements. NCEP is seeking your input on how the media uses the operational numerical guidance and what changes you might like to see in the future. For example, the requirement for a 6h model cycle has always been questioned. From a historical point of view, the six hour cycle was implemented about 15 years ago in response to requests from broadcast meteorologists who wanted an update of the models for the evening news. In other words, your colleagues made their views known and played a big role in the nature of today's production suite. Now is your chance to do it again. Make sure your opinions are heard at this special town hall meeting.