The development and utility of a software application to facilitate critical weather operations at the National Weather Service (NWS) office in Fort Worth are discussed. Until recently, local storm reports (LSRs) and information about storm spotter activation and emergency management briefings were recorded in paper logs. LSRs then had to be transcribed to a separate software application for dissemination.

The local AWIPS application WHIRL (Weather Hazard Interactive Report Logger) is a graphical user interface written in Tcl/Tk that streamlines and consolidates the logging and dissemination of critical weather information into one utility. This reduces time overhead, allowing forecasters to devote more time to mission critical tasks such as meso-analysis, coordination with storm spotters and emergency managers, and making timely warning decisions. WHIRL can be run on multiple workstations simultaneously and allows for instantaneous dissemination of LSRs as they are logged, a beneficial service to the Storm Prediction Center and local media. Forecasters at all workstations can see constantly updated information on reports, briefings, and other coordination efforts. Results of initial software testing during the spring and summer of 2003 are presented.