Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU), a coed residential university located in Daytona Beach, Florida, is uniquely vulnerable to tropical cyclone activity occurring in the Atlantic basin. When threatened with a tropical cyclone, ERAU not only has to take steps to protect its people, grounds, and physical structures, but also needs to take unique actions to protect its fleet of approximately 60 general aviation aircraft. This creates the need for both specialized weather support when threatened and a more general program of tropical cyclone education.

Given this, the Applied Meteorology Department at ERAU has over time developed a program to address this need. Part of this program is a hurricane preparedness seminar developed for ERAU and the local community. The purpose of the seminar is to increase the general understanding of tropical cyclones, their effects, forecast products, what should be done to prepare, and how to respond when threatened. This seminar is presented on an as-needed basis and speakers include ERAU meteorology faculty, National Weather Service meteorologists, and local emergency managers. Another part of the education aspect of this program is an annual briefing given at the beginning of the hurricane season to key ERAU decision-makers (e.g., the Chancellor's Office). This briefing includes the outlook for the upcoming season, general reminders on the nature of tropical cyclones, and a review of the National Hurricane Center (NHC) products.

The weather support portion of this program includes a tropical meteorological watch and specialized weather briefings when a tropical cyclone threatens. These activities are currently handled by the Applied Meteorology faculty and support not only the ERAU community but other education, government, and business organizations in the area. The meteorological watch occurs throughout the hurricane season and specialized weather briefings can be as frequent as three times per day. These briefings typically occur within the hour after the NHC forecast is issued and include such items as a synoptic overview and discussion of forecast uncertainty. Weather information is also provided to support any aircraft evacuations that may occur.

The recent active hurricane seasons have tested this program. The response of ERAU and the local community to what has been developed has been very positive. One aspect that is especially well received is the “one to one” contact of the meteorological faculty with the ERAU and local communities. As an example, the specialized weather briefings provide attendees the opportunity to ask questions and get needed clarification. These briefings also can address issues unique to the individuals in the room. The briefings also serve as an opportunity to educate the community on the forecast process in general. While the program has been successful thus far, changes are planned including increased student involvement.