88th Annual Meeting (20-24 January 2008)

Tuesday, 22 January 2008: 4:00 PM
Major Recent Winter Weather Events in the US: Overview and Impacts
R08-R09 (Ernest N. Morial Convention Center)
Douglas Wesley, UCAR, Boulder, CO
Disastrous storms during the 2006-7 winter included events in Colorado, Kansas, Iowa, Missouri and the northeastern US, with at least one major ice storm. This presentation will overview some of the meteorological aspects of these storms that made them unique. Major impacts will be summarized and placed in a historical perspective. Potential improvements in how we can cope better with storm conditions will be addressed, including forecasts, NOAA categorization of detrimental effects on society, public education, and new technology such as automatic road condition monitoring. In addition, the role of the broadcaster in keeping the general public informed will be discussed.

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