Integrated hazard information services (IHIS)

NOAA has begun development of a new software framework to fully support the evolving watch, warning, and advisory mission. The Integrated Hazard Information Services (IHIS) will employ scientific and emerging technological capabilities to advance decision-support services and allow NWS partners to make timelier and better-informed decisions in advance of expected hazards. IHIS will combine the capabilities of existing software applications and provide the flexibility to support new products, including the addition of uncertainty (probabilistic) information. The output of the IHIS will support multiple dissemination methods, including, but not limited to text product in various formats, weather hazard grids and graphical products.

To support the initial design and development concepts, workshops involving key stakeholders were held in Norman, OK in December 2008 and Boulder, CO in October 2009. The lead development organization is Earth System Research Laboratory's Global System Division (ESRL GSD). Other development organizations include the National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL), the Office of Hydrologic Development (OHD), Meteorological Development Laboratory (MDL), National Hurricane Center (NHC), and Storm Prediction Center (SPC), with Raytheon serving as a consultant on developer level information.

The IHIS project will be implemented using an agile rapid prototyping and testing approach. The implementation will occur in phases due to its complexity and very large scope and to ensure meeting clear, well defined project objectives.

The development will support new products and services, and therefore requires continuous collaboration with partners in other governmental agencies (e.g., emergency managers), broadcast media, and key partners within the weather enterprise. Key to the success of new products and services is continued social science collaboration throughout the development process.