A Review of the Active Winter Season of 2009-2010

The winter of 2009-2010 produced a number of significant winter storms and record snowfall in parts of the United States. The Winter Weather Desk (WWD) of the Hydrometeorological Prediction Center (HPC) provides twice daily forecast guidance for snow and ice accumulations through 72 hours to meteorologists and others interested in impending winter weather across the conterminous U.S. The WWD also serves as a catalyst for collaboration among the forecasters of the field offices of the National Weather Service as they prepare the official forecasts for their geographic areas of responsibility. HPC issues Storm Summaries in real time when winter storms are particularly significant. This presentation will summarize the major winter events during the 2009-2010 season, focusing on several storms having particularly large societal impact. The presentation will also highlight notable changes to the WWD's operations and services for the 2010-2011 season.