Building Society's Preparedness and Resilience to Space Weather

The threat of an extreme space weather event occurring with relatively short notice requires that all levels of the U.S. government and general public plan appropriately for preparedness, response to, and recovery from such an event. Extreme space weather can impact critical technology infrastructure, and cause power outages in the United States and around the world. In addition, increasing use of space-based systems, polar routes for aviation, and dependence on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) has resulted in a greater need for improved space weather forecasts, watches, warnings, and alerts. Securing our technological infrastructure from the impacts of space weather is a difficult challenge that requires coordinated and focused effort from the federal, state, and local governments, and the private sector. There are actions that should be taken before, during and after a space weather event. To respond to these challenges, NOAA's National Weather Service has implemented new forecast capabilities, products, and services to better meet the needs of its diverse customer base. This presentation will focus on how NOAA is working closely with industry, emergency managers, agency partners, and international organizations to communicate the space weather threat and reduce society's vulnerability.