State Management Impacts from Hydroclimatic Extremes in Texas and Oklahoma, 2011-2015

The period of 2011-2015 was exceptional in the observed climatological records of Texas and Oklahoma. Record heat in 2011, record flooding in 2015, and a historic four-year drought combined to produce billions of dollars in economic and environmental losses across the two states. The challenge of managing resources in the face of these hydroclimatic extremes was particularly pronounced at the state agency level; fortunately, these challenges were at least partially mitigated by the delivery of timely regional climate services. In this presentation, we highlight some of the state-level successes and challenges in responding to these extreme events, and articulate key lessons learned that can inform the early warning and preparedness activities of regional climate service providers. We emphasize the ways in which climate information is being used to inform management decisions, and the importance of identifying and cultivating key partnerships with climate information users. In addition, we articulate opportunities for new and enhanced climate services delivery that can further benefit state-level management.