A Summer Experience: A Warning Coordination Meteorologist and an Emergency Management Student Learning From Each Other about Impact-Decision Support Services (IDSS)

The National Weather Service (NWS) is going through a transformation in the way it serves our nation. The new Weather Ready concept involves new strategies for the way the NWS meets America's needs, especially with the attention of recent high impact events such as Hurricanes, Tornadoes, Flooding, Winter Weather, and Droughts. NWS partners are demanding Impact-Based Decision Support Services, and the primary partner and supporters of the NWS seeking these services are Emergency Managers. To better understand and meet the needs of this growing demand from Emergency Management partners, the Warning Coordination Meteorologist in Shreveport invited an Emergency Management Student from Jackson State University to intern in his office during the 2013 summer. Together they learned about each other's field of work. They also learned how much the NWS and Emergency Managers need each other and how much they can accomplish working together. This presentation will highlight the interactions and lessons learned.