The National Weather Service (NWS), through its array of empirical models and prediction services, has traditionally provided the nation with meteorological, hydrologic and climate forecasts and warnings. With the explosion of growth along the U.S. coasts, the NWS is challenged to improve monitoring and prediction in the coastal zone. Successful accomplishment of this will require expansion and integration of observing and modeling systems, and a better understanding of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) customer base.

This talk will present the importance and opportunities for expanding coastal observations, partnering with NOAA offices, universities and coastal communities, implementing and expanding ocean models such as the Coastal Ocean Forecast System and NOAA WaveWatch III, and coupling of ocean and atmospheric models. Better identifying NOAA’s customer needs and developing those products and services to meet these needs will also be addressed.