Monday 25 July 2014 begins the second week of our Earth Networks Total Lightning Network (ENTLN) Experiment and the final week of our Multi-Radar / Multi-Sensor (MRMS) Hydrology Experiment (hereafter, “Hydro”). Both experiments are a part of the 2014 NSSL-NWS Experimental Warning Program (EWP2014).
ENTLN Experiment:
NOAA National Weather Service (NWS) forecasters will test how lightning data impacts the warning process during convective events in the NOAA Hazardous Weather Testbed. In particular, they will utilize Earth Networks’ “Dangerous Thunderstorm Alerts” – which may increase forecaster situational awareness and lead times – during a series of warning scenarios in displaced real time. These events cover the gamut of atmospheric possibilities, ranging from marginally severe to significantly tornadic, and occur over a variety of locations. The final outcome of this project is to make recommendations on possible product improvements, and determine whether Earth Networks products should become part of the operational product suites available to NWS offices nationally. The ENTLN Experiment will be conducted in conjunction with Earth Networks and runs from 21 July to 29 August.
Hydro Experiment:
National Weather Service and River Forecast Center forecasters will work with research scientists to assess emerging hydrometeorological concepts and products to improve the accuracy, timing, and specificity of flash flood watches and warnings. In particular, forecasters will evaluate short-term predictive tools derived from MRMS quantitative precipitation estimates (QPE) and Flooded Locations and Simulated Hydrographs (FLASH) hydrologic modeling framework. The Hydro experiment will also explore the utility of experimental watch and warning products that convey uncertainty and magnitude while investigating human factors to determine operationally relevant best practices for the warning decision making process. Operational activities will take place during the week Monday through Friday. The Hydro experiment will be conducted in conjunction with the Flash Flood and Intense Rainfall Experiment (FFaIR) at the Weather Prediction Center (WPC) and runs from 7 July to 1 August.
Guests:
For the week of 28 July – 1 August, our distinguished NWS guests will be Ray Christensen (Elko, NV), Tom Clemmons (WFO Flagstaff, AZ), Brandon Dunstan (WFO Raleigh, NC), Chris Horne (WFO Greenville, SC), Jennifer Palucki (WFO Albuquerque, NM), Ryan Sharp (WFO Louisville, KY), and Cathy Zapotocyny (WFO Omaha, NE). If you see these folks walking around the building, please welcome them! The U.S. Weather Research Program (Hydro) and the National Severe Storms Laboratory (ENTLN, via the Sandy Supplemental) have generously provided travel stipends for our participants.
ENTLN Team:
Kristin Calhoun and Darrel Kingfield are the project coordinators. Our support team also includes Matt Elliott, Tiffany Meyer, Daphne LaDue, Lans Rothfusz, Chris Karstens, Aaron Anderson, and Gabe Garfield.
Hydro Team:
Jess Erlingis and Elizabeth Mintmire will be the weekly coordinators. Our support team also includes J.J. Gourley, Lans Rothfusz, Zac Flamig, Race Clark, Steve Martainatis, Jim LaDue, Ami Arthur, Jess Erlingis, Maria Moreno, and Brandon Smith.
You can learn more about the EWP here:
and the Hydro Experiment here:
https://inside.nssl.noaa.gov/
Gabe Garfield
CIMMS/NWS OUN