December 2013

Workshop Rules  Four Rules for today’s workshop Learn Have fun Ask lots of questions Put into practice what is discussed

Expectations for the Season  Proactive with providing information: Expected weather-related impacts ○ Monitor ”ROADS” product in AWIPS ○ METRo road forecast output on intranet On-going weather (frequent SPS, PNS, LSR) ○ Check out those “Playbooks” To/From Facebook & Twitter

Expectations for the Season  Proactive with providing information: DSS ○ Be ready for the 4am state calls ○ Consider Head’s Up s ○ Maps  always include all of VT Strongly encouraged for social media posts as well

Expectations for the Season  Continue being a regional/national leader in winter weather  Share expertise/experiences with others It’s the best way for us all to learn  Continue turning science into the best service possible

Expectations for the Season  Treat major storms as we would for summer severe weather Proactive in ensuring adequate staffing ○ Dedicate someone to “Public Information Officer” role Monitor/post to Social Media & NWSChat Storm Report s Media/EM Briefer (ensure a consistent message) ○ Take into account potential phone load, dealing with equipment issues and briefing needs

Reminders  Collaborate on timing AND totals Individual grids may be within collaboration thresholds but that doesn’t mean totals will ○ Snowfall ○ QPF ○ Ice ○ Winds Keep an eye on those NDFD derived regional maps (GFE derived maps may mislead if not updated StormTotal X)

Reminders  Daily  12z observation of 24 hour snowfall  Wednesdays  12z Snow core and frost depth  More frequently is not a bad thing  Snow depth already done by observers. No need to repeat

Reminders  Super Blend Day 4-8 challenges? Important to document all issues with Super Blend process (or highlight it’s successes)

Changes/Reminders etc  StormTotalSnow in GFE doesn’t automatically update. If you don’t run it, the “North Country GFE” maps won’t show it either  Assistance in NESIS/SPoRT satellite derived snowfall rates product. More info later in the workshop!  Winter Storm Impact Index Hopefully formally coming soon

Changes/Reminders etc  Use of SPS for situations where air temperature meets Wind Chill criteria, but no wind Other offices in ER will issue “non-wind” Wind Chill Advisories/Warnings ○ GYX, CAR and us agreed not to

Possible Changes  Making sure Snow & Ice always go out as far as QPF Strongly encouraged!

Remember “Expect the Unexpected” But also keep in mind…

Remember Office Vision: Work smartly. Work efficiently. Leverage science and technology. Be the consummate professional and subject matter expert that people come to for their decision support needs. Provide outstanding services via effective communication to ensure all of our partners, stakeholders and the general public understand our message and are prepared to stay safe from all weather-related hazards.

Questions ?