1. PI: Dr. Chris Kummerow Co PI: Dr. Bernie Connell PI on subcontract to COMET: Dr. Rich Jeffries Activity Period: 1 September 2014 - 31 August 2016 Budget: $565,000

2. Project Description The Service Assessment for Hurricane/Post-Tropical Cyclone Sandy identified critical gaps in education and training materials. Top priority: coastal inundation Other focus areas: Assessing tropical cyclone threats and communicating risks and impacts. Updates to the Operational Models Matrix training Annual updates to existing training on hurricane intensity and track forecasts

3. Approach Virtual Institute for Satellite Integrated Training at CIRA Established in 1998 Strengths: just-in-time tele-training, blogs, monthly chat COMET at University Corporation for Atmospheric Research in Boulder Established in 1989 Strengths: asynchronous distance learning modules Utilize Subject Matter Experts (SME's) to provide content

4. Deliverables Virtual VISIT satellite chat hosting an NHC expert + recording on the VISIT site (Oct 2014 and 2015) Post examples of tropical cyclone products along with interpretation on the VISIT Blog. (Sept - Oct 2014 and Aug - Oct. 2015) Publish Aircraft Meteorological Data Relay (AMDAR) training materials related to the benefits of incorporating these data into storm forecasting on the COMET MetEd Website (Dec 2014) Storm Surge Module (May 2015)

5. Deliverables (continued) Updates, teletraining, and VISIT recording for 2 Tropical Cyclone modules on Hurricane intensity and track model guidance. (July 2015 and 2016) Teletraining and VISIT recording on “Evaluating Subjective Uncertainty Estimates in National Hurricane Center Forecast Discussions” (August 2015) Publish 6 short modules on Tropical Cyclone Forecasting and Threats on COMET MetEd Website (Sep 2015) Updates to the COMET MetEd Operational Models Matrix (Sep 2015) Quarterly reports (Sept 2014-Aug 2016) Final report (Aug 2016)

6. Achievements Deliverables: Dr. Mark De Maria (NHC) presented at the virtual VISIT chat session on September 16. The topic was ‘Tropical Cyclone Rapid Intensification’. Dr. John Knaff (CIRA) discussed applications of Super-typhoon Vongfong at the October 15 virtual VISIT chat session. In support of just in time training: “Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Mission Overview” by Josh King Blog entry on Typhoon Hagupit by Kate Musgrave

7. Achievements The subcontract to COMET partners was put in place by early October. A full time employee, Vanessa Vicente, was hired through CIRA/CSU. Project planning Kickoff meeting with NHC partners (Oct) Storm Surge module Introduction to TC Storm Surge (60%) Forecasting Storm Surge and Storm Surge Products (30%) An Update to the NOAA/NWS Storm Surge Program (20%) Aircraft Meteorological Data Relay (AMDAR) (95%)

8. Project Management Information Overall Project Management:Dr. Bernie Connell In partnership with acting Chief of RAMMB: Dr. Don Hillger CIRA Project staffing and spending oversight: Dr. Renate Brummer COMET Project Management: Dr. Elizabeth Page Module development oversight: Mr. Tsvetomir Ross-Lazarov Project staffing and spending oversight: Dr. Elizabeth Page