Alex’s AftermathAlex’s Aftermath

Gene NormanGene NormanChief MeteorologistChief Meteorologist

KHOU-TVKHOU-TVHouston, TXHouston, TX

National Flood Workshop National Flood Workshop Oct. 25, 2010Oct. 25, 2010

Alex’s AftermathAlex’s Aftermath

TimelineTimeline

Meteorological Conditions Meteorological Conditions

Coverage and TechnologyCoverage and Technology

Lessons LearnedLessons Learned

Round 1 – July 1, 2010

Moisture surges from Alex are Moisture surges from Alex are trapped by stalled front along trapped by stalled front along

the coastthe coast

Storms move inland on persistent Storms move inland on persistent southeast winds created by southeast winds created by

pressure gradientpressure gradient

Training storms develop over parts Training storms develop over parts of Brazoria Countyof Brazoria County

Sweeny, TX July 1, 2010

Sweeny, TX July 1, 2010

Sweeny, TX July 1, 2010

Round 2 – July 2, 2010

A left-over moisture axis from A left-over moisture axis from the previous day is the genesis the previous day is the genesis

for new stormsfor new storms

This time the training develops This time the training develops right over the heart of Houstonright over the heart of Houston

Coverage Approach

Pre-empted programming and Pre-empted programming and went on air at 3:30 pmwent on air at 3:30 pm

Monitored rainfall through Monitored rainfall through WeatherBug sensor sites and HC WeatherBug sensor sites and HC

Flood Control siteFlood Control site

Coverage Approach

Communicated via twitter and Communicated via twitter and NWS Chat NWS Chat

Trolled Traffic Cameras To Find Trolled Traffic Cameras To Find Flooded LocationsFlooded Locations

Lessons Learned

Never Take A Land-falling Storm Never Take A Land-falling Storm For GrantedFor Granted

Develop A Way To More Clearly Develop A Way To More Clearly Illustrate Flood Threat Locations Illustrate Flood Threat Locations

To ViewersTo Viewers

Alex’s Aftermath

Questions Or CommentsQuestions Or Comments

gnorman@khou.comgnorman@khou.com