BTV'S 2013-14 WINTER

WEATHER WORKSHOP:

MIC COMMENTS

December 2013

Workshop Rules

Four Rules for today’s workshopLearnHave fun Ask lots of questionsPut 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 Emails○ 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 othersIt’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 weatherProactive in ensuring adequate staffing

○ Dedicate someone to “Public Information Officer” roleMonitor/post to Social Media & NWSChatStorm Report emailsMedia/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 GFEdoesn’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 IndexHopefully formally coming soon

Changes/Reminders etc Use of SPS for situations where air temperature

meets Wind Chill criteria, but no windOther 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?