1. The Nation’s Hurricane Program: An Interagency Success Story March 5 - 9, 2007 61 st Interdepartmental Hurricane Conference

2. --- Mr. Samuel P. Williamson Federal Coordinator for Meteorology CLOSING / WRAPUP REMARKS --- 61st INTERDEPARTMENTAL HURRICANE CONFERENCE

3. Objective Results Successes And Challenges Action Items/Next Steps Feedback Special Recognition Location for Future IHCs Thank You Overview

4. Review the Nation’s tropical cyclone forecast and warning program form end-to-end, and update the National Hurricane Operations Plan for 2007 Evaluate the 2006 Joint Hurricane Testbed (JHT) results and successfully transition research results into operations, as well as potential candidates for 2007 and beyond Address/build upon the actions and results from the 60 th IHC –Roll out the Interagency Strategic Research Plan for Tropical Cyclones: The Way Ahead and begin addressing recommendations –Examine how hazard risk reduction improvements can be made through stronger partnerships and alliances Conference Objectives

5. Successes –Automated Tropical Cyclone Forecast System (ATCF) –Advances in modeling / data assimilation (HWRF) –Joint Hurricane Test bed (JHT) –Joint hurricane field programs –Stepped Frequency Microwave Radiometer—operational on the WC-130J for the 2007 season Challenges –Data assimilation / modeling / computing power –Improved forecast skill for: Storm intensity / structure Storm track Sea state & storm surge Inland flooding –Observation gaps (e.g., ocean surface vector winds) –Information dissemination (technology, message) Incorporating results of social science research into operations Successes and Challenges

6. 59 TH IHC Action Items –Develop a Strategic Plan for Improved Tropical Cyclone Reconnaissance Systems (ITCRS) (manned, unmanned, spaced-based, etc.) TC Strategic Research Plan recommendation –Facilitate bringing together the web site owners from NOAA (e.g., HRD, NHC), Navy, etc. to improve linkages for supporting R&D Action deferred to new Working Group for Tropical Cyclone Research Action Items / Next Steps

7. 60 th IHC Action Items: –Additional funding should be solicited to allow inclusion of social science research into the activities of the Joint Hurricane Testbed without compromising current projects TC Strategic Research Plan Recommendation Action Items / Next Steps

8. 60 th IHC Action Items: –NWS should work with diverse user groups to develop and test message format modifications It is recommended that, rather than try to modify the current system, researchers start from scratch and develop new formats and products based on the latest communication techniques Two types of messages should be considered: technical and actionable Current Status: Work ongoing Action Items / Next Steps

9. 60 th IHC Action Items: –Empirical research should be encouraged and supported to develop and test modifications to current terminology used to define levels of hurricane threat (e.g., watch, warning, CAT 1-5, etc.) –The OFCM will coordinate bringing together the appropriate federal agencies to begin the process of reviewing and improving the National hurricane warning “system” Key recommendations of the TC Strategic Research Plan Completed exploratory review at two locations—Charleston, SC, and Mobile, AL. Final report is in the works Action Items / Next Steps

10. 61 st IHC Action Items: –Revise NHOP and publish by May 15, 2007 –Establish Working Group for Tropical Cyclone Research –Implement the Interagency Strategic Research Plan for Tropical Cyclones: The Way Ahead Develop a succinct 10-year implementation plan to address the strategic plan’s research priorities and update annually Establish a Joint Action Group to develop a strategic/ implementation plan for improved tropical cyclone reconnaissance and surveillance systems Action Items / Next Steps

11. http://www.ofcm.gov/ Presentations and other material will be available on the OFCM web site shortly after the IHC. Click on “Special Projects” and navigate to the 60 th IHC. Presentation Availability

12. Samuel.Williamson@noaa.gov Robert.Dumont@noaa.gov Mark.Welshinger@noaa.gov (301) 427-2002 FEEDBACK IS WELCOME

13. Participants Session Leaders / Moderators / Chairpersons / Panelists / Rapporteurs OFCM / STC Staff Marriott New Orleans at the Convention Center Governor Blanco’s Office Mayor Nagin’s Office, City of New Orleans, LA Media Support SPECIAL RECOGNITION

14. 62nd IHC is tentatively slated for Charleston, SC, in March 2008. The back-up location will be Tampa, FL. 63 rd IHC is tentatively slated for Biloxi, MS. Cohosted by the 403 Wg/53 WRS Location of Future IHCs

15. On behalf of the Office of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorology Thank you for attending and participating in this conference! Have a safe trip home... And Thanks Again! Thank You!