2012 Project Update: Tropical Cyclone Impacts Graphics Item Note some recent web enhancements. URL; TCIG naming Website redesign KML vs. PNG displays Removed “Very Low” Interactive Text Reader

Presentation Goal This presentation intends to do one thing: This presentation intends to do one thing: – To support the recommendation for initiating and executing the necessary steps to transition the TCIG from experimental status to operational status for the 2014 season; – With an acceptable alternative being the 2015 season. – The associated Action Item is notably a “linchpin” for several other items and proposals as submitted to this year’s agenda; – A testament of realized value. – After 10+ years of development, and 6+ years of multi-regional/multi-WFO experimental provision, many feel that it is time to make an “across the board” commitment to take deliberate action. Tropical Cyclone Impact Graphics (TCIG)

What Does This All Mean? A decision to transition the TCIG to operational status will: A decision to transition the TCIG to operational status will: – Green light the technical and developmental resources that have been waiting for the definitive “GO” signal. A decision to transition the TCIG to operational status must: A decision to transition the TCIG to operational status must: – Be accompanied by a comprehensive commitment by the agency, by the respective regions, and by each coastal WFO. Tropical Cyclone Impact Graphics (TCIG) So far, we have been voting on a year to year basis whether to remain experimental; that is, whether to continue or discontinue.

Coming Off The Back Burner We have been waiting for the AWIPS II era. We have been waiting for the AWIPS II era. Current testing at WFO Houston We have been acquiring WFO feedback. We have been acquiring WFO feedback. A diversity of WFO locations and situations; NOAA Hurricane Conferences; ERMETs (Pilot Project sites) We have been listening to our customers. We have been listening to our customers. Through direct feedback, Social Scientists, and Service Assessments We are consistent in direction with proposed decision support services and Weather-Ready Nation concepts. We are consistent in direction with proposed decision support services and Weather-Ready Nation concepts. Local; Regional; National Tropical Cyclone Impact Graphics (TCIG) WFO Key West, FL

Moving To The Front Burner Finalize baseline version 1.0 for release Finalize baseline version 1.0 for release Fully supported by agency Program support, policy and directive, technical support, training support, etc. Generally “freeze” experimental version Generally “freeze” experimental version Implement minor enhancements as we go along, but major enhancements reserved for time of official release date. Tropical Cyclone Impact Graphics (TCIG)

A “Linchpin” Item Tropical Cyclone Impact Graphics (TCIG) Irene Isaac Sandy From the Hurricane Irene Service Assessment

Action Item (12-21) List of Action Items which have contingencies upon: List of Action Items which have contingencies upon: – Item … explore elimination of text HLS in lieu of TCIG – Item … standardize availability of TCIG on WFO homepages – Item … reconsider use of “low” as an impact descriptor – Item … ensure timely auto-refresh of TCIG web pages – Item … mature logic for inland flooding; include river flooding – Item … mosaic capability; inter-site coordination; inland WFOs – Item … baseline inputs; ensure harmony with NHC, HPC, & SPC – Item … provide TCIG service backup capability Tropical Cyclone Impact Graphics (TCIG)

For Example: Decision Support Services (for local, regional, and national depictions) improve inter-site coordination TC Warnings dropped; TCIG impact info lost

Decision Support Graphicasts or Impact Graphics ??? Graphicasts or Impact Graphics ??? – Local Impact Information ??? – Objective Information ??? – GIS Intelligent Information ??? – Decision-making Information ??? Not just “Awareness” information ??? The Public Deserves Briefings Too The Public Deserves Briefings Too – WFO Home Page Link – Recorded Briefings – Point-n-Click Briefings (web interface) EM Briefings EM Briefings – Multi-level Tropical Cyclone Impact Graphics (TCIG) TCIG !!!

Usefulness of Gridded Data Value of Potential Impact Grids Value of Potential Impact Grids – Computed GFE grid sets can be used by the HLS Formatter and other DSS formatters. For example, see Item – Availability to NDFD Customer-derived applications Time Component (THREAT vs. IMPACT) – Onset of impact (Ok) – Duration of impact (No) » Threat - based on “conditions” – Bulleted / Tabular impact information For example, see Item – GIS Interfaces Tropical Cyclone Impact Graphics (TCIG)

What Do We Need To Do? Finalize the layout and design of the operating versions of hazard tools. – Perhaps a “Tool of Tools - Dashboard” (???) Mature the inland flood tool to use probabilistic QPF from HPC, and to better account for longer duration flood events (e.g., RFC/river flooding). Finalize web page functionality and address the timeliness of updates. Harmonize all threat definitions and impact descriptions; establish consistency thresholds among WFOs and Regions. – This is paramount for regional and national partners and customers such as FEMA to mosaic depictions (as accomplished via the NDFD and/or the GIS mosaicking of available KMLs). Tropical Cyclone Impact Graphics (TCIG) High Wind Tool (GFE)

What Do We Need To Do? Establish WFO home page policy for TCIG. Integrate TCIG with other hurricane decision support products/ services. Consider a TC DSS site that integrates TCIG and the Interactive Text Reader with other DSS information. Enable service back-up capability with secondary and tertiary WFOs. Develop and provide training updates. Establish supporting policies/directives. Open a pathway for adding a temporal component for impact arrival. User feedback indicates a strong desire. Coordinate closely with other project teams for consistency, and to prevent message confusion. – Storm Surge WWA; Hi-Res Inundation Map Tropical Cyclone Impact Graphics (TCIG) Coastal Flood Tool (GFE)

Recommendation Agree to initiate and execute the necessary steps to make the TCIG operational for the 2014 season (or 2015 season). In January 2013, convene a meeting of the TCIG Team to outline a comprehensive transition strategy. Agree to initiate and execute the necessary steps to make the TCIG operational for the 2014 season (or 2015 season). In January 2013, convene a meeting of the TCIG Team to outline a comprehensive transition strategy. Tropical Cyclone Impact Graphics (TCIG) Comments ???