A Prototype Next Generation Hurricane Storm Surge Warning System B. Lee Lindner, Danielle Timmons, Janet Johnson Physics and Astronomy Department and Masters in Environmental Studies Program College of Charleston, Charleston SC (843) ; Frank Alsheimer and Robert Bright Charleston National Weather Service Office

Abstract The South Carolina coast is plagued yearly with hurricane watches and warnings that can be confusing to the ordinary citizen. In order to help prepare and educate the public in the Charleston metropolitan area, we are designing a website that easily illustrates the possible water damage generated by an approaching storm.

Abstract We will test the feasibility of this informational site by conducting a local survey to determine its effectiveness. In order to integrate our simulator with NWS operations, we will endeavor to better understand the NWS procedures through shadow forecasting with Charleston NWS staff and assisting with a regional integrated climatology project.

Our project seeks to: Develop an interactive website using HTML language Conduct a survey of the general public Assist work on climatology project at NWS Shadow Charleston NWS forecasters

Goal of Internship To enhance our understanding of weather- related natural hazards and their impacts. Working on the interactive website and later survey gives a better understanding of how the public views impending threats, thus aiding in hazard planning.

Goal of Internship NWS provides the opportunity to work hands-on with forecasting technology broadening our educational foundation in natural hazards. Assisting in the climatology project encourages the formation of effective working relationships.

THANKS TO OUR COLLABORATING TEAM MEMBERS… Dr. B. Lee Lindner of the College of Charleston & Frank Alsheimer of the Charleston NWS Office for managing the overall project. Dr. Norm Levine & Emily Batts for producing storm-surge inundation maps and providing elevation data. Bob Bright for helping with SLOSH model output and interpretation. Dr. Charles Kaiser, Jerry Harrison, and Joni Rennhack for assisting with survey design, administration and/or interpretation. Over 20 undergraduates from Dr. Lindners special topics classes for the collection of field data.

This abstract is funded in part from a subaward under the cooperative agreement between NOAA and the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research, and is pursuant to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Award No. NA97W0082 (Sub-award number UCAR-S ). The views expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of NOAA, its subagencies, or UCAR.

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