1. Local All Hazards Response Concept Richard Okulski, WCM National Weather Service – Mid South www.nws.noaa.gov/meg Weather Support Significant Events

2. Overview Recent Memphis HAZMAT Incident Local Office All Hazards Response Resources On and Off Site Support Strengths and Challenges Summary Recent Memphis HAZMAT Incident Local Office All Hazards Response Resources On and Off Site Support Strengths and Challenges Summary

3. NWS Mission The National Weather Service (NWS) provides weather, hydrologic, and climate forecasts and warnings for the United States, its territories, adjacent waters and ocean areas, for the protection of life and property and the enhancement of the national economy. Our forecasters work 24/7 – 365 days a year to protect America The National Weather Service (NWS) provides weather, hydrologic, and climate forecasts and warnings for the United States, its territories, adjacent waters and ocean areas, for the protection of life and property and the enhancement of the national economy. Our forecasters work 24/7 – 365 days a year to protect America

4. Weather and Significant Events Some Significant Events are Weather Related (“Elvis” in 2003, Hurricane Katrina in 2005) Other Events are Not Weather Related, However Weather Plays an Important Role in Response and Recovery Operations

5. Memphis TN HAZMAT Event August 4 th - Brooks Ave Fire at Pro-Serve Industrial Complex Toxic Herbicide Chemicals in Storage Tanks Shelby County EMA Requested On Site Meteorological Support WFO Memphis Dispatched A Forecaster to Support Fire Suppression Efforts and Plume Dispersion Impacts

6. Local All Hazards Response Concept All WFO Forecasters Trained For Off Site All Hazards Support HAZMAT, Homeland Security Incidents, Seismic Events Smaller Cadre (2-4 Forecasters) Trained For On Site Support Laptop PCs, Dial Up Internet Capability Portable Weather Observing Equipment Integrate Into Incident Command Structure Knowledge of Dispersion Models (HYSPLIT, CAMEO)

7. National Weather Resources Weather Radar Satellite Upper Air System Automated Surface Observation System High speed computers

8. Local Weather Resources

9. Strengths Meteorologist is On Site –Firmer Grasp of Small Scale Weather Details (Eyes on the Incident) Tied Into Incident Command Structure (Safety Briefings, Planning Meetings) Portable Weather Observing Station Weather Watch – Response and Recovery Efforts Meteorologist is On Site –Firmer Grasp of Small Scale Weather Details (Eyes on the Incident) Tied Into Incident Command Structure (Safety Briefings, Planning Meetings) Portable Weather Observing Station Weather Watch – Response and Recovery Efforts

10. Challenges Dispatch Criteria –Event Scope and Duration –Weather Factor in Risk Assessment Communications –Access to Weather Data (Internet) –Links to ICS Radio Network Logistical Support –Host Provides Meals, Lodging Dispatch Criteria –Event Scope and Duration –Weather Factor in Risk Assessment Communications –Access to Weather Data (Internet) –Links to ICS Radio Network Logistical Support –Host Provides Meals, Lodging

11. Summary WFO Memphis Supports All Hazards Incidents We Provide On and Off Site Meteorological Support We Want to Work With You to Determine the Proper Dispatch Criteria Communications Is The Key to Making NWS On Site Support a Success WFO Memphis Supports All Hazards Incidents We Provide On and Off Site Meteorological Support We Want to Work With You to Determine the Proper Dispatch Criteria Communications Is The Key to Making NWS On Site Support a Success

12. Working together to save lives Thank you Richard Okulski, WCM National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office - Memphis (901) 544-0411 Richard.Okulski@noaa.gov Webpage: www.srh.noaa.gov Thank you Richard Okulski, WCM National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office - Memphis (901) 544-0411 Richard.Okulski@noaa.gov Webpage: www.srh.noaa.gov