NOAA SCIENTISTS EDUCATE BROADCAST METEOROLOGISTS FROM
ACROSS THE COUNTRY
January 12, 2001 — Operation Sierra Storm Meteorological Conference takes place in the Lake Tahoe, Nev., area each year bringing NOAA scientists and other speakers together with broadcast meteorologists. For the second year in a row, it also brought heavy snows to the Sierra Nevada mountains just as the conference began. (Click image for larger view.) [NOAA photo of Vickie Nadolski, director, NOAA's National Weather Service Western Region, speaks with reporter at AMS conference.] This year's two-day program, January 10-11, featured subject experts from various NOAA centers, including leading authorities from various disciplines of NOAA's National Weather Service and the NOAA Research division. Speakers also represent the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Southwest Airlines, The Weather Channel and the American Meteorological Society. More than 30 broadcast meteorologists representing television and radio stations from across the nation attended the conference which, for the first time, was co-sponsored by the American Meteorological Society chapters in Sacramento and Reno. The continuing education forum provides an opportunity for broadcasters to learn about NOAA operations, various research projects and the latest techniques for predicting weather. Nearly three feet of fresh powder fell on the mountain crests surrounding the lake late in the evening of January 10. Broadcasters discussed the approaching storm earlier that day, learned how the jet stream impacts storms coming off the Pacific Ocean, how the foothills and the mountain ranges sometimes absorb some of a storm's energy, and then awoke to more than a foot of snow on the valley floor. NOAA scientists participated in many interviews with local media, as well as the radio and TV meteorologists, using satellite uplinks. The attendees also broadcast their regularly scheduled weather segments and filed special reports with their home stations from Lake Tahoe during the conference. The conference is sponsored by the members of the Convention and Visitors Bureaus in Reno and Lake Tahoe areas. NOAA's National Weather Service Western Region coordinates the speakers for the programs each year. Conference speakers discussed the following topics: - A review of the year 2000 fire season and the impact weather has on wildfires;
- Changes in winter storm, severe thunderstorm and tornado forecasting;
- Early warnings for severe weather predictions;
- New techniques for forecasting hurricane strength and direction;
- What can be expected in the future regarding global climate change;
- How communities can work together to prepare for severe weather events before they happen;
- New research programs for scientists to understand the impacts of the ocean and mountains on weather patterns; and
- Weather at 30,000 feet and how it impacts airline operations
On Tuesday, Jan. 9, three NOAA scientists addressed the public and members of the Reno chapter of the AMS Northern Nevada Chapter meeting. Dr. Miles Lawrence, NOAA's National Hurricane Center, presented information on forecasting hurricane strength and direction. Dan McCarthy, NOAA's Storm Prediction Center, shared information on changes in winter storm, severe thunderstorm and tornado forecasting. Dr. David Schultz, NOAA's National Severe Storms Laboratory explained several NOAA research projects and also answered questions about predicting heavy snowfall. Relevant Web Sites
The following National Weather Service Web sites are available to provide up-to-the-minute winter weather information. Current winter storm watches, warnings and temperatures across the United States
NOAA's Climate Prediction Center — Winter Outlook 2000-2001
National forecasts that extend from three to 14 days in advance
Winter weather safety and preparedness tips to handle snow, ice, wind and bitter cold temperatures
Map showing the latest conditions over the United States
NOAA's Weather Page — includes latest satellite images and weather maps
NOAA's National Weather Service Office of Climate, Water, and Weather Services
NOAA's National Weather Service's Hydrometeorological Prediction Center
UPS AND DOWNS MARK YEAR IN WEATHER FOR 2000, NOAA SAYS
FORECASTERS UPDATE WINTER 2000-01 OUTLOOK
NOAA Weather Radio
Media Contacts:
Marilu Trainor, NWS Western Region, (801) 524-5692 ext. 226
(Photo courtesy of Dan Keeton, NOAA's National Weather Service Forecast Office, Reno, Nev.)
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