Toward a New National Weather Service A First Report (1991) / Chapter Skim
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New Structure of the National Weather Service
New Structure of the National Weather Service
Pages 35-42
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From page 35... ...
Details about the weather that have been lost between stations on the conventional weather map will now be as visible as the large-scale weather systems observed since the days of Benjamin Franklin. Moreover a 12- to 24-hour forecast of convective weather somewhere in a region, can be updated with observations and forecasts of precise locations, intensities, and life cycles of specific weather phenomena with lead times of 30 minutes to six hours.
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From page 36... ...
will provide nearly total coverage of the coterminous United States, except for some gaps in the western United States where mountains block the radar signal. (Additional units will be installed in Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico.)
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From page 38... ...
Finally, the need to transmit the full-resolution data from two or three remote NEXRADs to a WFO and to merge these data in "real time" for use by meteorologists, although technically feasible, would add significantly to the complexity, cost, and the time required to implement both the MARD and, subsequently, the entire modernization. Recommendation: The Department of Commerce should carefully reconsider its decision to have the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/National Weather Service conduct a two-tiered Modernization and Associated Restructuring Demonstration because a configuration of significantly fewer than 115 Weather Forecast Offices will lead to serious degradation of weather services.
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From page 39... ...
The improved numerical weather prediction guidance expected in the 1990s should result in better utilization of Quantitative Precipitation Forecasts and temperature forecasts by hydrologists, thereby improving the quality of hydrological forecast services. Recommendation: Incorporation of improved Quantitative Precipitation Forecasts and associated uncertainties into the hydrologic models for short-range and long-term stream-flow forecasts is essential and requires collaborative scientific investigation by the National Weather Service and the academic community.
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From page 40... ...
Recommendation: Hydrometeorological Analysis and Support functions at River Forecast Centers and the interaction of Hydrometeorological Analysis and Support personnel with Weather Forecast Office meteorologists require clarification and better definition, especially as they relate to flash flood situations. New techniques are emerging that can improve flood forecasting in small basins.
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From page 41... ...
Recommendation: Consultation with meteorologists should be included in the current and future development of software to be used at hydrological computer work stations. This software should be installed in all of the Advanced Weather Interactive Processing System work stations at the River Forecast Centers and Weather Forecast Offices so that it is accessible to all of the meteorologists, hydrometeorologists, and hydrologists.
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From page 42... ...
Adequate training of meteorologists in hydrology and RFC personnel in meteorology is thus a major prerequisite to improved hydrological-related watches, warnings, and services in the 1990s. Recommendation: In light of the National Weather Service modernization and restructuring, the workloads, responsibilities, interactions, and cross-training of meteorological, hydrometeorological, and hydrological personnel planned for Weather Forecast Offices and River Forecast Centers should be examined carefully and redefined.
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