A Prototype Next Generation Hurricane Storm Surge Warning System

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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 29424
• [phone] lindnerb_at_cofc.edu
• Frank Alsheimer and Robert Bright
• Charleston National Weather Service Office

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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• 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-S05-52253). 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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• Questions??