Tropical Operations and Configuration Training

Courses UpdateShannon White, Pablo Santos, David Sharp, Andy Devanas, Matt Moreland

Status Quo• No changes planned to the following

modules:– Expressions of Uncertainty (1&2) • Possible minor tweaks to module 2

– Hazard Grid Creation– EWW (same as 2010)– TCMWindTool– Using NWR with the HLS– Configuring NWRWAVES for Tropical

Operations • Minor update to jobsheet planned based on user

feedback

What’s Changing• Content– Adding more examples from other sites• Need volunteers to provide those examples

• Tropical Impact Graphics– Rework some content to emphasize the role of

the forecaster in the creation of the tropical impact graphics

– Re-emphasize proper product application and interpretation

– Add a jobsheet outlining what needs to be chosen within each tool and when

What’s Changing• GFE Configuration Course–Last season’s course staying as-is–Add (return) inland-only config course

• HLS Creation Course–Change the format • Overview course for new users• A new web-based decision tree to guide

forecasters through the proper creation process

Sample Decision Tree

Possible New Cases

• We HOPE to have an easier-to-run AWIPS test case for each site

• It will script the ingest of new data sets that can be viewed/manipulated while GFE is in practice mode

• Facilitator jobsheets provided to help run the rest of the staff through the case for training

• All contingent upon getting concrete scripting/testing HELP from the regions

WFO Houston/Galveston 2011 Tropical Simulations

Matt MorelandEmergency Response Meteorologist – Team Lead

WFO New Orleans/Baton Rouge

TROPICAL SIMULATION TRAINING

Critical for all WFOs to run through tropical simulation training prior to peak of the Hurricane Season.

Objectives:-Train forecasters/management on WFO tropical operations in a setting as close as possible to a real-time event-Robust testing of operational AWIPS prior to Hurricane Season-Feedback sessions lead to more efficient WFO tropical operations-Improved IDSS: mock emergency management briefings help to streamline process and gain critical feedback from partners

POSSIBLE PLAN (WITH ERMET OR NATIONAL SUPPORT):ER-Met Teams work with national training team to run through simulation training at Pilot projects - Spring 2012 ER-Met Teams work with national training team to refine process and step-by-step instructions ship instructions for other WFOs and provide support for simulation training

WFO HGX Example -Facilitator Setup

Facilitator must have technical knowledge of AWIPS/GFE-Installed NHC “WGULF” test case on operational AWIPS using procedures on the AWIPS special projects Tropical wiki page. All procedures on the page completed prior to the simulation

-Setup baseline set of GFE grids for simulation (temperatures, relative humidity, Sky, PoP, weather, QPF, WaveHeight). These grids saved for each simulation

-Setup WRKTCM text file and a mock WGULF public advisory (WRKTCP)

-Create WGULF storm in HurrEvac “exercise wizard” for use in mock briefings

-Wind/Surge probability grids put into place just prior to simulation

Conducting Simulations

- Six simulations in June 2011 on “WGULF” test case (large Category 4 hurricane striking southeast Texas). All staff required to attend at least one as part of mandatory training.

- Training elements: tropical GFE grid production, HLS creation, emergency management briefing techniques

- Hardware: one AWIPS workstation with GFE in PRACTICE modeBriefing PC

- Required attendance: Facilitator At least one manager for briefing or overviewThree forecasters – 2 on AWIPS workstation, 1 on briefingSMG meteorologist as observerEmergency Management + other forecasters to serve as “briefing audience”

Conducting Simulations

- Facilitator actions: - Conduct outlined setup steps prior to simulation- Create/issue mock Tornado Watch- Issue mock TCV from NHC for WGULF storm- Provide guidance during the training

- Grid/HLS portion and briefing portions were conducted simultaneously. About 90 minutes total

- Forecasters: had extensive step-by-step instructions for use during the grid editing and HLS creation portion

- Management either monitored or conducted mock emergency management briefing. Other forecasters, managers, or actual emergency managers provided mock questions during briefing.

- Conclusion: a 30 minute debrief or “hotwash” session

FEEDBACK/“HOTWASH” SESSION

- SMG feedback:- Importance of simulating with peers under time constraints

(vs. training individually on the WES)- Limitation: not having a full suite of weather data for the

simulation (satellite, radar)- Teamwork and communications: feedback or “hotwash”

session important to get ideas on improving this

- Important discussions over office operations:- Creating operational checklist and “flow chart” for

hurricane duties- Division of workload discussions- Disseminating evacuation information – PNS or HLS?- Improvements/corrections in step-by-step instructions

BENEFITS OF AWIPS SIMULATION

- Interactive: direct feedback and help from facilitators; better model of actual event

-Management presence adds weight: sets “high priority” example

-AWIPS put through robust test prior to season: Operational system run through a full test during each simulation helping to troubleshoot/correct critical bugs.Example: at WFO HGX, “personalized” GFE configuration file led to problems with creation of HLS and tropical impact graphics

-Emergency Management Briefings streamlined and improved: Provides critical training for forecasters/management. Instructions streamlined/improved with each simulation.