Local All Hazards Response Concept Local All Hazards Response Concept

Richard Okulski, WCM

National Weather Service – Mid South

www.nws.noaa.gov/meg

Weather Support

Significant Events

OverviewOverview

• 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

NWS MissionNWS 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

Weather and Significant EventsWeather 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

Memphis TN HAZMAT EventMemphis TN HAZMAT Event

• August 4th - 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

Local All Hazards Response Concept

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)

National Weather ResourcesNational Weather Resources

Weather Radar Satellite

Upper Air System

Automated Surface Observation System

High speed computers

Local Weather ResourcesLocal Weather Resources

StrengthsStrengths• 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

Challenges 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

Summary 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

Working together to save livesWorking 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