This lesson will introduce National Weather Service (NWS) forecasters to the benefits of pre-season coordination in understanding the critical needs of decision-makers, particularly the state and local Departments of Transportation (DOTs). The strategies used by DOTs to mitigate road impacts during the winter and how the NWS can best support their needs are also discussed. Learners will gain insight into the common methods of collaboration between the NWS and DOT, and the different types of winter weather events in which they work together. Learners will also practice communicating winter weather forecast information that best support the concerns of DOT, including working through a simulation to see the effects of their communication choices on DOT decisions.
Describe how to develop trusting relationships with DOT agencies and public jurisdictions throughout the year and especially ahead of the winter season.
Identify and describe the common winter weather hazards
Identify the thresholds for precipitation, temperature, and visibility that would make surface conditions hazardous
Determine the potential vulnerabilities, risks, and impacts of a winter weather event
Determine the impacts of light precipitation events
Determine the impacts of major weather event with compounding antecedent conditions
Communicate the potential risks and impacts of these winter weather hazards for a specific-location
Incorporate partner and user needs into NWS products and services to enable more effective decision-making.
Ensure internal message consistency across NWS products and services
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