WSR2002 SPECIFICS

In the winter of 2002 the Winter Storm Program is fully operational at the National Weather Service. The program will be organized as in 2001. In case of a need for extra observations to be taken with the aim of reducing forecast uncertainty for threatening winter weather events, forecasters at WFO field offices can contact the WSR focal point in their respective region:
Alaska:
Pacific:
Western Region:
Central Region:    Dodge City
Southern Region:
Eastern Region:
The regional focal points, along with NCEP Service Center focal points, will forward
the pertinent information on the forecast event to the Senior Duty Meteorologist at NCEP/NCO by 9:30 am eastern time.

The WSR02 program is expected to start on 22 January 2002. Approximately 150 flight hours (18-20 missions) will be available on the NOAA G-lV plane through March 19. In addition, 200 flight hours (16-18 missions) will be available with 2 USAF C130 planes through 15 February 2002. The C130s will be based in Honolulu, while the G-lV in Anchorage (Honolulu) before (after) 16 February. The planes will take dropsonde observations in areas identified by the SDM as the most relevant for improving the forecasts for events requested by the field and NCEP forecasters.

Aircraft schedules:
C-130s: First flight is possible at 02012200 or 02012300. No flight is possible on 02020300 due to crew rotation. Last possible flight is at 02021500. All flights are out of Honolulu.
G-lV: First flight is possible at 02012300. Last flight is possible at 02032000. Flights are out of Anchorage through 15 Febr; out of Honolulu after that.

For Plan of Day (POD), containing used/remaining flight our information, see:
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/reconlist.html
or www.hurricanehunters.com/wxdata.htm
or call up the bulletin NOUS42 KNHC

PROCEDURES FOR SDM

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