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Weather Service Puts Fine Point On Alerts

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By JASON GEARY, The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 1, 2007

TAMPA - The National Weather Service today will begin using a more precise system when issuing severe weather warnings.

In the past, warnings were issued by counties, but a new system creates 'storm-based warnings,' which aren't restricted by such boundaries.

The warning area will be defined with longitude and latitude coordinates. A polygon will be drawn around the warning area, showing locations being affected by storm systems and areas expected to be affected.

'What this allows is a more specific warning area,' said Anthony Reynes, a meteorologist with the weather service in Ruskin.

The system will create warnings for tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, floods and marine hazards.

Rather than needlessly warning whole counties, the new warning system can show the actual threat area, a weather service report states.

The media can show where the area of 'maximum threat is and better depict who or what is at greatest risk,' the report states.

In addition, emergency managers can better decide what resources should be deployed and where. Law enforcement and fire departments can see what areas should be on alert.
Airport operators can better gauge 'whether or not they need to temporarily shut down an airport; utility companies will be able to initiate backup procedures.'

With the new system in place, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, weather radios will continue to function as usual, Reynes said.

The new system also will allow wireless companies to develop services that will send out warnings to PDAs, cell phones and other mobile devices, he said.

'It's now in the hands of the companies to process it,' Reynes said. 'We are taking the initiative of providing the raw data.'

Reporter Jason Geary can be reached at (813) 865-1505 or jgeary@tampatrib.com.

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