Hurricanes Floyd and Irene were cruel reminders that hurricanes can produce tragic loss of life and devastating economic disruption from inland flooding beyond a hurricane's damaging wind, storm surge or tornadoes. |
These forecasts are a prime example of the payoff for investments in research and development. Thanks to administration and congressional support, we have the systems in place to monitor the early signs of these major events. |
We currently have a sustained operational atmospheric observing system that has enabled us to dramatically improve atmospheric weather forecasts. We have invested in operational ocean observing systems in the Pacific that have enabled us to provide successful El Ni–o-based seasonal atmospheric forecasts. This report calls on us to take the next step and expand the operational systems to the global ocean. |