The International Workshop on Flash Flood Forecasting, coordinated by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service and the World Meteorological Organization, provides information on the types of flash flood prediction capabilities available for application in flash flood prone regions in developing countries. A range of solutions; from simple inexpensive tools and applications to more sophisticated centralized forecasting systems are covered. Participants determined the "weak links" in establishing end-to-end operational flash flood warning systems and how to fill these gaps. Additionally, the Workshop identifies steps that can be taken to promote proven science and technology to developing countries.
The workshop consists of presentations by leading experts in operational meteorology, hydrometeorology, hydrology, satellite and radar precipitation estimation, geographic information systems (GIS) and the emergency management profession. They focus on how to deliver adequate lead-time and accuracy in forecasts to produce life and property saving actions to mitigate flash flood losses.
The workshop showcases case studies of successful end-to-end warning and response systems and effective flash flood forecasting operations. Small workgroups determine the weak links in establishing flash flood warning systems and propose solutions. Project briefs for establishing or improving flash flood forecasting services are presented. Finally, the workshop includes a dialogue with donor organizations. Vendor exhibitions complement the expert presentations.
All presentations are in Powerpoint. The other downloads are in PDF format.
AGENDA
Day 1: 13 March 2006
08:30 – 09:00 Registration (Registration continues through day 2)
Opening Session
09:00 – 10:30Inauguration and opening of the workshop
Welcome remarks by the chief host and conveners of the workshop
[PDF] *
Opening remarks
BGEN John J. Kelly, Jr. USAF (Ret.) [PDF] *
Deputy Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere
United States Department of Commerce
Keynote address
World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
Mr. Hong Yan, Deputy Secretary-General
Opening remarks
Ms. A. Sezin Tokar, Hydro meteorological Hazard Advisor
United States Agency for International Development
Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (USAID-OFDA)
Flash Floods: Focus on Disaster Reduction
Mr. Dave Zervaas
United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UN/ISDR)
10:30 – 11:00Coffee Break
Session 1 Past, Present and Future
11:00 – 11:20Overview of flood-related activities of WMO
Mr. Bruce Stewart, President, WMO Technical Commission on Hydrology (CHy)
[Abstract] [Presentation]
11:20 – 11:40 Integrated Flood Management – Challenges and Opportunities
Mr. Gabriel Arduino, Senior Scientific Officer, WMO
[Abstract English][Abstract Spanish] [Presentation]
11:40 – 12:00Past and present challenges in flash flood forecasting
Mr. Günter Meon
Dept. of Hydrology, Water Management and Water Protection
Leichtweiss Institute of Hydraulics and Water Resources (LWI)
Technical University Braunschweig, Germany
[Abstract] [Presentation]
12:00 – 12:30Establishment of an All Hazards End-to-End Flash Flood Forecasting System
Mr. Curtis B. Barrett, Hydro meteorological Project Manager
NOAA’s National Weather Service (NWS) - International Activities Office
[Abstract] [Presentation]
12:30 – 14:00Lunch
Session 2 Emerging Technologies
14:00 – 14:20A Statistical-Distributed Hydrologic model for Flash Flood Forecasting
Mr. Seann Reed, NOAA’s National Weather Service (NWS)
Office of Hydrologic Development (OHD)
[Abstract] [Presentation]
14:20 – 14:40Satellite-based short-term thunderstorm forecasting toward flash flood predictions: Recent developments for Mesoamerica in the context of SERVIR
Mr. John R. Mecikalski, Department of Atmospheric Sciences
University of Alabama
[Abstract] [Presentation] [Presentation]
14:40 – 15:00An Overview of Satellite Based Precipitation Estimation with Respect to Flash Flood Modeling and Forecasting
Mr. Timothy B. Love, Research Meteorologist, RS Information Systems
NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center
[Abstract] [Presentation]
15:00 – 15:20Integration of Multiple Precipitation Estimation for Flash Flood Forecasting
Ms. Reginna Cabrera, NOAA’s National Weather Service (NWS)
Office of Hydrologic Development (OHD) - Hydrology Science and Modeling Branch [Presentation]
15:20 – 15:40Advances in Predicting Flash Floods
Mr. Ángel Aldana, Centro de Estudios y Experimentación de Obras Públicas (CEDEX), Spain
[Abstract English] [Abstract Spanish] [Presentation]
15:40 – 16:10Coffee Break
16:10 – 16:30 Applications of NWP and Radar-based QPF Techniques for Flash Flood and Landslip Warnings in Hong Kong
Mr. Edwin S.T. Lai, Hong Kong Observatory
[Abstract] [Presentation]
16:30 – 16:50Automated Flash Flood Forecasting Systems
Mr. Kevin Stewart, Director, Denver Urban Flood Central District
[Presentation]
Session 3 Moderated discussion: Challenges and Opportunities in Flash Flood
Forecasting
16:50 – 17:45 Open discussion on Successful Flash Flood Forecasting Systems in Different Environments and ways for improvements, followed by open discussion. [Presentation]
17:45Meeting Adjourns
18:30 – 20:30Welcome Reception
Day 2: 14 March 2006
Session 4 Meteorological and Hydrological Methods of Observation and
Forecasting Tools in Support of Flash Flood Forecasting
09:00 – 09:20Advances in the use of global and regional meteorological models to produce short term quantitative forecasts
Dr. Nelson L. Seaman
NOAA’s National Weather Service, Office of Science and Technology [Presentation]
09:20 – 09:40Flash flood forecasting model of Lake Managua, Nicaragua using existing meteorological observations and water level observations of Lake Managua.
Mr. Kari Ahti, Senior meteorologist, Finnish Meteorological Institute
[Abstract] [Presentation]
09:40 – 10:00 Use of QPE Flashflood Forecasting: some experiences on the Cuareim River
Mr. Daniel Vila, Instituto Nacional del Agua (INA), Argentina
[Abstract] [Presentation]
10:00 – 10:30The Hydro-Estimator and Hydro-Now caster: Satellite-Based Flash Flood Forecasting Tools
Mr. Bob Kuliogowski, NOAA’s National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS) Center for Satellite Applications and Research (STAR) [Presentation]
10:30 – 11:00Coffee Break
11:00 – 11:30Central America Flash Flood Guidance Early Warning System
Mr. Konstantine Georgakakos, Hydrologic Research Center (HRC), U.S.A. [Presentation]
11:30 – 12:00Experience and challenges on using the Central America Flash Flood Guidance in
Costa Rica
Ms. R. Alfaro, Instituto Meteorológico Nacional, IMN, Costa Rica
[Abstract] [Presentation]
12:00 – 12:20Development of equipment for community-based flash flood early warning in the Caribbean region
Mr. Hidetomi Oi, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
[Abstract] [Presentation]
12:20 – 12:45Data Infrastructure for Wide-Area Hydrologic Modeling
Messrs. Gregory J. Husak, Guleid Artan, University of California, Santa Barbara,
US Geological Survey (USGS)
[Abstract] [Presentation]
12:45 – 13:45Lunch
13:45 – 14:10 Components of an operational flash flood warning system
Mr. Curtis B. Barrett, Hydro meteorological Project Manager
NOAA’s National Weather Service (NWS) - International Activities Office
[Abstract] [Presentation]
Session 5 Vendor presentations (1)
14:10 - 14:30Online transmission of water level, discharge and rainfall during flash floods via satellite
Mr. Wolfgang Zasche, SEBA Hydrometrie, Germany
[Abstract] [Presentation]
14:30 – 14:50 Hydrometeorology and Polarimetric Radar: How can Polarimetric Radar aid the
Forecast of Flash Flooding?
Mr. Stagliano, James J. Jr., Ph.D. Enterprise Electronics Corporation, U.S.A.
[Abstract] [Presentation]
14:50 – 15:10The Hydro Met Decision Support System: New Applications in Hydrology
Mr. Conway, J.W. Weather Decision Technologies, Inc. U.S.A.
[Abstract] [Presentation]
15:10 – 15:30Local and Real Time Alarm Dissemination for Early Warning Purposes
Mr. Luis H. Gomez, Siap+Micros Sarl, Italy
[Abstract] [Presentation]
15:30 – 15:50Multi-Telemetry Loggers and Flash Flood Warnings
Messrs. Tom Keefer, Ted Soto, SUTRON Corp. U.S.A. [Presentation]
5:50 – 16:15Coffee Break
Session 6 Moderated discussion: Challenges and Opportunities in Flash Flood
Forecasting in Developing Countries
16:15 – 17:00Open discussion on current shortfalls, opportunities and applicability of flash flood forecasting approaches and technologies
17:00Meeting Adjourns
Day 3: 15 March 2006
Session 7 Sediment Disasters as a Result of Flash Floods
09:00 – 09:20The Joint National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Weather Service (NWS) and the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Debris Flow Warning Systems
Dr. Pedro Restrepo, National Weather Service (NWS)
Office of Hydrologic Development (OHD)
[Abstract] [Presentation] *zip file contain entire presentation
09:20 – 09:40Flash floods, sediment transport and debris flow in steep mountain catchments
Mr. Manfred Spreafico, Director Swiss Hydrological Service, Switzerland
[Abstract] [Presentation]
09:40 – 10:00 Flash Floods and Debris Flows as a Result of Glacier Lake Outburst Floods
Mr. Karma Chhophel, Hydro met Services Division, Department of Energy
Ministry of Trade and Industry, Bhutan
[Abstract] [Presentation]
10:00 – 10:20 Ice jams and their hydrological implications
Mr. Sergej Borsch
Federal Service for Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring
Russian Federation
[Abstract]
10:20 – 10:45Coffee Break
10:45 – 11:30Moderated discussion on achievements and challenges in sediment disaster warnings
11:30 – 11:50Proposed regional flash flood warning system for South Africa
Mr. Eugene R. Poolman, Senior Manager Forecasting and Research
South African Weather Service
[Abstract] [Presentation]
11:50 – 12:10Flash Flood Forecasting on a Tropical Small Island – Trinidad
Mr. Glendell De Souza, Science and Technology Officer,
Office of the PR of the British Caribbean Territories
[Abstract] [Presentation]
12:10 – 13:15Lunch
13:15 – 13:40Cases of Flash Floods in Mexico
Mr. Martín Jiménez Espinosa, Centro Nacional de Prevención de Desastres de la
Secretaría de Gobernación, México
[Abstract] [Presentation]
13:40 – 14:00Flashflood hazard mapping and warning systems
Mr. Oskar D. Cruz, WF Specialist/Hydrologist,
Flood Forecasting Branch, Philippine Atmospheric
Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA)
[Presentation]
Session 9 Disaster Prevention and Communication
14:00 – 14:20Warning the population at risk – Experiences in Japan -
Mr. Kazu Fukami, Chief, Public Works Research Institute (PWRI), Japan
[Abstract]
14:20 – 14:40Using RANET telecommunication and information transfer for flash flood forecasting
Mr. Kelly Sponberg, National Weather Service (NWS)
[Presentation]
14:40 – 15:00 Emergency Managers Weather Information Network. (EMWIN)
Mr. Fred Branski, Team Leader for Data Management, Office of the Chief Information Officer, National Weather Service (NWS) [Presentation]
15:00 – 15:20 Disaster preparedness and communication with local communities
Ms. Gift Mafuleka, Principal Mitigation and Disaster Management
Humanitarian Officer, National Meteorological Centre, Malawi
[Presentation]
15:20 – 15:40Making the Last Mile in Reaching the Users
Dr. Cheryl L. Anderson, Director
Hazards, Climate & Environment Program
Social Science Research Institute, University of Hawaii at Manoa
[Abstract] [Presentation]
15:40 – 16:00Coffee Break
Session 10 Vendor presentations (2)
16:00 – 16:20Laser-based enhanced precipitation identifier and new generation of present weather sensors
Mr. K. Nemeth, OTT, GmbH, Germany
[Abstract] [Presentation]
16:20 – 16:40MUSIC - Multi-Sensor Precipitation Measurements Integration, Calibration and Flood Forecasting. A European funded Research Project.
Mr. Claudius Marschalik, SELEX Sistemi Integrati GmbH, Gematronik Weather Radar Systems, Germany/Italy
[Presentation]
17:00 – 17:20Early Warning System: Real-time Weather Monitoring and Flood Warning Approach
Mr. Clarisa Martinez, Meteorology Business Manager, TELVENT SA, Madrid, Spain
[Presentation]
17:20Meeting Adjourns
Day 4: 16 March 2006
Session 11 Role of Institutions for Improved Flash Flood Forecasting
09:00 – 09:20Collaboration between meteorological and hydrological services in the provision of improved flash flood forecasting
Mr. Sazedul Karim Chowdhury, National Project Director, Bangladesh Water Development Board, Bangladesh
[Abstract] [Presentation]
09:20 – 09:40Approaches and experiences in institutional coordination in flash flood forecasting and warning in France
Mr. Max Reyal, Deputy Regional Director, Meteo France, West Indies
[Abstract] [Presentation] [Presentation]
09:40 – 10:00Institutional aspects of the Hydrological Warning system in the Del Plata Basin
Ms. Dora Goniadzki, Directora, Sistema de Información y Alerta Hidrológico en la Cuenca del Plata, Instituto Nacional del Agua, Argentina
[Abstract] [Presentation]
Session 12 Moderated Discussion: Integrated Flash Flood Forecasting Systems –
Approaches, Experiences and Institutional Coordination
10:00 – 10:20Flash Flood Forecasting as an Element of Multi Hazards Warning Systems
Mr. Wolfgang Grabs, Chief, Water Resources Division, WMO
[Abstract] [Presentation]
10:20 – 10:45 Coffee Break
10:45 – 11:15Discussion to enhance communication and information flow between National Hydrological and Meteorological Services, disaster prevention and management authorities and the general public: Breaking the barriers between operational and hydrologists and meteorologists
Session 13 Facilitating the establishment of, regional and bilateral cooperative arrangements for the establishment/improvement of flood forecasting services and disaster reduction
11:15 – 11:25Mechanisms to forge global partnerships and regional cooperation
Mr. Wolfgang Grabs, Chief, Water Resources Division, WMO
[Presentation]
11:25 – 11:45Hydrometer logical hazards and vulnerabilities of high mountain populations
Challenges and opportunities for regional cooperation
Mr. Mats Eriksson, International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development
(ICIMOD), Nepal
[Abstract] [Presentation]
11:45 – 12:05Management issues in the planning and implementation of flood forecasting and disaster reduction projects in an international river basin
Mr. Chusit Apirumankul, Mekong River Commission (MRC), Lao PDR
[Abstract] [Presentation]
12:05 – 13:00Lunch
Excursion
14:00 – 19:00Field Trip organized and hosted by the Local Organizing Committee. Details will be provided separately
Day 5: 17 March 2006
Session 14 Development of Project Briefs to improved Flash Flood Forecasting and Warning Services by Regions and Countries
(Work in Regional Breakout Groups - held in parallel sessions)
08:30 – 08:40 Introductory Presentation (WMO and NOAA)
08:45 – 10:00Work in Regional Breakout Groups
10:00 – 10:20Coffee Break
10:20 – 12:00 Presentation of Regional and Country Project Briefs
12:00 – 13:00Lunch
Session 15 Outreach Strategy and Workshop Statement
13:00 – 13:30 Open discussion on an outreach strategy and next steps
13:30 – 14:00 Discussion and Agreement of the Workshop Statement
14:00 – 14:30Closing Remarks by the host, organizers and selected participants
SIDE MEETINGS
Working Group on Hydrology RA IV 14 March after the afternoon session
CARIB-HYCOS
Transboundary Water Resources Management
Education and Training
Integrated Water Resources Management
Flood Forecasting and Warning (Eduardo Planos)
WMO Manual on Flood Forecasting and Warnings 15 March after the morning session
4th World Water Forum in Mexico 16 March after the morning session
CHy Global/Regional Short-term Hydrological Forecasting 15 March after the afternoon session
weather.gov 
The International Workshop on Flash Flood Forecasting, coordinated by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service and the World Meteorological Organization, provides information on the types of flash flood prediction capabilities available for application in flash flood prone regions in developing countries. A range of solutions; from simple inexpensive tools and applications to more sophisticated centralized forecasting systems are covered. Participants determined the "weak links" in establishing end-to-end operational flash flood warning systems and how to fill these gaps. Additionally, the Workshop identifies steps that can be taken to promote proven science and technology to developing countries.
