ProductsProducts && ServicesServices GuideGuide National Weather Service Corpus Christi, Texas November 2010 Products & Services Guide Page i Products & Services Guide Page ii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This guide is intended to provide the news media and emergency services agencies with information and examples of the products issued by the National Weather Service in Corpus Christi, Texas. Armando Garza, former Meteorologist in Charge, initiated the development of this guide. Former meteorologists Bob Burton and current meteorologist Jason Runyen created most of the content for this guide. Warning Coordination Meteorologist John Metz directed the production of this guide. Recognition is also given to the entire staff of WFO Corpus Christi for valuable information and suggestions that were essential in the prepara- tion of this guide. If you have any suggestions for improving this guide, please contact the Warning Coordination Meteorologist or the Meteorologist in Charge at the National Weather Service in Corpus Christi, Texas. The 2010 version of this guide was compiled and updated by Matthew Grantham, Meteorolo- gist Intern and Alex Tardy, Science and Operations Officer. The following forecasters and program leaders updated parts of the guide: Mike Gittinger, Tim Tinsley, Jason Runyen, Roger Gass and Greg Wilk. Products & Services Guide Page iii PRECAUTIONARY NOTE The examples used in this guide are fictional and should not be taken as factual events. These examples are meant to illustrate the format and content of each product produced by your local National Weather Service office. In some cases the examples were cut short and limited to one page. However, the information provided should be adequate to understand the product. Products & Services Guide Page iv STAFF Meteorologist In Charge (MIC) - ([email protected]) The MIC will answer all questions on administrative or policy matters, impact of equipment failures, personnel matters, employment, impact of severe storms or floods, or office opera- tions. Also, the MIC will respond to questions involving legal or political decisions or actions and designate an appropriate manager to answer these questions. Warning and Coordination Meteorologist (WCM) - John Metz ([email protected]) The WCM serves as the principal interface between the Weather Forecast Office (WFO) and the users of WFO products and services. Serves as the NWS customer representative who leads the effort to ensure the evaluation, adjustment, and improvements of products and ser- vices. Handles everyday media interviews and works closely with emergency managers. Science and Operations Officer (SOO) - Alex Tardy ([email protected]) The primary focus of the SOO is to ensure the scientific integrity of hydrometeorological products and services provided to the public by the WFO. The SOO also leads joint research projects and developmental efforts conducted with participating universities or local re- search centers. In addition, guides the transfer of new science practices and technologies from the research community to the operational environment by providing training work- shops/seminars on a routine basis. Forecasters 10 operational forecasters provide weather products and services to customers round the cliock using new technologies which consist of Doppler radar, high-resolution satellite, auto- mated surface observing systems, and high powered computers providing gridded meteoro- logical information. Most forecasts for South Texas are provided out to 7 days. Hydro-Meteorological Technicians (HMT) The HMTs and Interns are the primary contacts with the general public and provide forecasts and weather briefings to the press, radio, and television stations. The HMT is responsible for vast amounts of weather data collection: upper air releases and data collection twice a day, surface weather/climatological network observations, and assists with radar surveillance and collection/dissemination of a variety of hydro-metoerological data. The observation program leader— Doug Vogelsang (OPL) handles the cooperative observing network ([email protected]). Electronics Systems Analyst (ESA) - Alan Del Castillo ([email protected]) Serves as the primary contact for inquiries concerning NWS communications and with a staff of two radar technicians and one automated surface observing systems technician, is re- sponsible for maintaining the integrity of all equipment used by this office. Hydrology Focal Point - Gregory Wilk ([email protected]) Serves as individual responsible for resolving most day-to-day hydrology program support issues at this office, and performs liaison activities with local water related users. Products & Services Guide Page v CONTACT INFORMATION Address National Weather Service 300 Pinson Drive Corpus Christi, TX 78406-1803 Phone General Information Line - 361-289-0959 Forecast Recording Line - 361-289-1861 Toll Free Line for Severe Weather Spotters - 888-579-9731 Administrative Line - 361-299-1353 Fax - 361-289-7823 Administration Meteorologist in Charge (MIC) 361-299-1353 ext. 222 Warning Coordination Meteorologist (WCM) 361-299-1353 ext 223 Science Operations Officer (SOO) 361-299-1353 ext 224 Administrative Support Assistant (ASA) 299-1353 Tour Arrangements Contact the Warning Coordination Meteorologist 361-299-1353 x 223 Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM No Tours on weekends or Federal Holidays Internet weather.gov/corpuschristi Products & Services Guide Page vi TABLE OF CONTENTS Acknowledgments.............................................................................................................................iii Precautionary Note............................................................................................................................iv Staff......................................................................................................................................................v Contact Information...........................................................................................................................vi Table of Contents.........................................................................................................................1,2,3 Acronyms Used in this Guide............................................................................................................4 Introduction.........................................................................................................................................5 County Warning Area (CWA)..................................................................................................6 County Descriptions.............................................................................................................7,8 Product Format........................................................................................................................9 Decoding Valid Time and Event Codes (VTEC)..................................................................10 Internet (www.srh.noaa.gov/crp)..........................................................................................11 All Hazards NOAA Weather Radio (NWR)............................................................................12 Emergency Managers Weather Information Network (EMWIN).........................................13 NWWS.....................................................................................................................................14 Emergency Alert System (EAS)............................................................................................14 Non-Weather Emergency Products.................................................................................15,16 Requests for Climate Information........................................................................................17 SKYWARN..............................................................................................................................17 Storm/Tsunami Ready...........................................................................................................18 Routine Weather...............................................................................................................................19 Routine Weather Terminology.........................................................................................20-24 General Climatology of South Texas...................................................................................25 Sea Breeze..............................................................................................................................26 El Nino and La Nina..........................................................................................................27,28 Graphical Forecasts..............................................................................................................29 Area Forecast Discussion (AFD)..........................................................................................30 Short Term Forecasts (NOW)................................................................................................31 Zone Forecasts English/Spanish (ZFP)...............................................................................32 Area Forecast Matrix (AFM).............................................................................................33,34 Tabular State Forecast (SFT)................................................................................................35 Daily Climatological Report (CLI).........................................................................................36