COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Regional Tropical Training and Exercise is an opportunity for meteorologists and emergency responders to sharpen their skills and coordination in dealing with tropical weather. It allows them to simulate various scenarios, assess their readiness, and fine-tune forecasting techniques.
Chris Birchfield, the National Weather Service's eastern region tropical program manager, said more than 200 people registered for this event.
"It’s a really big event. We got a lot of registrations because everyone is wanting to make sure we keep our community safe this season,” Birchfield said.
Birchfield said the event’s exercises enable the National Weather Service to provide better information during tropical weather events.
"So, right now, we’re actually getting feedback from the emergency management community here at this event," he said. "Which will help us improve our products and services in the future.”
These training events showcase meteorologists' and emergency responders' value, improved communication, and coordination.
"It shows our partners in action, working together to keep our community safe," Birchfield said.
Improved forecasting techniques and coordination will help meteorologists and emergency responders issue more precise warnings and guidance for this near-normal predicted hurricane season.