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Today's Satellite Data Forecasting Tomorrow's Weather
Warnings and alerts begin with radar and satellite data, and getting that data to forecasters is crucial. NESDIS satellite data are relayed through an intricate network of acquisition stations including the Wallops Command and Data Acquisition Station (WCDAS), Wallops Island, Virginia. These stations acquire, maintain and distribute a continuous flow of meteorological satellite data for use in weather and environmental monitoring worldwide.
Read more on how WCDAS is preparing for GOES-R: http://www.wcda.noaa.gov/goesr/index.html
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The Future of Weather Readiness: GOES-R and JPSS
Rapid-scan imagery of weather patterns and severe storms as frequently as every 30 seconds are the future with the GOES-R satellite system. The improved imagery will lead to more accurate and reliable weather forecasts and alerts. Increased timeliness and accuracy of public warnings and forecasts is also coming with the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS). The first satellite in the JPSS constellation, Suomi NPP, already supports operational global forecast models.
Read more on how Suomi NPP has been helping forecasters:
http://www.nesdis.noaa.gov/news_archives/npp_data.html
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DSCOVR on the Horizon
Preparedness extends beyond Earth.. Detecting space weather phenomena like solar wind will be improved with the launch of the DSCOVR satellite in January 2015. DSCOVR will be positioned about one million miles from Earth and be able to detect solar wind before it reaches Earth's atmosphere. The detection will provide 30 minute alerts of harmful solar activities that could affect power grids, telecommunications, and GPS.
NWS Space Weather Prediction Center:
http://www.swpc.noaa.gov/
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America's "PrepareAthon" is your opportunity to prepare for hazards through drills and building emergency supply kits. The campaign focuses on taking actions to prepare for six specific hazards: earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires and winter storms. The National Weather Service supports America's PrepareAthon and the nation-wide effort to prepare citizens and communities for possible environmental disasters.
http://www.community.fema.gov/connect.ti/cfghome/grouphome