map of proposed deployment plan
Map showing proposed sites and instrumentation for HMT-Southeast Pilot Study
Field site installed in June 2013 near Marion, NC
Field site installed in June 2013 near Marion, NC
 Example of wind data plot
Example of wind data plot
Click images for more detail
Contacts: Kelly Mahoney and Rob Cifelli

HMT-Southeast

Pilot Study

HMT is launching a pilot study from June 2013 – October 2014 in North Carolina to improve understanding and forecasting of dangerous storms in the region that can lead to flooding and economic losses. For the HMT-Southeast Pilot Study (HMT-SEPS), state-of-the-art NOAA instrumentation is being set up in numerous locations across the state that will provide forecasters and researchers with data that may improve forecasting and lead-time for high-impact weather events, such as tropical storms and summertime thunderstorms. Improved forecasting could help prevent some of the costly impacts to people and property of future storms.

HMT-SEPS consists of a coastal field site in New Bern, which will provide insight into landfalling tropical systems and coastal processes that drive inland rainfall. Locations in the middle of the state (Charlotte and Raleigh) will further understanding of the complex boundaries that set up in this region and ultimately determine the location and intensity of rainfall. The largest concentration of instruments will be located in the western part of the state, in the upper Catawba River basin (Morganton, Old Fort and Marion), and will closely examine watershed-specific questions including investigating the role of the Appalachian mountains in driving heavy rainfall.

Instruments from NOAA as well as from a collaborative NASA study occurring in the same vicinity, and from existing operational and academic institutions, will be used for the pilot. HMT's research partners include local NOAA National Weather Service forecast offices; national, state and local environmental agencies; and university research groups. Cooperation between HMT and these partner groups has enhanced the overall project scope, and has even resulted in restored operability of some existing instruments that had been in need of repair.

Data

Data for the pilot study is expected to begin flowing in late June - early July 2013. Check back during that time for further details and access.