Disaster Seminar Series: From Forecast to Impact – Enhancing Weather Hazard Awareness and Decision Support
Join Y-EMERGE for our ongoing Disaster Seminar Series. This session will feature Sherry Williams (Meteorological Services Canada part of Environment & Climate Change Canada) presenting From Forecast to Impact: Enhancing Weather Hazard Awareness and Decision Support
Abstract: Weather information is most valuable when it helps people and decision-makers understand not only what weather is expected, but also what that weather may mean for their communities. This presentation will provide an overview of some of the evolving approaches to communicating and anticipating weather-related hazards across Canada, using the air quality program as a lens into this work.
A key focus will be the transition to impact-based forecasting for weather warnings through our updated warning program, which uses colour-coded weather alerts. While meteorological services provide the expertise to forecast the hazard, understanding its potential consequences requires collaboration with partners who have knowledge of local vulnerabilities, infrastructure and emergency response. Bringing together weather expertise and partner knowledge can help move warning services from simply describing what the weather will be to communicating what the weather will do.
Finally, the presentation will highlight the use of visualization tools to bring observations, model data and forecast information together, including air quality information and the Ontario Vigilance Bulletin (OVB). These tools can help forecasters and partners identify developing hazards, assess potential impacts, and use multiple sources of information to support preparedness and decision-making before an event occurs. Together, these approaches demonstrate how advances in warning systems, collaboration and visualization can help transform complex meteorological information into clearer and more actionable information for those who need it.
For more information on the weekly Disaster Seminar Series visit the website: https://www.yorku.ca/research/yemerge/disaster-seminar-series/
