• Provided maintenance and modifications to the ARPS/ADAS analysis scheme 
  • changed to expanded, 4-km resolution ADAS domain, re-established distribution/display upon AWIPS and WWW
  • changed RUC background for ADAS initialization from interpolation of 3-12 hour forecasts to 1-3 hour forecasts
  • completed optimization and comprehensive documentation
  • maintained (experimental) operational utility of system, performed routine manual quality control of data 
  • expanded web-based analysis products to include animations and added a 'graphics glossary'.
  • ported analysis data sets into local AWIPS workstations via LDAD and re-distributed to other FL WFO's via SRH
  • set up ADAS archive and began to archive all graphics generated for the WWW
  • added new FAWN sites to ADAS data ingest, AWIPS, and LAPS
  • examined potential for ingest of additional ADAS data sets (COMPS, DOT RWIS, etc.)
  • attempted to ingest KTBW radar into ADAS (configuration issues remain)

• Configured and implemented Advanced Regional Prediction System (ARPS) prognostics
  • configured linux 'beowulf cluster' hardware/software for ARPS
  • configured prognostic scheme and began experimental ARPS runs 4 times per day
  • examined and evaluated model output for accuracy/biases
  • modified ARPS soil moisture initialization and associated adaptable parameters to reduce large surface dry/warm bias
  • developed website for display of selected graphics and loops
  • set up ARPS archive and began to archive all graphics generated for the WWW
     
• Continued to mature graphical products
  • modified GFE gHLS and web site prior to 2003 hurricane season based on user and WFO feedback
  • worked with NWS HQ to develop "product description document" to begin transition to "official / national" product
     
• COMET Partners Projects
  • completed project concerning characteristics of tropical cyclone (TC) tornadoes [SLU/SPC/MLB]
  • began project concerning MM5 forecasts of TC tornado near-storm environment and ability to distinguish between tornado-producing cells and false alarm warnings [SLU/SPC/MLB] & co-authored AMS paper
  • began project to demonstrate added utility of ADAS analyses after ingest of MODIS data [FIT/MLB]
  • began project to use GOES SSTs to retrieve over-ocean air temperatures in support of local data assimilation and modeling efforts

• Supported 1 space shuttle mission
  • Provided WSR-88D support and forecast coordination as requested during shuttle launch/launch attempts & recovery operations (STS-107; 16 Jan - 01 Feb)

• Authored / co-authored several articles related to ARPS/ADAS and tropical cyclone tornadoes, provided comments on AMU tasks, and attended and/or participated in several conferences and interagency meetings: 
  • authored and presented oral(s) or poster(s): 
    • Operational Applications for Lightning Data during Tropical Cyclones¹ 
    • The NWS Southern Region Modeling Initiative at WFO Melbourne, FL² 
    • High Resolution Diagnostic and Short Term Prognostics in Support of Weather Forecast and Warning Operations at NWS Melbourne, FL² 
    • High Resolution Model Simulations of Tornadic Storms over Florida during Tropical Storm Gabrielle² 
    • High Resolution Diagnostics and Short Term Prognostics in Support of Fire Weather Operations at NWS Melbourne, FL³ 
    • Radar Characteristics of Mesocyclones Associated with Tropical Cyclones (TC) and a Simulation of the Mesocyclone Characteristics using MM5⁴ 
    • Local Data Integration and Generation of Mesoscale Analyses and prognostics at WFO MLB⁵ 
    • A New Generation of Graphical Hazardous Weather Products at WFO MLB⁵
    • Using High-Resolution Diagnostics to Facilitate the Short-Term Threat Assessment of Tornadoes during Tropical Storm Gabrielle (2001)⁶ 
    • An Update on the (Gridded) Graphical Hurricane Local Statement⁶
    • Using High-Resolution Diagnostics for the Short-Term Threat Assessment of Tornadoes during Tropical Storm Gabrielle (2001)⁷
  • attended conferences: ¹2003 AMS Conference on the Inland Effects of Tropical Cyclones; ²28th Annual Meeting of the National Weather Association, Jacksonville; ³5th Symposium on Fire and Forest Meteorology, Orlando; ⁴10th Conference on Mesoscale Processes, Portland; ⁵NWS Florida Technology Expo, Melbourne; ⁶ 57th Interdepartmental Hurricane Conference; Miami; ⁷ St. Louis Student Chapter of the AMS
  • attended: MSFC 'Short-term Prediction Research and Transition Center' (SPORT) as a member of the Science Steering Committee, Huntsville 
  • visited WFO Huntsville to discuss operational and applied research programs
  • participated in several AMU tasking meetings & telcons 
  • participated in AMU discussions/site visits concerning ' Real-time Model Verification Plan' and 'Severe Weather Forecast Tool'  
  • reviewed AMU manuscripts: 'Statistical Short-range Guidance Peak Wind Speed - Phase I', 'Land Breeze Forecasting', 'Near Storm Environment', 'LDIS Optimization and training', 'and 'Reference Guide for Real-time ADAS at NWS MLB'

• Other tasks: 
  • attended NOAA Hurricane Conference at National Hurricane Center (NHC) and made updated gHLS presentation 
  • reviewed several drafts & final report for COMET proposal(s) with SPC and SLU concerning "TC mesocyclones" 
  • completed numerous AWIPS and HP workstation modifications, localizations, and customizations 
  • worked with AMU meteorologist during several on-site visits 

11/14/03 SMS