(L to R): IMD Meteorologist Sunit Das; Professor T.N. Krishnamurti, Florida State University; WFO Melbourne Senior Forecaster Scott Spratt and Meteorologist-in-Charge Bart Hagemeyer; and, IMD Meteorologist Charan Singh (Photo: WFO Melbourne).

(Oct. 5, 2006) - Two forecasters from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) have completed a comprehensive training course hosted by the National Weather Service forecast office in Melbourne, Fla. As part of a three-year project between the Government of India and the National Weather Service, the IMD meteorologists focused on operational aspects of tropical cyclone forecasting, hazard communications and inter-agency coordination.

WFO Melbourne Senior Forecaster Scott Spratt led the training and accompanied the trainees during visits to the National Hurricane Center and the Hurricane Research Division in Miami, as well as the NOAA Aircraft Operations Center in Tampa. Florida State University Meteorology Professor T.N. Krishnamurti also took part in the training to discuss the latest advancements in tropical cyclone modeling.

Techniques for communicating critical hazardous weather information to decision makers and the general public were demonstrated during visits to a local Emergency Management Agency, television station and Emergency Alert System relay station. The project was sponsored by the National Weather Service International Activities Office, with funding provided by the U.S. Agency for International Development.

Curt Barrett, project director for NWS International Activities, acknowledged, "The great job done by the Melbourne WFO in providing outstanding training to the two meteorologists." He also noted receiving an email from the IMD Deputy Director General -- thanking the Melbourne staff for its support.