Caribbean Disaster
Mitigation Project |
Note: this workshop was organized by CIMH and funded by the CDMP. This report was prepared by CIMH.
The Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH) and the Caribbean Disaster Mitigation Project (CDMP) conducted a training workshop for users of the TAOS/L model and its outputs at CIMH, July 28-29, 1999. The workshop was opened and closed with brief remarks by the Principal of the Institute, Dr. Colin Depradine.
The participants were drawn from the countries currently using the model - Belize, Jamaica and Mexico. A list of the participants is attached.
The objective of the workshop was to familiarise participants with the uses, applications, products and limitations of the TAOS/L model. Emphasis was placed on understanding of and experience with (1) running the model for real-time events, (2) running Maximum Envelopes of Water (MEOWs) and (3) the creation of maps and products from these runs. Also examined were the use and limitations of these products in emergency management and in planning.
The programme was designed on the basis of the above objectives and followed the formats used in previous training of this nature conducted by CIMH and CDMP. The emphasis, however, was on procedures for running the model and on the practical use and applications of the products. The various components of the model were demonstrated and participants were given the opportunity to obtain hands-on experience during the practical exercises. These included the extraction, editing and running of historical storms; entering and running real-time storms; determining criteria for setting up and running a MEOW. Resource persons were Horace Burton and Selvin Burton of CIMH and Ross Wagenseil, a CDMP consultant. A copy of the programme is attached.
In the wrap-up discussions the participants expressed satisfaction with the workshop, indicating that the information presented was useful and informative. Those participants without prior knowledge of the inputs and components of the TAOS model noted that they now understood the basis of the output and, hence, were in a better position to interpret and apply the results in their various areas of interest. The participants with prior knowledge of the model expressed satisfaction with the new components and the improvements, in particular the use of the model to compute maximum envelopes.
A number of topics related to the continued use and improvement of the TAOS/L model were discussed and the following proposals/agreements made:
Fernando Soto Angli, Campeche Emergency Operations Centre, Mexico
Jamal Banton, Engineer, Smith Warner International Ltd., Jamaica
Dennis Gonguez, Meteorologist, Belize Meteorological Service, Belize
Maurice Jones, Consulting Engineer, Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, Jamaica
Ernest Lovell, Technical Assistant, Caribbean Meteorological Institute, Barbados
Anthony Murray, EDP Manager, Natural Resources Conservation Authority, Jamaica
Hugo Raul Villa Obregon, Campeche Emergency Operations Centre, Mexico
Derrick Rudon, Forecaster, Belize Meteorological Service, Belize
Jeffrey E. Spooner, Meteorologist, Jamaica Meteorological Service, Jamaica
Philip Warner, Engineer, Smith Warner International Ltd., Jamaica
Sponsored by the
US Agency for International Development/Organization of American States,
Caribbean Disaster Mitigation Project
and the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology
The Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology, Husbands, St. James, Barbados
July 28-29, 1999
9:00 Introduction
9:15 Overview of The Arbiter Of Storms (TAOS) Storm Hazard Model System
10:00 Installation and TAOS Menu Overview
10:30 Break
10:50 Model Operations
12:15 Lunch
13:45 Exercise Select and edit a historical storm
14:15 Model Operations (continued)
15:15 Break
15:30 Historical storm results and discussion
16:30 Exercise Creation of a new storm track
17:00 End for the Day
9:00 MEOWs description, procedures, setup and run
10:30 Break
10:50 Data Upgrades for TAOS - Ross Wagenseil
12:00 Lunch
13:30 Viewing and discussion of out put from MEOWs
14:30 Break
14:45 Advanced operations script editing etc.
15:15 Discussion and wrap up
16:00 Adjourn
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