(CRS continued...)
In human operations, the text must be prepared in the computer, then printed, then edited for the specific targeted listening area, then recorded for the
broadcast. Most National Weather Service offices run more than one NOAA Weather Radio Station, with some operating as many as thirteen! With
human broadcasters only able to make a broadcast on one station at a time, it becomes easier to understand the vital importance of automation. Automation
will immediately take the prepared computer text and automatically customize and broadcast the message over an unlimited number of transmitters at the
same time. Time saved during this automated process is averaging eight full minutes across the country, and with multiple transmitter sites, sometimes as
much as 15 minutes is saved. Eight minutes will allow you to gather your family into a basement or other place of safety. Eight minutes can spell a lifetime.
Many times people respond with - OK, I understand the time saved with automation, but why can’t you use the voice that the bank uses when I call for the
time?
To answer this question requires a little understanding of how the synthesized voice works with the computer. Banks, and other like-businesses, uses
what is called a ‘concatenated’ voice. This is pre-recorded words by people. For example: to build a time and temperature recording, a real person
will be recorded reading each number, or number combination for all possible times - and a range of temperature values for that area - which is a
limited vocabulary. When the number combinations are received by the computer, the proper number recordings are selected for the output - results
are a smooth, human-sounding recording (because that is what it is!).
Weather forecasts cannot operate with a fully concatenated voice. The requirement would entail millions of sound combinations which would vary
from one part of the country to another. A perfect example is the French influence on the language in northern Maine where words are pronounced very
differently from the same word in south Texas that is under Spanish influence. The million of place names alone across the country would show what a
daunting task full concatenation would require. The National Weather Service has selected the best technology available today to cover the wide ranging
vocabulary that is required. This is a truly synthesized computer voice which can read any product with an unlimited range of vocabulary.
As better, or improved technology becomes available, then the Weather Service will employ that technology. As a matter of fact, concatenation is in the
development stages for warning products. The warning products issued by the NWS will adhere to a strict standardized format which will allow for the
concatenation to work. This is the first stage of concatenation of the warnings, and the full voice should be available by the year 2002.
We hope that this better explains CRS, Your Voice of the National Weather Service. For further information on CRS or NOAA Weather Radio, you can
visit the Internet web address at: or call us at the NWS office in Caribou at 207-496-0148. This article was contributed by Bonnie Terrizzi.
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Forecasting Tornadoes
Through a tremendous investment in research, observing systems such as the WSR-88D Doppler radar, and forecasting technology, the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service issues more than 15,000 severe storm and tornado watches and warnings each year. The
average lead time for warnings has increased from six to almost 12 minutes from 1994 to 1998. This means that individuals and communities have more
time to prepare for tornadoes by seeking shelter and securing property, thereby reducing loss of life and limiting the economic costs of property damage.
Several centers and laboratories within NOAA are dedicated to research efforts to further improve forecasts and daily forecast operations to protect life
and property.
Storm Prediction Center
NOAA's Storm Prediction Center (SPC), located in Norman, Okla., provides short-term guidance
products for hazardous weather over the contiguous United States. The Center coordinates with National Weather Service (NWS) field offices around
the country for short-term aspects of hazardous weather such as flash floods, thunderstorms, tornadoes, winter storms, blizzards and freezing precipitation.
The SPC is the primary NWS center of expertise for forecasting hazardous weather and economically-disruptive weather events. The Center makes
maximum use of observations, numerical forecast models, Doppler Radar and geostationary satellites to generate forecasts. By creating timely and
accurate guidance of hazardous weather across the continental United States, the SPC helps NWS field offices effectively accomplish their public safety
functions. In addition to working with National Weather Service field offices and other National Centers, the Storm Prediction Center collaborates with
local, national and international meteorological communities, various NOAA offices and academia. The Storm Prediction Center provides internal
scientific support and techniques development. This support includes developing, evaluating and testing forecast methods. The Center also enhances its
operations and trains meteorologists and customers to use SPC products.
National Weather Service Forecast Offices
National Weather Service Forecast Offices play a vital role in issuing severe weather forecasts and warnings. More than 120 modernized forecast
offices across the country work closely with the Storm Prediction Center to ensure emergency managers and the general public receive the most accurate
and timely forecasts to get out of harm's way. Current weather watches and warnings from local forecast offices are available on the Internet at
IWIN.
National Severe Storms Laboratory
NOAA's National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL) is one of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's internationally-known
Environmental Research Laboratories, leading the way in investigations of all aspects of severe weather. Headquartered in Norman,Okla., with staff in
Boulder, Colo.; Seattle, Wash.; Salt Lake City, Utah; and Madison, Wis., the people of NSSL, in partnership with the National Weather Service, are
dedicated to improving the Nation's severe weather warnings and forecasts in order to save lives and reduce property damage.
The NSSL and the SPC work together closely to make sure the latest scientific advances are rapidly incorporated into severe weather watches.
This close cooperation between the two centers will continue to improve severe weather forecasts to the American people.
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