New York Launches Collaborative Weather Risk Communication Center

by M.C. Millman 

New York launched a first-of-its-kind collaborative Weather Risk Communication Center this week, as the state commits to an investment of $1.5 million annually for the project. 

The facility is at the University of Albany. It is a collaboration between university researchers and state emergency managers who will process weather information to help make appropriate decisions in extreme weather situations. Additionally, the new, state-of-the-art communication center will follow how the state communicates the risks associated with extreme weather.

It will also serve as a resource available to New York public entities that make weather-related decisions, like school superintendents, who can make informed decisions regarding school closures.

The center will utilize National Weather Service forecasts and supplemental data from the New York State Mesonet, along with on-the-ground information.