Authors: Megan Syner – NOAA
Title: Collaboration Across the Miles During Western Atmospheric River Events
Abstract: Beginning at the end of December 2022 through March 2023, numerous atmospheric rivers impacted the Western U.S. with heavy rain, snow, high winds and flooding. The NWS was deeply involved in working with internal and external partners throughout these events. The Western Region Regional Operations Center implemented an Incident Command Structure to identify additional resources necessary to support its response to these events. One of those additional resources was a Liaison Officer, which was utilized to meet the increased needs and collaboration with deployed resources and NWS National Centers. This lightning talk will discuss the role of the Liaison Officer during these events and how this role filled a niche that was beneficial to NWS operations.