Scientists can’t control coastal flooding caused by storm surge. But they can help government agencies and the public understand the risks from storm surge and wind waves in vulnerable areas like North Carolina’s Outer Banks.

CHAPEL HILL, NC–Leaders from the National Weather Service, meteorological researchers from RENCI and  North Carolina campuses, and community decision makers will convene Oct. 29 and 30 to discuss decision support, technology trends, and how technological tools can improve forecasts, severe weather warnings and communication with the public on weather issues.

Above: Laptop computers track a simulated Category 4 hurricane during a hurricane response exercise held in Kinston recently for state and county emergency managers. Hurricane season officially began June 1, and while North Carolinians hope major storms will once again steer clear of our coast, the state’s emergency management division is taking no chances.

Hurricane Awareness activities at RDU RALEIGH, May 6, 2009—The plane on display at Raleigh-Durham International Airport’s General Aviation Terminal was a veteran of storms well known to North Carolinians: Isabel, Floyd and Fran.