Our advancements in flash flood warning lead time is impressive. Today's average lead time of 51 minutes compares with eight minutes in 1987. Our goal for 2005 is 65 minutes. In addition to improving lead times, our customers want more specific severe weather watches. We are soliciting customer feedback on the utility of this test product.
Hurricanes pose a huge threat to the nation both in potential loss of life and economic devastation.
The National Weather Service provides information that is the country's first line of defense against these storms. For the 2000 North Atlantic Hurricane Season we also are forecasting an above-average number of storms. An average season brings 10 tropical storms and six hurricanes of which two are classified as intense. We owe it to the public, to the emergency managers and decision makers, to continue improving our hurricane forecasts. Provide improved and timely public access to weather information ranging from current weather events to long range seasonal and inter- annual flood and weather forecasts.