As of October 2019, ten weather and climate disaster events across the United States (U.S.) have caused losses in excess of $1 billion each. That mix of tropical cyclones, severe storms, and flooding events resulted in the deaths of 39 people and had significant economic effects. Moreover, this is the fifth consecutive year in which ten or more billion-dollar disaster events have impacted the U.S.4 Given this reality, research funded by OWAQ is necessary to inform the timely and accurate forecasts and warnings that make it possible to save lives, reduce property damage, and enhance the national economy.
In just one year, OWAQ more than doubled the number of active projects from 84 (Fiscal Year (FY) 2018) to 184 projects (FY2019). Each project was funded with a single intention: to transition research that will transform weather forecasts. In this, OWAQ was guided by the office’s vision, mission, and goals and supported by the weather enterprise that includes NOAA, other Federal agencies and entities; state, tribal, and local governments; academia; other not-for-profits; and the private sector.
Learn more on how OWAQ is “Transitioning the Research that Informs World-Class Forecasts.” Click here for our full FY19 Annual Accomplishments report.
