§9704 Service Coordination Hydrologists at River Forecast Centers of the National Weather Service

Summary

The Director of the National Weather Service must place at least one service coordination hydrologist at every River Forecast Center. Their main job is to help people and agencies use NWS hydrology products so they can respond better to floods, following guidance from the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017. Other employees can do these tasks too if needed. A service coordination hydrologist serves their center’s area, talks with users (like the public, scientists, media, hydropower, transport, recreation, farming, forestry, fisheries, and water managers), and works with forecast offices and government partners to improve or tailor forecasts and services. They also work on forecast-informed reservoir operations to lower flood risk, keep flood contact lists and office procedures current, and coordinate with emergency and floodplain managers for planning and response. They may also help States promote NWS products, set preparedness priorities, make plans, and lead public flood education. The Director may assign any of these duties to other staff.