Service assessment

"During June 2008, record or major flooding occurred across large areas of the central United States. The flooding had devastating impacts, with 11 people losing their lives. Damages have been estimated at over $5 billion. The states most severely affected were Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Also, heavily impacted were Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, and Oklahoma. In all, 143 National Weather Service river forecast locations experienced major flooding, with 73 of these locations establishing records. Because of the severe impact of the flooding, the National Weather Service of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration formed a Service Assessment Team to evaluate National Weather Service performance during the event. Special attention was given to National Weather Service coordination with other Federal, state, local, and private entities. The recommendations from this assessment will lead to improvements in the quality of National Weather Service products and services and enhance the public's ability to make more informed decisions associated with flood events. The ultimate goal of this report is to further the National Weather Service mission of protecting lives and property and enhancing the national economy"-Preface.

Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR)
National Weather Service (NWS)

Middle West