Protecting Upstate NY from Severe Weather Events to be Explored at UAlbany/Rockefeller Institute Forum, April 14

Major storms have hit Upstate New York towns hard in recent years. Hurricane Irene's aftermath is shown here in Schenectady.

Albany, NY (April 10, 2014) — As increased extreme weather moves across the nation, New York State has been identified by the American Meteorological Society as the most vulnerable location for the negative economic effects of weather variability.

Atmospheric scientists who are tracking the paths of future storms will discuss their findings with upstate emergency officials and public policy advocates at Facing the Storm: Preparing for Increased Extreme Weather in Upstate New York on Monday, April 14, from 1 to 5 p.m. in the University at Albany Campus Center Ballroom.

The forum is designed to leverage the atmospheric science research at UAlbany on prospects for upstate severe weather and provide a platform for the emergency response community to discuss what they need to do to better prepare for meteorological events.

Featured presenters include Congressman Paul Tonko and Commissioner Jerome M. Hauer from the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. Other panelists include meteorologists from the University at Albany, the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; and emergency responders from throughout New York State.

The event is being held by the Nelson A. Rockefeller Institute of Government, the University at Albany's Department of Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences and Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy, and the New York State Emergency Management Association, in cooperation with the NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services.

The event is free and open to the public, but reservations are required. Campus parking is, additionally, provided. To register, contact [email protected] or (518) 443-5258.

Forum Agenda
1 p.m. Welcome/Opening and Administrative Remarks 
    Tom Gais, director of the Rockefeller Institute 
    UAlbany President Robert Jones Speaks/introduces Congressman Tonko 
    Congressman Paul Tonko speaks/Q&A

1:45 p.m. Panel 1— Severe Weather forecasts for Upstate New York 
    Dr. Christopher Thorncroft, University at Albany Department of Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences
    Thomas Blanchard, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation 
    David Vallee, Northeast River Forecast Center (NOAA)

3:00 p.m. Panel 2— Severe Weather Perspectives from the Emergency Management Community 
    Kevin Niedermaier, Livingston County Emergency Management Office & NYS Emergency Management Association 
    Chris Baker, Cattaraugus County Emergency Management Office 
    Colleen Fullford, Schoharie County Emergency Management Office 
    Mayor A. Max Smith, City of Oneida

4:15 p.m. Closing Plenary Session — Policy Approaches to Severe Weather 
    Commissioner Jerome M. Hauer, Ph.D., MHS, NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services 
    Dr. Christopher Thorncroft, University at Albany Department of Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences 
    Dr. James Fossett, Senior Fellow, Nelson A. Rockefeller Institute of Government and Associate Professor, Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy 
    Kevin Niedermaier, Livingston County Emergency Management Office & NYS Emergency Management Association

5 p.m. Closing Remarks

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