2020 Tropical Cyclone Operations and Research Forum Taking Place in Lakeland: 74th Interdepartmental Hurricane Conference
LAKELAND, FL (February 25, 2020) | The 2020 Tropical Cyclone Operations and Research Forum also known as the 74th Interdepartmental Hurricane Conference is taking place today (Tuesday, February 25th) and tomorrow at Lakeland Linder International Airport.
The Office of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research (OFCM) hosts the annual conference to bring together the Federal hurricane community: the operational forecast centers; weather modelers; aerial, ocean, satellite, and radar observing groups; and the supporting research functions. The hurricane experts review last year’s hurricane challenges, plan operations for the upcoming season and discuss research efforts in the context of operational needs. The event usually takes place in Miami but Lakeland’s own NOAA Flight Operations is hosting this year’s forum.
Jonathan Shannon, Communications Specialist Office of Marine and Aviation Operations for NOAA said, “The main focus of the 74th Interdepartmental Hurricane Conference is to bring all of the forecasters, researchers and operational support together to review the 2019 hurricane season and prepare for 2020. It is the first time this conference is being held at the Aircraft Operations Center in Lakeland.”
Shannon will make himself available at 12:45 p.m. today (2/25) for an on-camera interview with the news media. There are various aircraft on location including NOAA’s Hurricane Hunter fleet and the US Air Force Hurricane Hunter aircraft.
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About Lakeland
The City of Lakeland was incorporated in January 1885 and has grown to become one of the largest inland communities in Florida. With a current population over 100,000, Lakeland continues to grow. It has been designated a Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area by the US Census Bureau for over 30 years. With tourist attractions and gulf beaches only an hour away, Lakeland continues to capitalize on its ideal central Florida location along the I-4 corridor. The City owns and operates Lakeland Electric, the third-largest publicly owned utility in Florida and it was one of the first to offer power in the Sunshine State over 110 years ago.
For additional information about the City of Lakeland, please explore lakelandgov.net.
Citizens are also invited to follow the City on social media.