In response to the growing hazards of flash floods caused by melting of snow and ice, a Flash Flood Guidance System (FFGS) snow hydrology webinar was organized by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), and India Meteorological Department (IMD) and presented by Dr Eylon Shamir of the Hydrologic Research Center (HRC) to discuss the importance for tracking the seasonal snow pack conditions as it pertains to the assessment of flash flood occurrence. The webinar was attended by participants from the South Asian and South East Europe countries involved in the FFGS program, reflecting the high level of interest in the issue.
During the webinar, available FFGS snow components and products were presented, alongside case studies from various regions to demonstrate the utilization and validation of snow products. It highlighted the importance of tracking the seasonal snow condition as it pertains to the assessment of flash flood occurrence.
This webinar provided the opportunity for participants to share their experiences, ask questions, determine any challenges and to provide training to further understanding of FFGS snow products and use in the operational work.
FFGS offers a variety of products created for forecasters and disaster managers, including snow products, such as snow cover area, snow water equivalent and snow melt. It currently provides early warnings to three billion people – 40% of the world’s population – across more than 60 countries.
Additional information is available from the WMO media page.