This past week more then three thousand meteorologists gathered for the 92nd annual meeting of the American Meteorology Society in New Orleans, Louisiana. Many scientific papers were presented detailing the recent improvements in weather forecasting. But what stood out the most this past year was the amount of destruction and devastation produced by severe weather in the United States. Despite accurate forecasts, more than 650 people died from weather related causes in 2011. In addition, there were 14 separate billion dollar weather events that generated 50 billion dollars in total economic losses. During this conference it was emphasized that meteorologists alone cannot protect the general population from severe weather. It must include a range of disciplines including social scientists, emergency managers, community groups along with corporate and government leaders working in concert to educate people to the potential dangers. In the end it is a group effort that is needed to save lives and property.
