P46 Application and performance of the WRF-ARW model within the Thailand flood prediction and warning system

Shaw, Brent L., J. W. Conway, B. Baranowski, R. L. Carpenter, Jr., B. Clarke, Z. DuFran, C. Porter, C. Schwarz, P. Spencer, and L. Venkatramani, WDT, Inc.

Weather Decision Technologies has implemented a Flood Prediction and Warning System (FPWS) within the Thailand National Disaster Warning Center (NDWC). The system combines radar and rain gauge data to monitor precipitation within pre-defined drainage basins for the purpose of providing life-saving early warning for potential flooding. To provide situational awareness of flood potential for up to 5 days into the future, the system employs the WRF-ARW model configured to provide high-resolution (4-km grid spacing) quantitative precipitation forecasts (QPF) over the entire country of Thailand. The QPF grids are converted to basin-averaged amounts and displayed on an interactive map for the NWDC staff. An overview of FPWS is provided, with specific details on the WRF model configuration and QPF verification.