The Flash Flood Guidance System with Global Coverage (FFGS/WGC) held its second Programme Management Committee (PMC), Executive Group (EG), and Technical Support Group (TSG) meetings from 16-18 December 2024, in Istanbul, Türkiye.
The meetings brought together 32 participants, including representatives from 14 FFGS regional centers, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/U.S. National Weather Service (NOAA/U.S. NWS), the United States Agency for International Development/Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (USAID/BHA), the Hydrologic Research Centre (HRC) in the US, and experts from WMO's INFCOM and SERCOM. The discussions focused on advancing FFGS implementation and ensuring its long-term sustainability.
The primary objective of the meeting was to review and decide on activities to ensure the FFGS/WGC aligns with its Sustainability Strategy and the priorities of participating countries. Key actions undertaken during the meetings included: and the priorities of participating countries. Key actions undertaken during the meetings included:
- Reviewing and approving Sustainability Strategy documents developed by the TSG:
- The FFGS Marketing Plan;
- The Analysis of FFGS Functional Requirements document;
- The Research-to-Operations document; and
- The Training Plan.
- Updating the FFGS Implementation Plan and its activities.
- Discussing strategies to enhance operational performance and future development, aligning with national priorities and sustainability goals.
- Exploring the utilization of the WMO Information System (WIS) and the transition to WMO Regional Specialized Hydrological Centers for Flash Flood Forecasting.
The meeting achieved critical milestones for the sustainability and progression of the FFGS into Phase IV, including:
- Approval of the Training Plan.
- Completion of the Analysis FFGS Functional Requirements.
- Adaption of the Research-to-Operations framework.
- Endorsement of the Marketing Strategy.
- Agreement on scaling FFGS operations to over 100 countries.
- Plans to upgrade infrastructure for compliance with WMO Information System 2.0 (WIS 2.0).
- Expansion of regional operations through the WMO WIPPS Regional Specialized Hydrological Center for Flash Flood Forecasting.
These outcomes pave the way for the continued growth and effectiveness of the FFGS, ensuring its global coverage and alignment with sustainability objectives.
