National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Prolonged Atmospheric River in the Pacific Northwest; Snow and High Winds in the North-Central U.S.

A prolonged atmospheric river will continue impacting the Pacific Northwest with heavy rainfall which has lead to areas of urban and river flooding along with gusty winds into Thursday. A clipper will bring heavy snow, some mixed wintry precipitation, and gusty to high winds across the northern Plains, Upper Midwest, and the Great Lakes into Thursday morning. Read More >

Mission

The Office of Water Prediction (OWP) collaboratively researches, develops and delivers state-of-the-science national hydrologic analyses, forecast information, data, decision-support services and guidance to support and inform essential emergency services and water management decisions. In partnership with NWS national, regional, and local offices, the OWP coordinates, integrates and supports consistent water prediction activities from global to local levels.

The Organization

The Office of Water Prediction (OWP) is a geographically distributed organization which includes elements in Maryland, Minnesota and Alabama. The OWP is designed to support a consistent and unified hydrologic program while maximizing efficient use of resources helping to ensure the NWS excels as a science-based service organization. The OWP will conduct development, field support and operational functions through projects and programs that address national, regional, and local needs and are led and supported by staff in multiple offices across the country. Initial activities of the OWP will be focused on support and development; operational functions will be identified and developed over time. Functional roles have been established in the OWP structure to coordinate and support this framework.

Please visit the National Water Prediction Service (NWPS) for additional information.