The new HFIP Strategic Plan detailing the specific research, development, and technology transfer activities necessary to sustain HFIP in response to Section 104 of the Weather Research Forecasting Innovation Act was approved by NOAA and awaits Congressional approval. The major goals of the act are planned to be addressed through the development of a multi-scale, multi-model system called Hurricane Analysis and Forecasting System (HAFS). The HAFS is NOAA's next-generation multi-scale numerical model and data assimilation package, which will provide an operational analysis and forecast out to seven days, with reliable and skillful guidance on Tropical Cyclone (TC) track and intensity (including rapid intensification), storm size, genesis, storm surge, rainfall and tornadoes associated with Tropical Cyclones within the framework of the Unified Forecast System (UFS) and its rolling three-year Strategic Implementation Plan (SIP). Central to the development of HAFS will be the FV3 dynamical core with embedded moving nest capable of tracking the inner core region of the hurricane at 1-2 km resolution.

The primary objective of this meeting will be to discuss the current state of operational hurricane capabilities and challenges, transition to the UFS-based FV3 system consistent with SIP with the development of HAFS, physics and DA advancements, set out NHC priorities, and build storm surge strategy. The results, accomplishments, and lessons learned from the 2018 hurricane season will be discussed allowing the development of a multi-year strategy for improving hurricane forecast guidance.