Objectives

The INCA-CE project aims at reducing adverse effects of weather-related natural disasters (e.g. wind-storms, flooding, mudflows, icing, drought) by establishing a state-of-the-art, high-resolution, real-time analysis and forecast system on atmospheric, hydrological, and surface conditions. Main goal is the improvement of risk management standards and methodology in order to enable management institutions and authorities to issue more detailed assessments and warnings. INCA-CE will also allow a more precise estimation of weather-related risks and potential hazards in the private sector. The project will implement a transnational information system as well as applications for different socio-economic sectors to reduce risks of major economic damage and loss of life. Not only civil protection but also stakeholders from economic sectors are in a growing need of accurate and reliable short-term forecasts.

Method

The INCA-CE project will set up a web-based, trans-national weather information system using state-of-the-art nowcasting methods jointly developed by the partner countries. Three trans-national working groups will be established, covering the application areas ‘Operational Hydrology’, ‘Civil Protection’, and ‘Road Safety’. INCA-CE aims at a harmonization and exchange of data, standards and methodologies in the field of weather-related crisis management and risk prevention. Work on the nowcasting tool will include algorithmic refinements, improvements in data flow, data quality control, and computational efficiency.

Relevance

Improved prediction of heavy rainfall and associated flooding risks will help to set up efficient procedures in the management of mitigating actions for the protection of buildings, roads, and other infrastructure. Civil protection will benefit from a more comprehensive assessment of meteorological threats, and a more detailed and timely forecast, leading to more efficient warning protocols and dissemination strategies. Road safety will be enhanced by a more detailed road weather forecast made available both to the road management authorities as well as to the general public. While the frequency and strength of critical weather events and natural disasters cannot be reduced, a state-of-the-art information and warning system will be developed to better support public and private institutions in case of severe events.