October 26–28, 2020 | Durham, NC

Abstract for Session 4E: Tuesday 1:30–3:00

Session 4E
When the Well Runs Dry: Coping with Drought in the Carolinas
SENATE

Convened Session   When the Well Runs Dry: Coping with Drought in the Carolinas

Kirsten Lackstrom (organizer) — CISA, University of South Carolina
Chip Konrad — CISA; Southeast Regional Climate Center; UNC Chapel Hill
Corey Davis — State Climate Office of North Carolina
Ekaterina Altman — CISA, University of South Carolina
Hope Mizzell — South Carolina State Climatology Office

The Carolinas are no stranger to drought - historical records show that our states have experienced more droughts during the last twenty years when compared to the longer observational record. What are the climate causes of these events? What have been the impacts? What are we doing in the Carolinas to prepare for and cope with drought? This session features a series of presentations to showcase recent research and initiatives to help decision makers and the public better understand, monitor, and respond to drought events.

“Drought in the Southeast United States: The Climate Context and Impacts of the 2016 Event” – Chip Konrad will discuss how the 2016 drought developed and evolved and its impacts on agriculture, water resources, public health, and tourism.

“Increasing Capacity for Drought and Fire Weather Monitoring Across the Southeast” – Corey Davis will demonstrate the tools and resources available through the State Climate Office of North Carolina, featuring the Fire Weather Intelligence Portal and Integrated Water Portal.

“Impacts and Lessons Learned from Drought: The South Carolina Experience” – Ekaterina Altman will discuss recent research to examine drought impacts and planning processes in South Carolina and share recommendations and results from the SC Drought and Water Shortage Tabletop Exercise.

“The South Carolina Drought Response Program and Resources” – Hope Mizzell will provide updates on the South Carolina Drought Response Program and resources available through the SC State Climatology Office, featuring the new scdrought.com website.

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