Warning Operations in Support of the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games

Abstract

During the summer of 1996, the National Weather Service (NWS) provided weather support for the Centennial Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia. This weather support effort presented many challenges, particularly in the area of providing short-term forecast (watch) and warning support. Topping the list of challenges was working with a customer with different weather information needs than the general public. The needs of the venue and competition management were much more detailed than the NWS traditionally is accustomed to and the thresholds for various phenomena were very low (e.g., warnings for the occurrence of any rain were issued rather than the more traditional NWS severe thunderstorm warning).