Strengthening Collaboration for Effective Flooding Support through the Lens of a FEMA Liaison

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Liaisons (LNOs) to the National Weather Service (NWS) serve as a critical link between FEMA, NWS, and emergency management partners. This presentation will highlight the role of FEMA LNOs in facilitating the exchange of crucial meteorological and hydrological data to support decision-making and response operations. By improving communication, visualization, and dissemination of weather information, LNOs play a key role in disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and resilience.

The presentation will focus on FEMA and NWS collaboration, particularly in addressing the growing threat of freshwater flooding, exacerbated by extreme precipitation and inland flooding following storms like Helene (2024) and atmospheric river rainfall-induced flooding in the Pacific Northwest (2025). The need for real-time flood data and forecasting to aid emergency management will be emphasized.

Additionally, the session will cover strategies for strengthening preparedness, response readiness, and post-disaster recovery through training on NWS products and services. It will also explore the evolution of FEMA's partnership with NWS and the critical coordination required to effectively respond to life-threatening incidents.

Attendees will gain insights into how FEMA LNOs enhance communication and information-sharing between federal, state, and local agencies, leading to better outcomes during weather-related disasters.