Articles

EWRI Dallas 2025 Webinar

"END TO END" FLOOD EARLY WARNING SYSTEMS

December 5th, 2025 | 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM

ABSTRACT:

A FEWS is designed to alert communities of developing flood emergencies with sufficient lead time to take protective actions that safeguard lives and property. To meet that objective, a FEWS must be organized to approach the effort holistically, integrating technical, operational, and community-based components. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) conceptualizes FEWS through an “End-to-End” hydrological value chain, which encompasses the full spectrum of flood forecasting and early warning activities. At the start of the hydrological value chain—commonly referred to as the “First Mile”—is the early identification of potential flood threats. At the other end of the value chain—the “Last Mile”—is the community’s response to flood warnings. The success of a FEWS ultimately hinges on its ability to deliver timely, actionable, and trusted alerts that lead to the right decisions at the right time, minimizing harm and maximizing public safety.

SPEAKER:

 Dr. David C. Curtis, PhD, PH, F. EWRI
 Senior Technical Advisor
 West Consultants

Dr. Curtis is a nationally recognized hydrologist and innovator whose work has transformed the way we forecast floods and understand rainfall. Over a career spanning five decades, he’s helped shape how communities prepare for and respond to extreme weather—leading everything from early flood forecasting systems with the National Weather Service to cutting-edge radar-based rainfall estimation.

He was among the first in the U.S. to deliver high-resolution, real-time rainfall data, and his methods are now used across the country to improve stormwater and flood management. Today, with WEST Consultants, Dr. Curtis continues to advance award-winning flood warning systems across the US and abroad, while supporting national efforts to integrate climate science into water resource planning. Honored with numerous national awards, including the 2024 David R. Maidment Award for contributions to water resources data and information systems, Dr. Curtis’s work continues to bridge technology, climate resilience, and community safety.