Managing future flood risks in dynamic weather environments requires forward-thinking technology. Engineers often rely on NOAA’s Atlas 14, which provides rainfall intensity-duration-frequency (IDF) curves to guide designs like pipe sizes or bridge heights. However, Atlas 14 assumes rainfall patterns don’t change and ignores recent trends. While the nation awaits Atlas 15, states like North Carolina are filling the gap with new tools.
This live virtual program will discuss one of these new tools, RaInDROP (Rainfall Intensity, Duration, and Return for Observations and Projections). RaInDROP blends engineering expertise with future climate insights. Tools like RaInDROP reveal changing precipitation extremes, while stress-testing systems against historic storms and using atmospheric models to provide insights to how future versions of those storms might evolve. Participants will hear examples of how municipalities and state agencies are already using RaInDROP data and atmospheric models to strengthen long-term flood resilience.
Learning Objectives
- Explain rainfall intensity, duration, and frequency of rainfall events.
- Describe methods and data sets that support RaInDROP.
- Provide examples of how RaInDROP and atmospheric model experiments are being used to inform long-term flood resilience.
Speakers/Panelists
Jared Bowden
Interim Director
State Climate Office of NC
Moderator
Alicia Lanier
Stormwater Project Manager – Special Projects
City of Fayetteville, NC
Hosted by the Water Resources Committee
Proficiency Level: Introductory
This program offers 0.1 CEU credits for the one-hour presentation portion of the program. The final half hour discussion in the lounge area is optional.
Registration: Free for members; $99 for nonmembers
Instructions for joining the webinar will be emailed to you the day prior, and day of the event.
A recording of this program will be available through the APWA Resource Center 3-4 weeks following the live program.
Click, Listen and Learn Contact Information Questions: (800) 848-2792, education@apwa.org
LAST DAY TO REGISTER: 12:00 p.m. Central Time February 25, 2026
Refund Policy: Online Education Program–Cancellation/Refund Policy