State Weather Risk Communication Center

The State Weather Risk Communication Center (SWRCC) is a first-of-its-kind partnership between the University at Albany and New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services that leverages UAlbany’s expertise in atmospheric sciences to help state and local emergency managers prepare for and respond to severe weather.

Funded by New York State, SWRCC meteorologists will provide rapid, tailored, real-time weather information to state agencies, emergency managers, and other critical stakeholders before, during and after severe weather events. Social scientists will develop improved communication strategies while computer scientists build and maintain cutting edge weather products.

The SWRCC is located at ETEC, utilizing the research and expertise already occurring inside the building, along with its best-in-class weather-related tools, including the xCITE laboratory, a data and visual analytics center, and the New York State Mesonet, a statewide weather network operated by UAlbany. Since its launch, the Mesonet has been widely used by public and private partners to improve weather-based decision-making. 

The center will help increase public safety, optimize weather spending and help New Yorkers better understand the impacts of climate change on our weather, our safety and our economy. 

Introducing the SWRCC

Gov. Hochul announced the creation of the SWRCC, an operational collaboration between UAlbany researchers and state emergency managers. Hochul gave Al Roker an in-depth look at the center's work during a visit to the ETEC research and development complex, which was featured on NBC's TODAY Show.