Nelson Vaz

Nelson Vaz

Warning Coordination Meteorologist
Brookhaven National Weather Service Office
Upton, NY

Nelson Vaz, Warning Coordination Meteorologist with the National Weather Service in New York, NY, serves as the principal interface between the Weather Forecast Office (WFO) and the users of its products and services, leading efforts to ensure their evaluation and improvement. He is also responsible for planning, coordinating, and carrying out public awareness programs in the local Tri-State area designed to build a Weather-Ready Nation. Nelson has worked as a meteorologist at the National Weather Service New York, NY (NWS NY) since 2003. He serves as a subject matter expert on coastal and shoreline hazards and weather decision support services in the local area and has served as Warning Coordination Meteorologist since 2018.

Flash Flood Public Messaging and Wireless Emergency Alerts (Wednesday, October 21, 2026 - 8:30-9:00am)

This presentation explores the natural connection between the complexities of flash flood forecasting and public messaging best practices, including the use of Flash Flood Warnings through Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA). Participants will gain insight into how effective and timely messaging can help communicate flash flood risks and encourage appropriate public action during rapidly evolving events.

Flood Disasters Roundtable – Emergency Management Perspective (Wednesday, October 21, 2026 - 2:45-5:00pm)

Summit speakers will participate in a roundtable discussion addressing flooding disasters across the country from an emergency management perspective. Panelists will share experiences, lessons learned, challenges, and best practices related to flood preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation. The discussion will provide participants with practical insights into how communities and emergency management agencies can better prepare for and respond to significant flooding events.