New Video: How NOAA and Engineers Are Future-Proofing America’s Infrastructure 

CSS team members supporting NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) industry initiative are working with the architecture and engineering, insurance and reinsurance, and retail sectors to co-develop environmental data tools that are accessible and actionable, helping industries and communities build weather resilience. 

A new video showcases how NOAA data products, and this initiative, are equipping professionals to design infrastructure that can withstand normal and extreme conditions today and tomorrow.  

Turning Data into Design Insight 

In the video, Dan Walker of the American Society of Civil Engineers describes how NOAA data underpins building codes, engineering standards, and infrastructure planning. As extreme weather becomes more frequent and conditions continue to change, designing based solely on historical data is no longer enough. Access to reliable environmental data allows architects and engineers to account for future risks and build with long-term performance in mind. 

Applying Data in the Real World 

Through ongoing collaboration with industry partners, the initiative helps translate complex environmental data into tools that support day-to-day decision-making. These resources provide critical insights that help professionals evaluate risk, plan for future conditions, and design more resilient infrastructure, including: 

• Storm Events Database (Updated Summer 2025): A comprehensive record of historical weather events and impacts, enabling professionals to understand past hazards and incorporate that knowledge into risk assessments and infrastructure design. 

• Typical Meteorological Year (Estimated Release Spring 2026): Typical and projected weather conditions can be used to inform energy-efficient building design, system performance, and long-term planning for changing climate conditions. 

• Precipitation Time Series Explorer (Estimated Release Fall 2026): An interactive tool using Multi-Radar Multi-Sensor data to show historical and near real-time precipitation at specific locations, helping engineers assess rainfall trends, frequency, and extreme event risk for design planning. 

These tools help architects and engineers move beyond static data, supporting smarter decisions that improve performance, reduce risk, and strengthen resilience over time. 

Delivering Broader Impact 

The benefits of this work extend beyond individual projects. Data-informed design helps reduce uncertainty, improve efficiency, and lower long-term costs. More importantly, it supports infrastructure that keeps communities safe, maintains essential services, and strengthens economic resilience. From transportation systems to commercial buildings, these insights are helping ensure infrastructure is prepared for both current and future challenges. 

Supporting What Comes Next 

CSS is proud of its team members contributing to the NCEI industry initiative, helping transform environmental data into practical solutions that strengthen industries, support the economy, and build safer, more resilient communities. To learn more, visit the NCEI Our Impact page and watch the video now!