The Severe Storm Prediction, Education and Evacuation from Disasters (SSPEED) Center was established in 2007 as a university-based research and education organization. Led by Rice University, the SSPEED Center organizes leading universities, researchers, emergency managers, and private and public entities to better address severe storm prediction and its impact on the Gulf Coast area.

Vision

Our vision is to be recognized as the Gulf Coast’s top university-based resource for research and education related to protection strategies for severe storms and hurricanes.

Mission

Our mission is to educate the Gulf Coast region by increasing public awareness of the risks associated with severe storms and hurricanes. We also inform the public about structural and non-structural mitigation strategies at all scales for the region.

Objectives

To conduct research on improving the lead-time, accuracy and impact associated with severe storms and hurricanes.

To inform growing Gulf Coast population of severe storm impacts through conferences, workshops, civic engagements, and media outreach.

To research and communicate scientific knowledge regarding the development of a resilient Gulf Coast.

To propose structural and non-structural alternatives as hurricane mitigation strategies for Gulf Coast region.

To develop and maintain "affiliate groups" comprised of public/private sector stakeholders.

To monitor a "real time" network of sensors and predictive models that enables us to study and communicate the nature of severe storms especially as they relate to rainfall, flooding, and storm surges.

To provide state-of-the-art educational programs for students.

To seek both private and government financial support to fund initiatives.