HOUSTON – An annual conference on preparing for hurricanes is underway in Austin, and along with discussing strategy for the storms, the conference also presented a special award to KPRC 2's hurricane expert Bill Read.
After decades of forecasting, Read received what he calls the lifetime achievement award of the National Hurricane Conference.
"It's pretty humbling considering the handful of people that have gone before me," said Read.
The Neil Frank Award recognizes the impact Read has had on our nation's hurricane preparedness. He received the award Wednesday afternoon in front of colleagues at the hurricane conference.
"It confirms that not only other people liked what I was doing, but that I was choosing the right venue to try to make change in how we deal with hurricanes," said Read.
The conference focuses on lessons learned from past hurricanes as well as future response and recovery plans. With another season upon us, Read shared his prediction with KPRC 2.
"I tell everybody the same thing every year," said Read. "I think we're going to get hit this year. I'm usually wrong, but nobody complains when I'm wrong."
The four-day conference wraps up at the Austin Convention Center Thursday. Almost 1,600 people attended the annual event.