Seth Price New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University October, 2006

What is Skywarn? Provide ground truth data to the NWS Trained by the NWS: Basic, Advanced, Floods, Hurricanes, Winter Weather, etc. Volunteers from all professions. Skywarn Logo 1

The Role of Skywarn Weather emergencies as a body: –Skywarn: Eyes –Meteorologists: Brain –Broadcasters: Mouth –Radio Operators: Nervous System –Emergency Personnel: Arms/Legs All of these must function together! Students: learn the interaction

Skywarn Reporting Criteria Tornadoes Funnel Clouds Wall Clouds Hail (>3/4” diameter) Wind (>55mph) Rain (>2” per hour) Flooding Winter Weather 1

Getting Involved Skywarn classes are free! Check local emergency planning groups Stay in touch with YOUR local NWS!

Skywarn and Storm Chasing Skywarn is: Observation is the primary function Encourages reporting from home, office, etc. Storm Chasing is: Forecasting is the primary function Reporting while in pursuit All Storm Chasers should be Skywarn Trained, but not all Skywarn Spotters are Storm Chasers!

What is Amateur Radio? A method of two way communication which began with Morse Code Similar to Citizen’s Band (CB) except other modes are allowed A large hobby made of smaller hobbies Can be used to relay weather information and aid in emergency communication

Amateur Radio vs. Cell Phones Amateur Radio –No monthly bills –No network –Often monitored by emergency services –Some systems battery powered Cell phones –No special license –“All circuits busy” –Privacy –Battery powered

Amateur Radio in Skywarn A few volunteers at the NWS office Volunteers at the affected area A net control operator

Operating Procedures Local radio clubs and NWS office choose frequencies Net control calls a net, asks for check ins and traffic Net control relays reports to NWS

Necessary Equipment Amateur radio license (Technician) Power supply: car battery, solar panel, power line, etc. FM Transceiver Matching antenna

Amateur Radio: Then and Now “What hath God wrought?” circa Automatic Packet Reporting System circa 2004

Tornado?

What is THAT?

Damage: Wind or Tornado?

Conclusions Skywarn volunteers provide ground truth data to the NWS Ground truth must be studied carefully before reporting or issuing a warning Amateur radio is one method of communicating during weather events Get involved!!

Acknowledgements Mr. David Carroll Chase Crews Pulaski County High School Virginia Tech Dr. Deidre Hirschfeld

References 1 Basic Spotter’s Field Manual, NWS “Gallery of Geology: Union County Glacier” New Mexico Geology, Vol. 26, No. 4, November 2004.

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