| To get Weather Radio S.A.M.E. programming information
go to the
Paducah NWS site. To monitor local Ham Radio
Skywarn operations listen to the following frequencies.
146.790 Evansville Main Communications
147.150 Evansville Back up and secondary
Communications
145.490 Henderson
147.210 Owensboro
147.195 Jasper
147.000 Winslow
145.450 Petersburg
145.410 Princeton
146.940 Mt Caramel
147.300 Carmi
146.880 Herod
SPOTTER REPORTS
There are certain criteria for making spotter reports. Recall that a thunderstorm is defined as severe if it produces a tornado, hail 3/4 inch diameter or larger, and/or wind gusts 58 miles an hour or higher; It is highly desirable to report events associated with a thunderstorm BEFORE they reach these severe levels. Use the following guidelines for reporting thunderstorm associated weather events:
1. HAIL (any size)
HAIL SIZE ESTIMATES
Pea 0.25
Marble 0.50
Dime/Penny 0.75
Quarter 1.00
Half Dollar 1.25
Golf ball 1.75
Hen Egg 2.00
Tennis Ball 2.50
Baseball 2.75
Grapefruit 4.00
2. WIND GUSTS of 39 to 54 mph or greater.
WIND SPEED ESTIMATES
Speed (mph) Effects
39-54 Twigs and small limbs break off trees; wind impedes walking.
55-72 Damage to chimneys and TV antennas; pushes over shallow rooted trees.
73-112 Peels surface off roads; windows broken; mobile homes overturned.
113+ Roofs torn off houses; weak buildings and mobile homes destroyed; large trees uprooted.
3. WALL CLOUD
4. FUNNEL CLOUD
5. TORNADO
6. FLASH FLOODING or RAIN of MORE THAN 1 INCH PER HOUR
7. ANY INJURIES or FATALITIES
MAKING A REPORT
What to report:
1) WHO you are (e.g. Vanderburgh County Spotter)
2) WHERE the event is/was occurring (reference a town)
3) WHAT you have seen (1/2 inch hail, wall cloud etc.)
4) MOVEMENT of the event (storm as a whole)
Spotter Safety Rules
Safety should be first and foremost on the mind of a spotter. Remember, the NWS values your safety more than we do your observations. The following safety tips should always be considered:
1. TRAVEL IN PAIRS IF AT ALL POSSIBLE.
When moving, this will allow the driver to remain focused on driving while the passenger keeps an eye on the sky and. handles any communication.
2. KEEP A 2-MILE "BUFFER ZONE" BETWEEN YOU AND THE STORM.
3. FREQUENTLY CHECK THE SKY OVERHEAD AND BEHIND.
This will ensure no undetected events (such as a new tornado) are developing.
4. ALWAYS HAVE AN ESCAPE ROUTE AVAILABLE.
If a tornado (also large hail or damaging winds) is approaching your location, drive away from the tornado IF you are in open country, IF the location and motion of the tornado are known, and IF you are familiar with the local road network. If a tornado is threatening and escape is not possible, abandon your vehicle and get into a reinforced building, culvert, ditch or other nonflooded low spot in the ground.
5. REMAIN IN YOUR VEHICLE.
Lightning is the biggest weather hazard facing the spotter, especially considering choice places for spotting such as on a hilltop or in the open. Remaining in your vehicle will minimize your chance of being struck. Vehicles also provide adequate protection for small to moderate sized hailstones.
6. AVOID LOW WATER CROSSINGS AND DON'T DRIVE INTO AREAS WHERE WATER COVERS THE ROAD.
7. BE ESPECIALLY CAUTIOUS WHEN SPOTTING AT NIGHT.
Use the light from lightning flashes to investigate the storm. Remember, if you are in large hail, the most dangerous part of the storm is near you.
Adapted from information Prepared by Rick Shanklin. WCM, NWS Paducah KY 2/6/95
TARS has played a major roll in the Tri-State area Skywarn for many years.
The following is reprinted from the May 1998 Sparks.
Weather Spotting
Spring is fast approaching, and with it brings the pleasantries of rebirth including crocuses, forsythia, daffodils, and the nesting of numerous creatures. At this time of year, I also look forward to longer days, school recess, and even, with much trepidation, severe weather.
As a student of the earth with formative years beginning in the sixties, any phenomenon that whispers the power of nature evokes a two syllable "cool" from me, As an adult, I have learned to funnel my awe with the practiced responsibility of a scientist It is in the scientists hat that I convey my opinion and news to you this month.
Over the last few years many residents of Evansville and vicinity have been disappointed by the closing of the Evansville National Weather Service Office. This action, part of the modernization plan for the NWS (National Weather Service), ended a formidable 100 year long manned observer, weather office tradition. Be reassured, however, we will still get continuous weather records from Evansville, thanks to the technology of ASOS (Automated Surface
Observing System) operated by the NWS at the Evansville Regional Airport.
When it comes right down to it, the most crucial service the NWS provides is that of alerting, hence protecting the public from the wrath of severe weather. The loss of the office in Evansville, by my analysis, has put the Tri-State at more risk for severe weather, because the signs of nasty low-level weather systems are not likely to be identified in time to alert the public to eminent danger.
I haven’t given up hope that the government will change its position, and fund a Doppler radar for Evansville. I’m convinced that it is our government’s responsibility by law. Much of the coverage by the media on this issue portrays a rather grim future, but there is still a chance that a NWS Office (NWSO) will be reopened in the Tri-State area. On March 17th, the Modernization Transition Committee (MTC) will get together once again to make a
decision on the fate of the Evansville NWSO. All indications are that the final decommissioning will again be postponed, providing one more stay of execution.
So, there is no reason to yet mourn the death of the Evansville NWS Office. In fact, recently an NWS presence has been reestablished in Evansville. The Paducah NWSO has appointed a veteran staff member, Mr. Ron Fields, to serve as Special Liaison Officer to the Tri-State. Ron is here to provide information and training to the public, and to improve the products and services the Paducah office can give us using the existing technology of the NWS.
Ron’s office is in the communications room of the Evansville Vanderburgh County Emergency Management Agency; Ron’s phone number is (812) 424-7861. He has indicated that his door is always open, and I know he’d especially like to talk to hams, because presently he is taking the TARS-sponsored no code technician class.
Ron, myself, Norm W9AU, Mark Parker N9NYF, and the EMA’s Sherman Greer and Adam Groupe, recently met to discuss the development of operation plans for the Tri-State Weather Emergency Net based on 147.150 MHz. For the first time since I’ve lived in Evansville (four years), I expect to see a formal weather net using codified procedures put in place. Plans for this net will be completed sometime near the end of March. The general strategy will be one
that has room to grow. We’ll start with a handful of control operators and spoilers, and expand as the roles and capabilities of participants become better defined.
If you have any ideas or comments about the Tri-State Weather Emergency Net, please contact me in writing or by phone. I’d also like to hear from anyone who is ready to commit considerable time to the weather net (that includes packet) initiative. More casual "wanna be" observers can sign up when we are organized and make an official call for volunteers and new recruits.
I am optimistic about our plans for the weather net, but hope we won’t have to use it too much and that the NWS network will spot all threats of severe weather. No matter how you look at it it all boils down to communication.
Joanne KB9LXZ
Evansville - Vanderburgh County [EVC]
SKYWARN Weather Net
As mentioned last month, a formal Amateur Radio SKYWARN net has been established for our area. The net has been activated three times by the authority of the Paducah NWSO and the EVC Emergency Management Agency. The net was called on the evenings of April 8th and 15th (no, I don’t think the IRS had anything to do with it!), and the afternoon of April 23. The severe weather came upon us before our procedures had been published,
so only a few people were called to serve as net control operators. SKYWARN net control operators to date include myself, Mark Parker N9WYF, Norm King W9AU, and Lisa Patterson N9QVD. WE DEFINITELY NEED MORE VOLUNTEER NET CONTROL OPERATORS!
We were fortunate that the severe weather only dealt a glancing blow to our immediate area, and no lives were lost in the neighboring areas that experienced a direct hit. Because severe weather can strike anywhere, it is important for everyone to have a preparedness plan.
The Evansville SKYWARN net was designed to assist in warning the public in cases of severe weather. Net operating procedures are outlined below. TARS members will have an opportunity to discuss this plan at our May meeting. Paducah National Weather Service Office Special liaison Officer Ron Fields will present the program, and will offer a Weather Spotter class in June. I’ll be at these meetings also, to answer your questions about the net, and to
search out new volunteers.
Tri-State Emergency Net: Severe Weather Events
Purpose: Coordinate amateur radio weather spotters in Vanderburgh, Posey, Warrick, and Henderson Counties.
Facilitate reports to authorities (EMA and NWSO-PAH), especially during events that escape detection by NWS technology. Design formal guidelines to establish alert procedures and cooperation between NWSO-PAH, EVC-EMA and Tri-State hams during severe weather emergencies. Establish direct communications with control operators stationed at NWSO-PAH, relying on repeaters in Herod, IL (146.88) and Marion, KY (1 47.285), or on other amateur frequencies.
Strategy: The weather net will usually be operated as an integral component of EVC-EMA communications coordination center, which will be activated during severe weather.
Start small, with a few designated control operators.
Expand to include counties beyond TARS immediate influence including Gibson; Pike; Spencer; Daviess; McLean; Webster: Union; Crittenden; Livingston; Pope; Hardin; Saline; Gallatin: White; Edwards; and Wabash.
Control operators will run nets from home or other designated locations including EVC-EMA (mobile is possibility). Control operators can run the net from any location, because during severe weather, time is of the essence. Mobilizing an individual during an actual emergency can waste time—weather changes rapidly, and mobilization can also put operators at physical risk, taking them away from personal comforts.
Design the program around participants’ desires and strengths. Use experience to make improvements.
Safety standards: Never put anyone’s life at risk. Radio operators are at greatest risk from lightning.
Participants are not required to go mobile. The decision to go mobile from secure, safe places to chase tornadoes or other severe weather is entirely the responsibility of the individual.
Net activation:
The net can be activated three ways:
1) Severe weather identified by the NWS.
Procedures to activate Tri-State weather emergency net implemented.
Alert PAH Skywarn amateurs that a net has been activated in the Tri-State.
2) Severe weather spotted by emergency services, net activated by EMA.
Alert the designated weather net control operators to activate.
Activate EOC, or open up EMA communications office (provide a public safety telecommunicator).
Announcement on 147.15 ASAP
3) Severe weather spotted by trained spotter, control operator decides to activate net.
Get information to NWS ASAP
Contact EVC-EMA
Responsibilities of NWS:
Determine when weather conditions are severe enough to activate the Tri-State weather emergency net.
Call net when appropriate.
Establish and maintain procedures for Tri-State weather emergency net activation. This should include a message in the Thunderstorm Outlook and on NOAA weather radio, a phone call to EVC-EMA (severe weather phone mail box), and an alternate way to contact designated control operators especially during non-working hours (e.g., via telephone or pager).
Inform NWS-PAH personnel on procedures for Tri-State severe weather net activation.
Responsibilities of EVC-EMA:
Establish communications point to accept and disseminate reports and information during severe weather. The
EVC-EMA will communicate with the NWS, City-County public safety sources, amateur radio operators, REACT members, and members of the public.
Ensure that City-County warning procedures are maintained.
Maintain space and equipment (including operating instructions) for amateur radio net control at EOC.
Set up and maintain control operator activation notification procedure (through phone mail box, pagers, telephone. 147.150 MHz 155.820 MHz, or 800 MHz radio system).
Monitor 147.15 repeater.
Remain alert to weather watches and warnings, as well as the daily Thunderstorm Outlooks.
Requirements and responsibilities of net participants:
Amateur Radio Operator license.
Weather spotter training.
Repeat weather spotter training once every two years.
Maintain lists of current phone numbers of designated control operators, trained amateur spotters, and ham frequencies used for reporting purposes.
Amateur operators designated to establish net control at the EVC-EMA must have EVC-EMA volunteer staff status. Establish an "on call" schedule for net control operators.
Determine the Skywarn frequencies (repeaters) that can be used from locations where control operators are most likely to be (for example home or work).
Design and maintain log sheets used during net activation (winter weather, severe weather, flooding, net status and check-ins)
Remain alert to weather watches and warnings, as well as the daily Thunderstorm Outlooks.
Tri-State Skywarn net control operator protocol and instructions:
"This is call sign activating the Evansville Skywarn net on date and time, and I am located give control operator location. This net has been called according to the authority of identify individual(s) who called the net.
"Severe weather has been spotted in the Tri-State region. Give current information regarding weather status.
"Please stand by for additional information and instructions.
Options:
Contact NWS-PAH and EVC-EMA.
Get control operator to EVC-EMA ASAP (if net is not at the EVC-EMA, state whether you or another operator is on rout to EVC-EMA).
Request and/or accept spotter reports (keep log of all weather reports and net information).
Review signs of severe weather requested from spotters.
Call for check-ins with locations.
Request operator to relay report over land lines.
Request operator to relay report over radio frequencies.
Make contact with PAH hams
"The threat of severe weather in the Tri-State is now passed. Give current information regarding weather status. Thank you all for your assistance and cooperation during this net. This is identify control operator closing the Tri-State Skywarn net at on date and time, returning the repeater back to normal operations.
73. This is identify control operator."
Questions About
Emergency Communications
Are SKYWARN nets considered to be emergency communications?
SKYWARN nets are called when severe weather warnings are issued for our area by the National Weather Service (NWS), and, since these are not declared emergencies, they are not bona tide emergency communications. They nevertheless constitute an important aspect of public service that hams can perform. When a SKY-WARN net is in progress, the net control operator is in direct communication with the NWS office in Paducah, Kentucky, continually relaying
reports of severe weather from the field to the Paducah office, and continually updating the current weather conditions for observers here. Again, SKYWARN activities are dependent on the availability of repeaters throughout the area served by the net. Ultimately, we hope that the SKYWARN net will serve a large portion of the Tri-State area, not just Vanderburgh and adjacent counties.
What is the connection between SKYWARN and EMA?
SKYWARN is a rather informal program sponsored by the NWS. Each local area establishes its own procedures and style of working with the nearest NWS office, according to local needs and capabilities. Many SKYWARN nets are controlled from a National Weather Service office. Since there is no such office at the present time in Evansville, we are operating from the office of Ron Fields, the NWS Special Liaison Officer for Evansville, which just happens to
be in the communications room at the Evansville-Vanderburgh County EMA office. There is no formal connection between SKYWARN and EMA. Of course, the EMA encourages SKYWARN activity, and it monitors SKYWARN proceedings, but it neither controls nor actively participates in the nets.
Why shouldn’t I go out to find severe weather when a warning is issued?
In the first place, we don’t want to lose any TARS members or anyone else. Second, if we sent you out chasing severe weather, and you were injured by strong winds, blowing or falling debris, or downed power lines, we could be sued (including the entire TARS organization and "we" as individuals). Not only that, but the fewer people on the roads during an episode of severe weather the better. If someone else is injured because you were hurrying to find
a tornado, you could be held liable, especially since public officials had already warned us that conditions were dangerous. So what were you doing out on the roads at such a time? The SKYWARN Spoiler guide issued by the Paducah office of NWS begins with the following statement:
"Safety should be first and foremost on the mind of the spotter. Remember, the NWS values your safety more than your observations."
Why is SKYWARN only interested in reports of severe weather?
We can assume that no news is good news. In other words, if you do not call in, that tells us that the weather in your location is below the threshold to qualify as severe. What if every weather spoiler called in to report good weather, swamping the repeater so the one observer who has spoiled a funnel cloud or tornado couldn’t get through for ten minutes? In a parallel situation, if there is a flash flood warning and everyone calls in to say that
there is no flooding at his or her location, we might not hear the poor guy who is about to float away in the current. Let’s do it right! However, when a report of good conditions comes in, a rude response is unacceptable. We need to encourage continued interest in emergency communications. The net control operator should express appreciation for the report and immediately repeat the request for reports of severe weather and/or flooding; they’ll catch
on. Inquiries to the net are also legitimate, whether from the local group or from "outside" nets.
Is it OK to have your SKYWARN transmissions rebroadcast on the air by local radio and TV stations?
According to ARRL’s Regulatory Branch expert, KC1J, it is NOT!!! It is illegal for you, as a radio amateur, using the ham bands, to contribute to the commercial success and competitive position of a radio or TV station by allowing your transmissions to be rebroadcast (thereby "scooping" the competition). However, a reporter may use us as a source of news by making a personal inquiry over the air or by calling on the telephone. This is simply news
gathering, and it certainly serves the public interest to broadcast information about severe weather as soon as possible.
Does the local SKYWARN net have a formal name?
We need your help on this one! We’re looking for a name that produces a snappy acronym. The best we have been able to come up with so far is Ohio Valley Regional SKYWARN net, or OVRESKY (pronounced "over sky"). The net run out of the Paducah NWS office is called Tristate SKYWARN net (in their case, it’s Kentucky, Illinois, and Missouri), and we felt it would be best to use a different name. Also, we want to make it clear that this is to be a regional
net, not just one by TARS members, and not just one for Evansville or SW Indiana. Furthermore, the name we choose should clearly describe what it is without tortuous twists of the wording. Any suggestions?
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