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WHAT IS SKYWARN?:

 

 

The SKYWARN program is a partnership between the National Weather Service (NWS) and the community. It was formed in the early 1970's after major tornado outbreaks ravaged many areas, with its chief aim being to reduce the threat to our communities from severe storms.

The key element of the program is a network of volunteer non-NWS personnel ("storm spotters") who relay reports of severe weather to the community and NWS. Even with today's new technology at our disposal, only one instrument can detect severe weather phenomena directly with absolute certainty -- the human eye.

 

A large network of spotters can be of great benefit to the NWS warning program. The basis for, and/or verification of, many severe weather warnings, issued by the NWS, may be directly attributed to SKYWARN storm spotters. Their reports are considered highly credible by NWS personnel, and are regarded highly. They assist the NWS in performing our top mission, which is to prepare and distribute warnings and forecasts of impending severe weather. SKYWARN storm spotters help to provide the citizens of their community with potentially left-saving information. We realize that members of this elite group are volunteering their time and effort to provide this invaluable service. Their efforts are greatly appreciated.






In ham radio emergency communications, we often are asked to receive and send information that is crucial to disaster cleanup and rescue operations. Here is one rule to live by above all others: WRITE IT DOWN! If you aren't sure of what was said, ask them to repeat it or read it back to them and request verification.

If you do not write it down, you may get confused and report incorrect information. Worse yet, what happens when your relief shows up and you leave that post? If the information is not written down, you may forget to pass it along at all!

People depend on us for accurate information, the key to that accuracy is a written record. So, when you are activated as a STORM SPOTTER, always take a notebook and writing tool with you.




           Many NWS storm spotters are also Amateur Radio operators. This dual role can be helpful during a major storm such

           as hurricanes, tornados, and severe storms when phone and power lines are down. Amateur Radio operators, manning  

           strategic sites around the community, may become the primary means of communications.

 

While there are no specific requirements, it is preferred that SKYWARN volunteers are reachable in the event something suspicious is happening in the skies in their area. It must also be stressed that we are looking for reliable and objective reports. When wind speed or hail size is exaggerated, for example, it can do more harm than good.


Storm spotting classes are conducted yearly by the NWS in La Crosse, WI. It is encouraged that those wishing to become storm spotters to attend a class near your community.




The following chart lists the 2010 Storm Spotting classes that have been scheduled by the NWS in La Crosse. These classes will be available to all those interested in becoming Storm Spotters. This has been suggested by the Pine Valley Repeater ARES/RACES Skywarn Coordinator, Chris Kanable, KC9CMD.

If you have never attended a class, please do so --- the information presented is invaluable to a STORM SPOTTER.

In 2009, the NWS trained nearly 1,750 storm spotters during 26 sessions in 23 counties.  Meanwhile scheduling for the 2010 season is nearly complete.  Spotter groups can contact  Todd Shea to schedule a training class or any additional information.

Do you have questions about SKYWARN or becoming a spotter? Click here for our SKYWARN FAQ page.  Most sessions are open to the general public with no need to pre-register.  All training is free and usually lasts around 2 hours.

Main NWS La Crosse contact for spotter training is Todd Shea, Warning Coordination Meteorologist.

Last Updated: 2/23/10

Date Time County City Location (click for map)
March 10 6:30 pm Chickasaw Fredericksburg, IA

Fredericksburg Fire Station
100 Falcon Drive

March 11 6:30 pm Fayette Oelwein, IA

Oelwein Public Library

March 15 6:30 pm Floyd/Mitchell Charles City, IA

Pfizer Auditorium
2000 Rockford Road

March 16 6:30 pm Vernon La Farge, WI

Community Hall
North State Street

March 22 6:30 pm Houston Caledonia, MN

Four Seasons Community Center
Sprague Room
900 N. Kingston

March 23 6:30 pm Mower Austin, MN

Crain Community Chapel
1111 9th St NE

March 24 6:30 pm Olmsted Rochester, MN

Rochester Event Center
(Near Airport)

Register in advance
Michelle Ridd (507) 285-8103

March 29 6:30 pm Grant Platteville, WI

Platteville Fire Station

March 30 6:30 pm Dodge Kasson, MN

Kasson-Mantorville High School
101 16th Street NE

April 5 6:30 pm Adams Adams, WI

Adams Community Center

April 6 6:30 pm Winona Winona, MN

Winona Community Memorial Hospital
3rd floor Auditorium

April 7 6:30 pm Fillmore Harmony, MN

Harmony Fire Hall

April 8 6:30 pm Wabasha To be announced

To be announced

April 12 7:00 pm Buffalo Nelson, WI

Nelson Fire Station

April 13 6:30 pm Juneau Mauston, WI

Mauston High School

April 14 6:30 pm Allamakee Waukon, IA Allamakee Co. Fairgrounds
705 Allamakee Street - Pavilion Building
April 15 6:30 pm Crawford To be announced

To be announced

April 19 6:30 pm La Crosse La Crosse, WI

Franciscan Skemp Medical Center
Marycrest Auditorium (2nd floor)

April 20 6:30 pm Jackson Taylor, WI Taylor Fire Department

 

April 21 6:30 pm Clark Neillsville, WI

American Legion Hall
6 Boon Blvd

April 22 6:30 pm Monroe Tomah, WI

Tomah Middle School
Cafeteria

April 27 6:30 pm Richland Richland Center, WI

R.C. National Guard Armory






Outline of the 2010 Presentation

The following is a synopsis of the 2010 Storm Spotting Class:

First Half

  • Introduction to Storm Spotting
  • Information about NWS La Crosse
  • Review of 2009 season - including the EF2 Austin, MN Tornado
  • The Spotting Process
  • Sources of weather information
  • NWS Products
  • Spotter Deployment ideas
  • Spotting locations
  • Stages of the thunderstorm (updraft/downdrafts)
  • Thunderstorm Hazards (Flooding, Lightning, Hail)
  • Downburst
  • Thunderstorm Wind

Second Half

  • Squall Lines / Shelf Clouds
  • Supercells
  • Elements of the Supercell
  • Wall Clouds
  • Tornado definitions and examples
  • Funnel clouds
  • Tornado look-alikes
  • Night spotting
  • Spotter reporting procedures/guidelines
  • Spotter safety
  • Case Study - June 17, 2009 - Austin, MN Tornado



After the unusual weather Southwest Wisconsin experienced in 2007 and 2008, the annual Storm Spotting classes sponsored by the NWS in La Crosse were well attended.

Dozens of Richland County agencies and and residents from all walks of life, as well as those from surrounding counties, signed up for the course which was taught by Todd Shea of the La Crosse NWS station.

Those who completed the two-hour class were given cards which identify them as certified Skywarn weather spotters. They will now be able to report weather occurrences they observe either using an online system, or by phone.

As for the Pine Valley Repeater ARES/RACES Storm Spotters, they reported directly to the EOC via their HT's or mobile radios.

Some of the spotters were taking the class for the first time. One resident who lives north of Richland Center, said that he came because of an interest in the weather.

Another said, “We live out in the western part of the county, at one of the highest points. Most hazardous weather comes into the county from the west so reports from my home would be of great interest to those hearing them. Not only that, but I have always been interested in clouds."

Shae used a PowerPoint presentation to teach the features of clouds, and what those features mean about imminent weather. Video clips of tornadoes and severe thunderstorms were used to demonstrate the weather happenings observers can watch for.

Shae also stressed the importance of reporting hail, wind damage and the appearance of cloud formations, which can be an alert to a coming tornado. The difference between funnel clouds which do not touch the ground and tornadoes was one lesson he emphasized. “Accurate identification of funnel clouds is a key to accurate reporting,” he said.

Some in attendance have been to the class before, and said there were new things explained from past years. It is important to note the updates.

The Pine Valley Repeater ARES/RACES Storm Spotters have worked with Emergency Management because they know the importance of the reports they make to a weather emergency when phone lines are down.

One point is always stressed: REPORT WHAT YOU SEE --- ACCURATELY!


 

If you would like to become a Richland County SKYWARN storm spotter, please contact Chris Kanable, KC9CMD, Richland County SKYWARN Coordinator at (608)647-4881 (h), or (608)475-0320 (c). You may also contact Chris at: Chris.Kanable()gmail. com



 

           When going Mobile:

 

            When you go mobile and being on the road, even on a sunny day with no storms, driving a vehicle on a public

            roadway can be dangerous.  When you add STORMS – with heavy rain, gusty winds, hail, blowing dust, etc. – the 

            danger increases dramatically.  To stay safe as a mobile spotter, keep these things in mind:

 

a.      If you can, try to spot with a partner – This allows the driver to focus on the road while the passenger watches 

     the sky.  This also provides an extra set of eyes to keep an eye on rapidly changing situations.

 

                 b.  Watch for water on the road – Hydroplaning is a serious threat for drivers, and it doesn’t take much rain to

                      cause roads to become slick and hazardous.

 

                 c.  Obey traffic laws – Speeding, parking too close to the edge of the road and making sudden turns and stops on 

                      unfamiliar roads all spell trouble.

 

                 d.  Watch out for the “other guy” – Severe storms often draw a crowd of “gawkers”, from casual observers to 

                      organized groups of storm spotters.  Be extra careful when stopping to view a storm, making sure to pull

                      completely off roadways and keeping an eye out for traffic, even in places where you would never expect to see

                      traffic.

 

                  e.  Make sure your vehicle is ready for action – A well-maintained vehicle with a full tank of gas is crucial for a

                      mobile spotter’s safety and success.

 

            Lightning:

 

a.      All thunderstorms produce lightning, and people are killed and injured each year by lightning.  Storm spotters 

      may put themselves as risk from lightning by being in the open, being on a hill or high spot (for better    

      visibility, parking or standing next to metal fences or underneath power lines, standing close to camera tripods

      or using radio equipment attached to an antenna.

 

b.      Remember that lightning typically provides no warning – the first strike that you see may be the last.  Follow

      these basic lightning safety guidelines:

 

1.      Avoid being the tallest object, and stay away from other tall objects (like trees, power pole/lines).

 

2.      Don’t stand close to fences or power poles/lines.  Even though you may not be in an area of frequent    

                           lightning, lightning can travel a considerable distance along these pathways.

 

3.      As mentioned before, you should not wait for some type of warning (hair standing on end, sounds on   

                          AM or other radio equipment, etc.) before taking shelter from lightning – the first strike from a storm    

                          could be the one that gets you.  Treat lightning with respect and stay in a protected area when lightning

                          is in the area.  Stay in your car!

 

4.      CPR training is an excellent idea for all mobile storm spotters.  Remember that a person struck by

                           lightning carries no residual charge and CPR could save a life.

 

                The Storm:

 

a.      If a mobile storm spotter is well trained, experienced and knowledgeable about severe storm structure and

     behavior, they can usually avoid becoming a victim of the storm itself.  However, the environment in and near    

     a severe storm can change dramatically in a short period of time, and these changes can catch you by surprise. 

     These basic tips can help you stay safe:

                                   

                                    1.  Avoid the most intense areas of storms – This seems obvious, but each year spotters, for one reason

                                      or another, make decisions that place them in the core of a dangerous storm.  Storm chasers --- not   

                                      the same as storm spotters --- call this “core punching” and it’s a very dangerous practice for a

                                      number of reasons.  First, you may drive into very large hail, which can damage your vehicle and

                                      injure you.  Second, you could drive right into the path of a tornado with very little time to react.

                                      And finally, the core of the storm is a dangerous place with low visibilities, heavy rain, and violent

                                      winds.

 

                                    2.  Keep your head on a swivel --- When observing a storm, it is easy to lose focus and become fixated

                                      on some feature you’re watching.  You should maintain awareness of what’s going on all around you

                                      and always mindful of a surprise event.  This points out the important of spotting with a partner, who

                                      can be an extra set of eyes and ears to help you stay safe.

 

3.      ALWAYS have an escape route in mind --- Mobile spotters should always plan an emergency escape

route that will take them out of harm’s way should the storm change direction or otherwise threaten

them.  Determining that escape routes require a great deal of knowledge about the storm’s movement

and behavior.  A detailed set of current maps of your spotting area is a critical part of a mobile

spotter’s go-bag, but be mindful of the fact that roads sometimes change before maps do, and they may not reflect reality in every case.

4.      NEVER drive into areas where water covers the road --- This is especially true when you cannot be certain how deep the water is.  Many people die each year by driving into flooded areas and drowning in their vehicles.  Find another safer route.

5.   Keep your engine running --- Especially when operating close to a severe storm  You do not want to find out about a vehicle problem as a violent storm bears down on you.                                                                                                                                                              

6.  Be extra cautious at night --- Obviously, it is more dangerous to deal with something you cannot clearly see.  Storms at night present special problems for spotters and you should be extremely cautious when observing storms after dark.

FINALLY --- If you don’t have much experience in storm spotting, start by teaming up with someone who does!                   

 

                 Skywarn events to report:               

                      You can download events here

Some good weather links:

La Crosse Weather Station

Weather Underground

Milwaukee Weather Maps

This is a good site

Another good site



Something you might see when observing weather radar:

·         In the table below, a guideline on the interpretation of dBZ factors are given. Hope this helps:

dBz

RAIN RATE

COMMENTS

10

~0.2

Significant but mostly non-precipitating clouds.

20

~1

Drizzle, very light rain.

30

~3

Light rain.

40

~10

Moderate rain, showers.

50

~50

Heavy rain, thundershowers, some hail possible.

60

~60

Extremely heavy rain, severe thunderstorms, hail likely




Here is a good link showing videos of WALL CLOUDS:

Link to Weather Radio:

Another link to NOAA Streaming Weather Radio:

The National Weather Service (NWS) in La Crosse, WI:




MIDLAND WEATHER RADIO:

  • Protect your family with immediate notification of severe weather or civil emergencies.
  • A weather radio can make the difference between a close call and a tragedy in a severe weather event. Weather radios are one of the most important weapons in your weather safety arsenal. They get you warnings and alerts directly from the National Weather Service as fast as possible. Since they run on batteries your weather radio will operate when your electricity does not. Many dangerous storms that cause casualties occur at night. This is because people often do not get the warnings while they are sleeping.

  • A weather radio will solve this by awakening you presumably before the dangerous storm strikes. If you travel it may be difficult to find a radio station that gives up to date weather alerts, this is solved with a weather radio in your car. The importance of weather safety while enjoying outdoor activities such as camping can not be stressed enough. Timely alerts are important in all types of weather events including floods, snowstorms and thunderstorms.

  • PVR would like to remind everyone about the importance of having a weather radio when Spring comes rushing in with its high winds. If you aren't familiar with them, modern weather radios are able to silently monitor your local transmitter and will only speak up when an alert has been issued for your county.

  • Many PVR members have the weather radio, shown below, as part of their radio equipment inventory in their homes. Weather radios range in price from $30.00 on up. The Midland radio has a price of $30-$35.


PVR RECOMMENDS THIS RADIO -- THE WR-100

A link to Midland Radios can be found here .

  • If you do purchase one of these weather radios, we are including a link to the county codes that may be programmed. The link is: County Codes
  • The codes are under the heading SAME#. See the Programming Manual that comes with the radio.


Converting KNOTS to MPH Chart:

  • Sometimes weather wind speed reports are given in KNOTS rather than MPH.
  • If you have an anemometer, it may be calibrated in KNOTS. To convert the knots reading to mph, you may use this chart as a guide.

Convert from one speed to another

Type a value in one box and click here to see the results

 

Kilometers per hour

Miles per hour

Knots

 



Math Conversion Table:

  • If you wish, you may use this table to convert KNOTS to MPH mathematically.

1 knot = 1 nautical mile per hour = 6076 feet per hour = 1.15078 mph
1 mph = 1 mile per hour = 5280 feet per hour = 0.86898 knots per hour

 

  • For instance. Suppose your anemometer, calibrated in KNOTS, shows wind speed at 10 knots. Simply multiply 10 by l.l5 = 11.5 mph. To verify, try this with the above chart.
  • If you want to convert a wind speed of 20 mph to knots. Multiply 20 by 0.86. You get 17.2 knots. Check it with the chart. Pretty close, right?




What's in your Go Bag?

  • There are "Go-bags" ... and then there are "Go-bags." What you have in your go-bag is a personal thing, but there are essentials that should be "ready to go" at a moments notice. You may be activated to serve for just a single day --- however, depending on the circumstances --- you may be called to serve for several days. Do you have everything organized so that you can just grab what you need and go?

·         We will not go into a discussion of your radio gear ... you are an Amateur Radio operator, so you know about your HT, the accessories you need for your radio, and the comfort and safety items you will need ... so we will discuss those "other" things you will need in your go-bag.

A.

"ALWAYS TAKE" ITEMS:

  • ID Card(s) for any and all agencies with which you are registered. (American Red Cross, local or state ARES/RACES ID, SAR, etc.) Make sure these cards have the necessary telephone numbers.
  • Keep your cell phone handy so that you can grab it on the run.
  • Copy of your FCC Amateur Radio License. Copies of all FCC licenses (e.g.- "club" calls) you are authorized to use should be carried.
  • Personal prescription and OTC medications. Carry list of all medications you take, plus name/address of doctor(s) and pharmacist.
  • Eyeglasses (+ spare pair), sun glasses. Safety glasses or goggles.
  • Appropriate clothing (for rain, hot weather, snow), headgear, sturdy shoes/boots, kerchief or scarf. (If kerchief is ORANGE or other bright color, it can double as a signal flag.)
  • Water. One gallon per day per person,
  • Small notepad, pen(s), pencils, spiral logbook/clipboard, RADIOGRAM forms. This might include your own SKYWARN book with scripts, frequency charts or repeater lists that you may need.
  • Flashlight(s) (a "Snake Light or "Mag-lite" plus a pocket pen-lite is good).
  • A good pocket knife. A folding multi-purpose tool.
  • A whistle in the event you become "lost." Perhaps a signal mirror would be a good thing.
  • Watch or small clock. (With an alarm is ideal).
  • Respiratory (dust) masks.
  • First-aid kit. Perhaps this should include a snake bite kit. (If you include a snake bite kit, you will probably never see a snake. On the other hand ...)
  • You may need matches, tissues, moist towelettes, sun block, insect repellent, plus personal hygiene items which you may need.
  • Emergency gas/phone money (the amount is up to you ... I carry mine in an empty pill bottle.)
  • You may have to hike deep into the woods, so a small compass might be a good thing.
  • Maps --- especially local maps.
  • For some emergency activations you may be required to wear a hardhat. I have one with safety goggles included.
  • Last, but not least, a copy of pages from your radio operating manual in the event you need to program frequencies other than the ones stored in your radio.

B.

WHERE DO YOU STORE ALL THIS?:

  • A small tupperware container.
  • A back pack.
  • A professionally designed emergency go-bag.
  • A large brief case.
  • Whatever you use as your go-bag, keep it easily accessible. And, this is important --- try not to "rob" your go-bag! If you do, what you need may not be there when it is needed.

C.

ANY OTHER SUGGESTIONS?

  • If you have TWO VEHICLES, please do not store your go-bag in one car --- then, drive off in the other. Been there, done that.
  • From Shawn, KC9KOP: "Looks like you covered all the important items needed for a go bag in general. Some bags can be a lot more complicated depending on the need. (such as Katrina) or any long term stay in a particular place. I think that for our storm spotters the general list you have described will be more than enough, but you never know when something major could happen and the need for more items in the bag would have been nice!"

D.

YOUR GO-BAG IN CHART FORM:

  • If you are serious about organizing your go-bags, you may want to study these charts. Your circumstances may differ and you may want to delete/add things that you see on the charts. For instance, winter go-bags will certainly be different than those in warmer climates ... heavy jackets and snow shovels in winter --- sun screen and insect repellants in summer.
  • Like a serious back-packer, pack only what you can carry, yet enough to meet emergency needs. You may skimp on your personal needs, but do not skimp as much in the area of station operation.
  • As you will note, there are three go-bags: FIRST is the primary go-bag, the SECOND is the basic go-bag, and the THIRD is the extended go-bag (more than 24 hours of operation). The contents of each go-bag is up to you as an individual operator.
  • GET YOUR GO-BAGS IN ORDER AND READY TO GO!

 

Primary Go-Bag

For portable station operation (so basic you can't do without it)

Carried on your person

    • RADIO (2m HT w/30W linear amp & ps OR mobile unit w/ps)
    • Earphone/headphones
    • Extra batteries
    • Speaker mike
    • BNC adaptors
    • Cig lighter adaptor
    • Notebook/pen
    • Watch/clock

Within easy reach (in a wearable bag or backpack)

    • Extra HT
    • High gain HT antennas
    • Extra AA batteries

 

Personal comfort/survival

Carried on your person

    • Cap (head protection)
    • ID
    • Money
    • Multitool
    • Mini first aid kit
    • Vitamins
    • Medications
    • Sun glasses
    • Water container
    • Snacks
    • Address book
    • Rubber bands
    • Paper clips

Within easy reach (in a wearable bag or backpack)

    • Insect repellent
    • Sun screen
    • Rain poncho

 

Basic Go-Bag (less than 24 hours of duty)

Fixed station operation

Within easy reach (in a wearable bag or backpack)

    • Scanner or weather radio
    • Clipboard w/NTS forms etc.
    • Maps (State, county; road, topographical)
    • Markers
    • Repeater directory
    • Calculator
    • Return address labels
    • Post-Its
    • Camera

In a tool box

    • 144 MHz SWR Meter
    • Multimeter
    • Propane solder torch
    • Solder
    • Small tape measure
    • Remote antenna(s)
    • Slingshot/fishing line
    • Fuses
    • 50 Ohm Coax
    • Coax seal
    • Duct tape
    • Electrical tape
    • Misc coax connectors and adaptors

 

Personal comfort/survival

Carried on your person

    • Hiking boots
    • Wide-brimmed hat
    • Pocketed vest
    • Chapstick
    • Kleenex
    • Compass/whistle/matches (a combination item available in camping stores)
    • Earplugs
    • Eye protection
    • Hard candy
    • Stainless steel mirror

Within easy reach (in a wearable bag or backpack)

    • Binoculars
    • Collapsible cup
    • Cord (2 50' lengths)
    • Flashlight
    • Kerchief/towel
    • Leather gloves
    • Bags and baggies
    • Safety pins
    • Salt
    • Water treatment tablets
    • Hammock

In a tool box

    • Rope
    • Sterno tin

 

Extended operation (over 24 hours of duty)

Fixed station operation

In a tool box

    • Cigarette socket splitter
    • Misc hand tools

In local, secure storage (such as in an automobile trunk)

    • Antenna assortment
    • Camp shovel
    • Power station w/charge cords
    • Mini jumper cables

 

Personal comfort/survival

Within easy reach (in a wearable bag or backpack)

    • Food
    • Eating utensils

In a tool box

    • Butane lighter
    • Fire sticks

In local, secure storage (such as in an automobile trunk)

 

Pocket-size First Aid Kit (fits in a soap dish or small plastic container)

  • Assorted band-aids
  • Adhesive tape
  • Gauze pads
  • ACE bandage
  • Moleskin
  • Folding scissors
  • Tweezers
  • Needle
  • Forehead thermometer
  • Antiseptic wipes

 

  • Anti-bacterial cream
  • Tylenol pills
  • Immodium pills
  • Benadryl pills
  • Bee sting pain relief capsule
  • Eye-contact lens rewetting drops
  • Eyeglass repair
  • Lip balm
  • Tampons (they also soak up blood from wounds)
  • Personal prescription medications

 

E.

A CHECK LIST:

  • If you would like a check list of items for your go-bag, go here.




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