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Seth Price New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University October, 20

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.

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Seth Price New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University October, 20

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

  2. 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 Logo1

  3. 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

  4. Skywarn Reporting Criteria • Tornadoes • Funnel Clouds • Wall Clouds • Hail (>3/4” diameter) • Wind (>55mph) • Rain (>2” per hour) • Flooding • Winter Weather1

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

  6. 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 Skywarn and Storm Chasing All Storm Chasers should be Skywarn Trained, but not all Skywarn Spotters are Storm Chasers!

  7. 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

  8. 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 vs. Cell Phones

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

  10. 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

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

  12. Amateur Radio: Then and Now “What hath God wrought?” circa 18442 Automatic Packet Reporting System circa 2004

  13. Tornado?

  14. What is THAT?

  15. Damage: Wind or Tornado?

  16. 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!!

  17. Acknowledgements • Mr. David Carroll • 2003-2006 Chase Crews • Pulaski County High School • Virginia Tech • Dr. Deidre Hirschfeld

  18. References 1Basic Spotter’s Field Manual, NWS. 2www.acmi.net.au/AIC/ 3http://www.icsrc.org/ICSRC/TILT/Weatherline 4“Gallery of Geology: Union County Glacier” New Mexico Geology, Vol. 26, No. 4, November 2004.

  19. Useful Web Info • www.skywarn.org • www.arrl.org • www.qrz.com • http://www.caps.ou.edu/~kbrews/spotfreq/ • www.findu.com • www.ui-view.org • www.byonics.com • www.n3mra.com

  20. Any Questions?

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