TO: ALL ARES OPERATORS IN DISTRICT 3 (OFFICIAL)
ALL AMATEURS IN WEST VIRGINIA
(INFORMATION)
FROM: WOOD COUNTY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS INCORPORATED AND WOOD
COUNTY AMATEUR RADIO EMERGENCY SERVICES (ARES)
ARES DISTRICT 3 BULLETIN NR 08.21
DATE: May 25, 2008
SUBJECT: WEATHER WATCH OR WARNING!
When dealing with the weather, the National Weather Service has two ways of advising us of impending weather. A weather WATCH and a weather WARNING. Both bear similar meanings, yet alert us in a different manner. With the change of the seasons it's time to review some weather announcements.
A weather WATCH, identifies a relatively large area in which flash floods or severe storms might occur. Take note "Might Occur". Watches are quite often issued before any severe weather has developed. Severe thunderstorm and tornado watches usually include a 140 mile wide, 200 mile long area. The WATCH is only an indication of where and when the severe weather probabilities are highest, and SHOULD NOT BE CONFUSED WITH A WARNING.
A weather WARNING, is issued when severe weather has already developed and has been reported by spotters or indicated by radar. Take another note "Already developed and Reported". WARNINGS are statements of impending danger and are issued for relatively small areas near or in the path of a severe storm or downstream from flooding areas.
Remember these differences and be prepared to operate accordingly. During a weather WATCH, WCEC, ARES, and RACES members are asked to monitor their areas for severe weather. Be prepared to report any severe weather and activate the SKYWARN NET, if it occurs in your area. During a WARNING, the SKYWARN NET should be activated on the 147.255 MHz repeater and reports from all locations taken. All Amateurs, especially RACES and ARES members, are urged to participate. Any reports of severe weather activity should be reported to the Net Control Station immediately so the registered Spotters in our area can relay the information to the National Weather Service Office in Charleston. A report of severe weather in your area may save a life, so join in the SKYWARN Nets when they are activated.
(Reprint, with modification of, Wood County ARES Zone 3 Bulletin NR 00.20)
Ken Harris WA8LLM
Wood County WV;
ARES Assistant Section Coordinator WV
ARES District Emergency Coordinator WV DISTRICT 3