TO: ALL WOOD COUNTY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS AMATEURS
ALL NON-WOOD COUNTY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS AMATEURS
FROM: KEN HARRIS WA8LLM
WOOD COUNTY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS INCORPORATED
WOOD COUNTY BULLETIN NR 15.13 DATE: March 29, 2015
SUBJECT: KNOW HOW TO REPORT SEVERE WEATHER.
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Charleston depends on our reports to describe the storms they see on Radar. This means we need to know how to report the weather that we see. To merely say, I have strong winds here, does not describe the intensity to a person who cannot see what the wind is doing. We must describe the wind, rain, lightening, and direction of travel, in a more detailed manner.
A recommendation to all those who wish to assist the Weather Service, and be the eyes of the NWS during a storm season is to attend a SKYWARN Class (or Severe Storms Identification and Reporting Workshop). This will give you the information needed to report severe weather in the proper manner.
Wood County Emergency Communications tries to keep a list of those Amateurs who have attended a spotters class. By having a list of those who have had SKYWARN training, we can explain to the National Weather Service that the reports we are giving them, came from trained spotters. They feel better accepting reports from amateurs who have attended a spotters class, Wouldn't you?
If you have not attended a Severe Storms Identification and Reporting Workshop, try to do so the next time one is available. The Stormspotter Classes, or workshops are taught by the NWS, and are usually free and open to the public. It is extremely recommended to all who wish to give accurate weather reports, check in the SKYWARN Nets, and the information will be passed on to the National Weather Service in Charleston, WV.
Ken Harris WA8LLM
WCEC
Wood County WV