TO: ALL WOOD COUNTY ARES MEMBERS (OFFICIAL)
ALL ARES AND NON-ARES AMATEURS ANYWHERE (INFORMATION)
FROM: KEN HARRIS WA8LLM ARRL DISTRICT 3
EMERGENCY COORDINATOR WOOD COUNTY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS INC.
WOOD COUNTY ARES BULLETIN NR 19.31 DATE: August 4, 2019
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 meaning 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.
Ken Harris WA8LLM
WCEC
Wood County WV