|
|
|
|
|
What to Report
The National Weather Service relies heavily on YOUR report of severe or hazardous weather.
The following occurrences should be reported IMMEDIATELY!
1 - TORNADOES - You may not see the funnel itself on the ground.
- Look for dust or debris on the ground underneath a funnel or wall cloud.
- Power line flashes at night may indicate a tornado.
2 - FUNNEL CLOUDS - Look for organized, sustained rotation.
3 - WALL CLOUDS - Should be persistent (tens of minutes) and organized.
- Rotating wall clouds are extremely dangerous.
4 - HAIL - 3/4" diameter or larger.
- Report hail size and intensity.
- Report hail size in terms of well known objects (coins, fruit) or in inches.
- Avoid using the term "marble size".
5 - DAMAGING WINDS - In excess of 58 m.p.h. or 50 knots.
- Give best estimate of wind speed. (see definitions page)
6 - STORM DAMAGE - Damage reports are extremely important.
- Report any damage caused by hail, wind, flooding or lightning.
7 - FLOODING - Report flooding that blocks streets, roads or highways.
- Report flooding that is a threat to life or property.
- Report excessive rainfall (more than 1" per hour).
8 - WINTER WEATHER - Report any significant accumulation of snow or ice.
- Report any significant problems caused by snow or ice.
9 - LIGHTNING - Report any damage or injuries caused by lightning.
How to Report
1 - When possible, all reports should be passed to the SKYWARN Net Control Operator via Amateur Radio,
Public Safety Radio or by
email. These reports will then be passed on to the NWS and to local Emergency
Management Personnel.
2 - If unable to make contact with the SKYWARN Net Control Operator, you should call the NWS direct using
the 800 number provided.
3 - How ever you make your report, remember the following:
- SAFETY FIRST! - Your safety is more important than your report.
- Keep your report very brief - others will also be trying to report.
- If contacting the NWS direct, identify yourself as a trained and Certified Storm Spotter.
- Give your exact location (county, nearest town, major intersection, etc.).
- Tell what you saw (tornado, hail, wind, funnel cloud, etc.).
- Give the time the event occurred, its duration and any other important information.
Example: "My name is John Doe, I am a certified spotter in Sunshine, Garland County, I am receiving
quarter-size hail at this time, 2:30 p.m., The hail is covering the ground and has been falling for
7 minutes".
IF CALLING THE NWS DIRECT, DO NOT EXPECT TO SPEAK WITH A FORECASTER. THEY ARE
ISSUING STATEMENTS AND WARNINGS TO THE MEDIA, NOAA WEATHER RADIO, ETC. AND TIME
IS A LUXURY THEY DO NOT HAVE.
|
|
|
|
|
