A Guide for Weather Emergency Communications W5YM University

W5YM University WeatherNet/Washington County Spotter's Guide

A Guide for Weather Emergency Communications

W5YM University WeatherNet Washington County Spotter's Guide

Compiled by Bill Smith, ARRL DEC L, Washington County Asst. EC Revised 2007 Edition

W5YM University WeatherNet/Washington County Spotter's Guide

CONTENTS Introduction 3 Organization 4 Training Nets 4 Net Activation Procedure 4 Key NWS Terms 5 NOAA Weather Radio Freq & SAME Codes 5 Net Procedures 6 Field Spotter's Guide 7 Severe Weather Definitions 10-11 Field Safety 11 General Weather Information 13 Beaufort Scale 14 Hail Scale 15 NW Arkansas Repeaters 16 Weekly Training Net Script 17-22 Activation Scripts 23-27 Procedure 23 Standby Net 24 Active Net 25 Emergency Net 26 Closing Nets 27 Emergency Net -- Winter Weather 28

APPENDIX Four-State County Map 30 State of Arkansas County Map 31 State of Oklahoma County Map 32 Tulsa NWS Spotter Frequency Map 33 Tulsa Wide Area System Map 34 Arkansas SKYWARN Statewide Frequency Map 35 Sample Spotter Network Log 36

W5YM University WeatherNet/Washington County Spotter's Guide INTRODUCTION

This manual is designed to be a reference guide for spotters engaged in the W5YM University WeatherNet. It is adapted from the format established by the National Weather Service, specifically the national template manual for SKYWARN Amateur Radio Operations authored by Daniel Gropper at the NWS Office in Sterling, Vir., and from the current Emergency Communications operational procedures endorsed by the Amateur Radio Relay League’s Amateur Radio Emergency Service. The scales and charts contained within are provided by the National Weather Service, other regional SKYWARN organizations and the ARRL. Reporting criteria employed by the W5YM University WeatherNet has been tailored to the specific needs of Washington County, and may reflect different standards than NWS Tulsa, Little Rock or Fort Smith.

The W5YM University WeatherNet is a local informal weather net. It is not a storm chaser net. The primary goals of the W5YM University WeatherNet is assisting with “ground truth” reports on severe weather from the Washington County area and promoting severe weather awareness in both the amateur radio community and general public. As such, the W5YM University WeatherNet serves as a relay for pertinant information to served agencies across the region.

Amateur radio serves a vital role in the NWS warning system. Amateur radio operators possess many characteristics which make them ideal members of a WeatherNet or SKYWARN-type operation. All equipment used in the W5YM University WeatherNet is maintained by the amateur radio operators who are volunteering their time and expertise to the cause of raising awareness for severe weather safety.

Storm spotters are a critical part of the Integrated Warning System of the National Weather Service. Our current generation of Doppler weather radar is extremely accurate, but distance is a major factor in its accuracy. The further from the radar tower, the curvature of the earth increases the effective altitude of the lowest sweep of the radar. University studies matching GPS tracks of tornadic events to picture of the atmosphere created by radar reveal variances of as much as three miles. Veering in the lower atmosphere is a major factor, and takes place below the visibility of radar.

The goals of the W5YM University WeatherNet are: 1. To channel reports from trained spotters and others into the National Weather Service office in a quick and efficient manner. 2. To educate the public about Severe Weather and in the event of a loss of normal communications, to provide warnings and organize communications related to severe weather alerts 3. To provide the opportunity for amateur radio operators to practice skills and procedures which may be required in the event of a civil emergency in which normal means of communication have been lost 4. To create and maintain organized communications networks

One very important area in which the University WeatherNet is not involved on a regular basis is the dissemination of information back out during a storm. The WeatherNet is prepared to fulfill this function if called upon; however, we recommend that every home in the northwest Arkansas area have more than one means of receiving severe weather information, including a NOAA Weather Radio equipped with S.A.M.E. receiving technology. In times of severe weather, local television and cable may become disabled and power lines may be down. Individuals should make sure that you can receive weather warnings and alerts in the event of the loss of power.

WHY WHAT WE DO IS IMPORTANT The National Weather Service has at its disposal some of the finest tools for predicting and monitoring the climate, but the most important, most sensitive, most responsive tool in the NWS arsenal is a trained spotter. The trained eye of a spotter can be the difference between watch and warning – in both directions. Doppler radar can indicate a storm has the potential for severe or tornadic weather, but it cannot see to the ground. Only the spotter can provide the last thousand feet of observation, and the further away from the radar site, the higher this “last thousand” becomes.

W5YM University WeatherNet/Washington County Spotter's Guide ORGANIZATION The W5YM University WeatherNet is a directed net. As such, the Net Control Station is in complete charge of the net while it is in session. Net Control may designate relay stations and assign mobile locations to spotters willing to leave their home locations. Since the spotters are volunteers, they are not encouraged to take unnecessary risks. No person should attempt mobile spotting of storms without having completed both basic and advanced storm spotting courses offered by the National Weather Service. It must be said at the outset that severe storm spotting is by definition a dangerous activity which may place life and/or property at risk.

Weather spotting is a formally reconized activity by the ARRL, the ARRL’s Amateur Radio Emergency Service and the National Weather Service. These organizations have a Memorandum of Understanding which states that ARRL will encourage local volunteer groups operat- ing as ARES to provide the NWS with spotters and communications as needed by the NWS in times of severe weather.

The W5YM University WeatherNet operates at the perimeter of the region serviced by the NWS Tulsa office, and as such takes its guid- ance from and reports information to NWS Tulsa. This is handled by Net Control via approved means from Tulsa Weather, generally via the TARC Wide-Area Repeater Net when activated for severe weather. The University WeatherNet, however, recognizes the need to coordinate information with the NWS stations in Fort Smith and Little Rock, as well as with other county based spotter agencies.

TRAINING Each Monday at 8 p.m. local time a training net is held for the purpose of acquainting area amateur radio operators with the procedure is of the net. Brief training programs will be held on specific areas of interest to weather spotters. Checking in weekly to the training net is a first step toward gaining proficiency in weather spotting; however, it cannot take the place of attending NWS sponsored basic and advanced storm spotting seminars. Spotters are asked to have attended a NWS seminar at least once every three years. Another highly encouraged course is the Level One Emergency Communications program sponsored by the ARRL. In addition, IS 700 certification through the Department of Homeland Security's National Incident Management System is highly encouraged. Passage of the ARRL EC course or extensive prior experience with emergency net communications are a prerequisite to serving as a Net Control Station for the W5YM University WeatherNet.

Persons interested in ARES operations are urged to listen to the Arkansas ARES Net each week. Informational programs are presented at 7 a.m. local time on Sundays and repeated at 7 p.m. local time on Mondays on HF at 3.9875. General class operators are encouraged to check into the net. Technicians and others interested are urged to monitor via shortwave receivers.

CONTACT PERSONNEL The following persons serve the region in appointed positions for emergency communications.

Bill Smith Assistant ARRL Emergency Coordinator, Washington County; District L Coordinator K1ARK 479-443-9450 (h) 575-3618 (w) 601-1039 (c) [email protected]

Dan Puckett Assistant Emergency Coordinator, Washington County, University Liason K5FXB 479-575-6622 (w) [email protected]

Larry Rankin Emergency Coordinator, Washington County WX5AR Assistant Director, Department of Emergency Management, Washington County, Arkansas [email protected] 479-839-2185 (h)

The following persons are volunteers in the storm group serving as liasons with Washington County government John Luther Director, Department of Emergency Management, Wasington County W5LED

Bill Sergeant Assistant, Department of Emergency Management, Washington County K5BHS West Fork Fire Department

W5YM University WeatherNet/Washington County Spotter's Guide NET ACTIVATION As a local weather net, the W5YM University WeatherNet is a self-activating organization. The net will convene in active mode with net control under the following conditions:

1. A tornado or severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for the immediate University of Arkansas campus area, broadly defined as Washington County. 2. Severe weather is occurring in the Washington County area, or expected to develop. This does not usually include isolated, short lived storms. 3. A communications emergency related to weather exists within the county or at one of the area National Weather Service offices. 4. A major winter storm is imminent or expected to adversely affect the Washington County area.

One of the stations designated to serve as Net Control for the WeatherNet will follow the scripted procedures for opening the net in the event of the above. If Net Control is not available, a member of the trained, registered spotter base may assume the duties of net control until a NCS can report in.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY MEANS OF CONTACT The primary repeater for the W5YM University WeatherNet is the repeater maintained by the Amateur Radio Club of the University of Arkansas. It is located atop one of the highest buildings on campus, and in turn this building is located on the high point of the University. The 147.135 repeater has a PL tone of 110.9.

ALTERNATIVE MEANS OF REPORTING If you are unable to report via the repeater system, no net control operator is present or there is no response direct to Tulsa NWS via the TARC wide-area system, you can make telephone reports at the following number: 800-722-2778 The phone has an answering machine for reports, but it the speaker is turned up and located near the warning meteorologist. Leave your report and a means to contact you, however, in times of severe weather if your report is in an area needed or serious, the meteorologist will pick up the phone.

Reports can also be emailed to the weather service at: [email protected] This is a good means for compiling ground truth reports in the immediate post-storm period.

W5YM University WeatherNet/Washington County Spotter's Guide NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TERMS Please be aware of the terminology used by the NWS. These definitions are taken from the NWS Basic Spotter’s Guide:

WATCH Conditions are favorable for the severe weather event in or near the watch area. Watches are issued for tornadoes, severe thunderstorms and flash floods

WARNING The severe weather event is imminent or occurring in the warned area. Warnings are issued for tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, flash flooding and river flooding.

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM A storm that produces hail ¾” in diameter or larger and/or wind gusts of 58 mph or more.

TORNADO A violently rotating column of air attached to a thunderstorm and in contact with the ground.

DOWNBURST A strong downdraft with an outrush of damaging wind on or near the ground.

FLASH FLOOD A rapid rise in water, usually within 12 hours of a period of heavy rain or other causative agent (ie, dam break).

NOAA WEATHER RADIO As mentioned, the W5YM University WeatherNet is not for the general dissemination of weather information. All persons concerned about severe weather should own a NOAA Weather Radio, preferably one equipped with S.A.M.E. receiver technology. The S.A.M.E. code is the equivalent of PL tone for a repeater. Unlike older alert radios which alarmed with every watch or warning, the S.A.M.E. encoded receiver will only sound an alert for the counties which its is programmed to receive. There are three transmitter frequencies for NWS Tulsa which are notable to spotters in the Washington County area:

162.475 Winslow, Ark. 162.400 Springdale, Ark. 162.500 Grove, Okla. (Ft. Smith)

S.A.M.E. COUNTY CODES ARKANSAS OKLAHOMA (County directly west of corresponding Arkansas) WASHINGTON 005143 ADAIR 040001 CHEROKEE 040021 BENTON 005007 DELAWARE 040041 CRAWFORD 005033 SEQUYOHAH 040135 SEBASTIAN 005131 LeFLORE 040079

W5YM University WeatherNet/Washington County Spotter's Guide NET PROCEDURES Remember, the Net Control Station is in complete control. Make all requests through net control, including attempts at QSOs with other stations on the net.

Stations are requested to check in with the following procedure: Listen for other stations If clear, give the call sign of the net control station Pause and listen for doubling, then give your call sign phonetically, using ITU standard phonetics your name, location and list any requests from the net.

Respecting the valuable information you give us, we wish to help you provide the most concise information possible. It is assumed that if you are experiencing severe weather, you will always have lightning and possibly torrential rain fall. Please keep in mind our minimum criteria for severe weather.

During an active net, stations should listen, listen, listen. Speak when spoken to by Net Control, unless specific requests are needed or you have specific information to give. Listen to what specific items the net control is seeking.

The standard requests: Query, Recheck and BREAK-BREAK. Almost any attempt to interrupt net flow or procedures fall under query. If you have been excused from the net from a portion of time, announce your return with recheck with your callsign. Any emergency report should be proceeded with a double break.

Once you have checked into a net, do not leave that frequency without notifying the Net Control Station. If given an assignment by NCS, particularly to go on station to a location, do not leave that assignment until released by NCS unless you are in immediate danger.

Side comments to other stations on the net are HIGHLY DISCOURAGED. Aside from displaying poor emergency communications net etiquoe, ragchewing and side comments may double over a valuable communication directed to the NCS.

Repeating information gleened from other sources, no matter how reliable, is also HIGHLY DISCOURAGED. The purpose of the spotter net is to provide first-hand reports to the National Weather Service. Unless specifically asked to relay information for another agency to the Tulsa NWS, all information heard from second hand sources should not be handled on the net.

During net times, do not break into operations to establish yourself with a check-in. During training nets and times of slower activity, NCS will pause to ask for new checkins. Do not interrupt fast-moving events, unless you have true emergency information to report.

During an active weather net, other frequencies may be designated for relay of information or as holding areas for amateurs awaiting assignments If assigned to monitor a different frequency, stay there until directed by NCS to change frequency – or in amateur radio short- hand, to QSY to a frequency. At the same time, do not concern yourself as a spotter with monitoring other amateur frequencies or nets. This may distract you from your primary mission – watching the sky.

W5YM University WeatherNet/Washington County Spotter's Guide FIELD SPOTTER’S GUIDE In the event of severe weather, Net Control for the W5YM University WeatherNet will serve as relay to outside agencies. For persons wishing to serve as spotters for the W5YM University WeatherNet, here are basic ground rules.

The W5YM University WeatherNet is looking for reports of severe weather. This includes: Hail, particularly dime-sized or larger Winds in excess of 35 mph, and which cause damage Flooding where none regularly occurs or flooding across roadways Sudden downburst winds or dramatic shifts in wind direction Rotating funnel clouds or tornadoes Significant damage to property such as downed trees or power lines Heavy rain measured in excess of one inch in three hours or less

During times of severe weather activation of the University WeatherNet, stations are asked to report any of these conditions to the W5YM Net Control Station.

When making reports to the W5YM University WeatherNet, give your name, call sign and T.E.L. information: Time Use local time, not UTC Effect Your report of the weather Location Where you are, in the most simple terms

When making reports on severe weather you are witnessing, it is natural to be caught up in the moment. When making a report, take a moment to organize your thoughts. Remember, we are looking for 4 pieces of information: Your call sign, your name, what the location of the observation is, and what the observation is.

Distance and speed are important to observations. Along with noting the distance and bearing of the weather, make your best estimate of the movement of the event. Remember to use the movement of the storm as a whole, not just small cloud elements.

Speak slowly. The ARRL Emergency Communications guideline is at a pace of ten words per minute. As you speak, think about how fast you could write down what you are saying. It also helps the Net Control to be able to hear your words if there is static in your transmission.

When you give your location, provide a street and an intersecting street. If you can provide a large intersection near you, preferably state highways or numbered county roads that will appear on county-level maps. The National Weather Service Radar does not show streets on top of the radar image. However since a storm cell powerful enough to generate severe weather will also be very large, a major street intersection will still let them know which severe storm cell is affecting you.

Use of APRS is expanding, and if you are mobile, make sure you are pinging out a marker. However, GPS coordinates don't help other spotters in the field. Remember to focus in your verbal communications on landmarks (roads, intersections, well-known buildings or areas) that can be understood and translated to maps.

W5YM University WeatherNet/Washington County Spotter's Guide AREA COMMUNICATIONS Refer to the charts for the relationships between these frequencies. Spotters in the Washington County area are asked to work through the W5YM Net Control to act as a gathering point of information within the county. Net control will forward this information to the appropriate outside networks.

SPOTTING LOCATIONS Several hills in Washington County afford spotters significantly better vantage points. If able to go mobile, a spotter may be directed to the nearest of these tactical locations. Spotters should take the time to familiarize themselves with these places, which are listed in the appendix. When finding a spotting location, consider the effect local light can have on the ability to see the night sky. Parking lots or open spaces near areas of high light density will obscure cloud formations at night.

W5YM University WeatherNet/Washington County Spotter's Guide SEVERE WEATHER DEFINED HAIL Report any hail. It is a key indication of significant vertical development in a storm. Be careful to use the sizes and terms listed in the reference appendix. Do not use unsanctioned terms or terms which can be open to interpretation – egg size hail is a great example. Is that a hen egg or goose egg? Same for the dreaded "marble" size. Measurement on a hailstone is according to its largest dimension. If a hailstone is saucer shaped, and one inch across but only a quarter-inch thick, report it as one-inch. Try to be precise and discriminating on hail sizes. Understand that most reports gravitate toward three sizes -- penny, golf ball and baseball. Also, the largest size stones that appear in quantity should be the reported size.

WIND When giving reports, be extremely careful about estimating wind speeds. The National Weather Service is most interested in measured wind speeds. If you are experiencing strong winds, please note any sudden changes of wind direction or intense downburst winds. If you do not have access to an anemometer, please make use of the standard Beaufort Scale which is listed in the reference appendix.

Among the items of interest to the National Weather Service in its ground truth of storm intensity are property damage. Report any winds which broke windows, caused roof or structural damage to buildings, or brought down permanent signage, mature trees, large limbs over four inches in diameter, power lines or large antennas.

Regarding wind damage, if you see tree limbs or trees down, make sure to give the size of the downed debris, and if it appears to have been been dead or alive. The significance is dead wood breaks under less stress than green wood. Be careful when approaching downed trees, as downed power lines often are involved. Never approach a downed wire, and assume all wires are live. Wet ground will conduct power line voltage at dangerous levels for considerable distances.

FLOODING If you know of an area that always floods during a heavy rain, please do not report this. However, if water is flowing across streets or bridges, please give precise reports. Do not attempt to measure depth of any moving flood water. The leading cause of weather related death is flooding, not violent storms. Do not venture across flood waters in vehicles.

The power of rushing water must be understood. Only one foot of water depth creates 500-pounds of lateral force. The same foot of water can displace 1,500 pounds. This obviously becomes dangerous for persons on foot. At two feet, almost any car or truck will be lifted and taken away.

CLOUDS, FUNNELS AND TORNADOES Clouds can take on different shapes including funnel shaped clouds. Without rotation, these clouds are not dangerous. Try and confirm that there is rotation in the cloud you are seeing. Make sure the cloud is rotating rapidly. Do not attempt to make Fujita Scale estimates of tornadic strength. The Fujita Scale is based on damage, not appearance or wind strength. A F-Scale number will be assigned by the National Weather Service to a confirmed tornado by ground truth evaluation after the weather has passed.

Localized small rotations of short duration are common and should not to be reported. Large scale rotation should be reported if it is continuing and can be confirmed. If you are not sure about rotation, note where you saw the suspected formation and its general direction so others may be on the lookout.

It is a funnel cloud until it touches the ground. Then it becomes a tornado. The terms are not interchangable. Understand that if you report spotting a tornado, it is assumed to be on the ground and causing damage. This is not to say that a funnel cloud cannot cause damage. In fact, funnel clouds have raked across a town at 100 feet ripping up roofs and causing significant damage. It is also worth mentioning that just because the tornado is not visible to the ground does not always mean it is not on the ground. Look for swirling debreis on the ground as confirmation that the circulation his reached the ground.

WALL CLOUDS Report the appearance of wall clouds, but make sure this is not a rain column or shelf cloud. Wall clouds do not extend to the ground; rain columns do. A shelf cloud has a tail that is reasonably level and points in the direction the storm is moving. The wall cloud tail – if present – is trailing the direction of the storm and often points downward. Wall clouds often rotate – shelf clouds do not. Wall clouds mark the major inflow to a storm -- shelf clouds lead the storm and mark its outflow. Tornadic wall clouds are persistant, lasting 10 to 20 minutes; present visible and violent rotation; and have a strong low level inflow of 20-to-30 miles per hour. This inflow will pull cloud fragments into the storm at the 500-foot level. 10 W5YM University WeatherNet/Washington County Spotter's Guide DOWNBURST WINDS Downbursts are the most underrated thunderstorm threat. They are responsible for wind shear, which is principally a threat to aviation, but also for significant damage to property. They are more common than minor tornadoes, and have been clocked with winds near 130 mph. Downbursts are classed by size. If the swath of damage is more than 2.5 miles wide, it is a macroburst; less than 2.5 miles wide, it is a microburst. They are also classed wet or dry by how much rain is associated with the downburst.

LIGHTNING This is an item which the NWS is not interested in receive reports on a general basis. However, it is of great importance to a spotter in the field. Many of the locations used to observe weather are often exposed, or atop high places -- prime targets for lightning strikes.

FIELD SAFETY IN GENERAL, DO NOT CHASE STORMS! Your reports are more significant from your directed location and may be handed off to others to observe. Basic spotter training does not qualify an individual to engage in storm chasing. This is the job of the trained professionals of the NWS and the National Severe Storms Laboratory. Cars are reasonably safe in times of lightning, but they do not provide complete protection from lightning strikes. Cars are a very poor place to be in the presense of a tornado. When spotting outdoors, make sure you have a safe place established to protect yourself from large hail and high winds. Large hail can kill – take secure cover. Do not drive across any moving water. It only takes six inches of moving water to float most automobiles.

STORM SPOTTING TACTICS If you are in the field, for a traditionally tracking major thunderstorm, the most ideal location is on the southwest corner of the updraft-downdraft area. This keeps the spotter out of the rain shaft, and presents good backlighting for features of the storm. Spotters approaching a storm need to have an east and south exit option for escape. For all storms, try to set up in a position that is 30 to 60 degrees off the direction of the updraft. Keep a two-mile buffer zone between the storm and spotter, and constantly check overhead to insure that a second tornado isn’t forming inside the two-mile buffer zone. f a tornado is approaching your location, use your escape routes to the south or east as indicated by the apparent direction of the tornado. Only drive away if you are in open country, if the location and direction of the storm are known, and if you are familiar with the road network. If you are in an urban area and escape is not possible, abandon your vehicle and take shelter in a reinforced building.

Nighttime spotting is particularly difficult. Look for flashes of lightning which may briefly backlight the features of the storm and for the tell- tale bright blue or green flashes associated with the destruction of power lines or transformers.

When working close to storms, keep in mind two important proximity warnings. If you are in large hail the most dangerous part of the storm is nearby and may be overhead in minutes. If a loud roaring noise is heard, the tornado may be very close, but understand that other weather can create a loud roar and some tornados may not have loud roars.

11 W5YM University WeatherNet/Washington County Spotter's Guide GENERAL WEATHER INFORMATION (Taken from the standard SKYWARN Net Participant’s Guide)

Strong thunderstorms always have anvil shaped tops to the clouds. The more pronounced the overshoot above the anvil, the stronger the storm. The more vertical the “stem” of the storm cloud, the stronger the storm.

Storms are frequently proceeded by a “gust front.” The strongest winds associated with a storm are often the first ones that reach you.

If there is a rain free base beneath a bank of clouds, this is where updraft air currents will occur. Watch along the rain free base for formation of wall clouds. A wall cloud will form 15-to-20 minutes before a tornado forms. Wall clouds do not, however, always spawn tornadoes. Usually wall cloud/tornado formations will occur at the trailing or back edge of the storm.

Large hail falls just ahead of a tornado in many cases, but not always. This is more common in the case of a large tornado. The presence of hail is a warning sign that things could get serious in a hurry.

Radar cannot truly see a wall cloud or a tornado. Only a spotter can verify the presence of a wall cloud or tornado.

Tornadoes usually move in a southwest-to-northeast pattern. The best place to look for a tornado is in the south-to-west quadrant of the horizon.

INTERNET RESOURCES A storm spotter located at home should have bookmarked key weather assets for quick reference, including the best source for Doppler radar and NWS alerts based upon your internet connection. The locations of home pages for the following agencies are subject to change. The addresses given were current as of January 2006. National Weather Service http://www.nws.noaa.gov/ NOAA Severe Storms Prediction Center http://www.spc.noaa.gov/ NWS Southern Region http://www.srh.noaa.gov/ NWS Tulsa http://www.srh.noaa.gov/tulsa/ NWS Tulsa, Warning Coordination http://www.nwstulsa.noaa.gov/wcm/wcm.htm National Severe Storms Laboratory http://www.nssl.noaa.gov/ Weather Underground http://cirrus.sprl.umich.edu/wxnet WU Radar Page * http://cirrus.sprl.umich.edu/wxnet/radsat.html IMWIN Arkansas Text Only ** http://iwin.nws.noaa.gov/iwin/textversion/state/ar.html Oklahoma Text Only ** http://iwin.nws.noaa.gov/iwin/textversion/state/ok.html Eastern Oklahoma/Northwest Arkansas SKYWARN http://www.okarkskywarn.org Amateur Radio Club of the University of Arkansas http://w5ym.org Gibson Ridge Software# http://www.grlevelx.com

* -- Weather Underground's NEXRAD page is one of the quicker loading. Bookmark both the Tulsa and Fort Smith radar sites. Distance and topography can yield very different views of the same storm.

** -- This is the internet version of EMWIN, but to check for Washington County alerts use the Oklahoma site. The Arkansas page is generated at the Little Rock NWS, and does not contain alerts from Tulsa NWS.

# -- Gibson Ridge supplies stand-alone software for NEXRAD radar data interpretation used by many spotters in the field.

12 W5YM University WeatherNet/Washington County Spotter's Guide

IN CLOSING The Amateur Radio Community and all spotters in general, provide an indispensable service to the National Weather Service and local communities. Just as you have to calibrate a meter to measure your equipment, the National Weather Service is working to calibrate its technology to better predict and identify this weather. And in weather, there is no better calibration device than a set of human eyes. NEXRAD and doppler radar cannot see a tornado. They can indicate conditions are right. Only a spotter can verify its presence.

We provide the information that lets the National Weather Service improve its understanding of weather by comparing what their instruments say, and the “Ground Truth” they get from us. There are specific criteria the NWS seeks in ground truth – accurate wind speeds, size of hail, intensity of rain fall and damage. Despite the significant advances in remote monitoring of weather, the tree falls in the woods unheard without someone to hear it and report it. Spotter reports, often after the passing of the storm, confirm or disprove what was shown by radar.

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BEAUFORT SCALE (Hand held or base station anemometers are preferred means of giving sustained wind speeds. The following chart is the de facto SKY- WARN national standard.)

MPH Estimation 0 Smoke will rise vertically

1-3 Smoke will show slight direction but there is not enough wind to move a wind vane

4-7 Observer can feel breeze on face, smoke has definite direction, leaves move a bit, weather vane indicates direction

8-12 Leaves are in constant motion, small twig branches move, flags extend

13-18 Dust puffs blow; loose paper flies, ½” to 1” branches move

19-24 Small leafy trees sway and small waves form on ponds and lakes, flags whip and stand

25-31 Four-inch and larger branches move; telephone, power wires and chain link fences whistle

32-38 Large, whole trees move; becomes hard to walk totally upright against wind; shingles begin to lift

39-46 Green twigs begin to break off; observers begin to lean into the wind to walk; shingles flap violently

47-54 Branches 3” and larger begin to break; slight structural damage begins; chimneys and shingles begin to tear off; TV antenna masts bend, and small antennas are destroyed

55-63 Trees begin to uproot; structural damage becomes serious; large sections of roofs and roofing tear off and fly; patio roofs and awnings are destroyed; some mobile homes begin to suffer damage; walking is nearly impossible

64-72 Structural damage is widespread and major; mobile home skins peel; windows blow in; mobile homes displaced; cement block parapets begin to collapse

73-112 Roof material begins to peel away; stronger windows blow out; garage doors blown off; weak buildings and mobile homes are destroyed; large trees are uprooted

113- Entire roofs torn off houses; cars lifted off ground; tornadic wind range moving into the serious category

14 W5YM University WeatherNet/Washington County Spotter's Guide

HAIL SCALE Please use the following descriptions for hail size and base reports upon the largest hailstone observed on the ground. Do not use vague terms like marble or egg (both objects vary considerably in size from one person to the next).

¼ inch Pea ½ inch Penny (previously referred to as dime) 1 inch Quarter 1 ½ inch Half-Dollar 1 ¾ inch Golf Ball 2 inch Cue Ball 2 ½ inch Tennis Ball 2 ¾ inch Baseball 3 ¼ inch Floppy Disk 4 inch Grapefruit 4 ½ inch Softball

Spotters tend to drift toward three basic sizes, the minimum penny size hail, golf ball and baseball. Measurements should be more discrete, but are based on the largest dimension. The most problematic measure of all is “marble” size hail.

15 W5YM University WeatherNet/Washington County Spotter's Guide NWS Tulsa Area Amateur Radio Spotter Frequencies ARKANSAS Frequencies listed in order of usage in time of emergency WASHINGTON COUNTY W5YM, Univ. of Arkansas ARC Reid Hall, Fayetteville 147.135 + 110.9 pl WC5AR North Springdale 146.955- 110.9 pl WC5AR West West County 146.760 - 110.9 pl WC5AR East South of Elkins 146.700- 110.9 pl WC5AR Central Fayetteville 147.030 - 110.9 pl Siloam Springs ARC Siloam Springs 146.670 - 110.9 pl BENTON COUNTY BCRO Centerton 145.290 - 110.9pl BCRO Bentonville 147.045 + 110.9 pl BCRO Hindsville 444.275 114.8 pl KC5PET Repeater Rogers 147.375 + 110.9 pl Benton County ARES, Alt. Bella Vista 147.255 110.9 pl Benton County ARES Decatur, Ark. 443.925 114.8 pl CRAWFORD COUNTY Franklin County ARES Boston Mountains 145.190+ 114.8 pl KD5GQY Rudy 147.165+ 123.0 pl SEBASTIAN/CRAWFORD COUNTY FSAARC Cavanal Mountain 146.640+ Open FSAARC Fort Smith 146.940- Open FSAARC Cavanal Mountain 444.500 Open OTHER ARKANSAS FREQUENCIES (OUT OF TULSA NWS REGION) W5DI Linked Repeater System (Arkansas SKYWARN -- Little Rock) CAREN Little Rock (Central Arkansas) 146.940 (-) Open CAREN Little Rock (Central Arkansas) 444.200 (+) Open CAREN Russell (Eastern Arkansas) 147.315 (+) Open CAREN Clarksville (Western Arkansas) 147.285 (+) Open Holley Mountain Link System - North Arkansas - N5YU N5YU Clinton 145.370 Open N5YU Jacksonville 145.470 114.8 PL N5YU Conway 147.030 Open N5YU Mountain View 147.120 Open N5YU Batesville 147.270 Open N5YU Calico Rock 147.180 Open Diamond State Communications System W5BXJ Benton 147.120 n/a Hot Spring County Amateur Radio Emergency Net- W5BXJ W5BXJ Malvern 147.360 136.5 PL OKLAHOMA TARC Wide-Area Link Gateways Cavarnal Mt. – Ft. Smith 442.250 88.5 pl Decatur, Ark. 442.850 *** 123.0 pl Fayetteville, Ark. 444.925 *** 88.5 pl *** -- These frequency is for net control operators use only. DO NOT make reports directly to Tulsa NWS on this frequency unless specifically directed by NCS. The exception is in the case of a sudden weather emergency, and there is no NCS on frequency to direct the net. However, it is recommended that spotters monitor the TARC system. 16 W5YM University WeatherNet/Washington County Spotter's Guide WEEKLY TRAINING NET SCRIPT

This is {callsign} opening the W5YM University WeatherNet. This net meets every Monday night on the Amateur Radio Club of the University of Arkansas repeater at 147.135, positive offset, with a PL-tone of 110.9. This is a open, but directed, information net. As a directed net, all stations should direct their calls to Net Control.

[pause]

This net was created to serve four purposes. To allow Net Control Operators to keep in practice calling nets, to provide information about severe weather in Northwest Arkansas to interested parties, to inform amateur radio operators on weather net operations, and to allow any licensed stations to make any comments or ask any questions about emergency communications programs. In the event of weather-related emergencies, this local weather net will convene to coordinate the collection of specific information and relay it forward to the appropriate authorities.

[pause]

We will now proceed with the check-in portion of the net. All stations are requested to give my call sign, {callsign}, that’s {callsign in phonetics}, then pause and listen for doubling before giving your call sign, name, location and list any requests from the net. I will now break for any stations with Emergency or Priority Traffic.

[pause]

This is {callsign} for the W5YM University WeatherNet. Any stations mobile or short of time please check in now.

[pause]

This is {callsign} for the W5YM University WeatherNet recognizing stations: [list checkins] Does anyone need to contact [list short-time checkins]?

[pause]

If not, then [list short-time checkins] are dismissed. We will now take regular checkins for the W5YM University WeatherNet. Please call {callsign} Net Control.

ALTERNATE GEOGRAPHIC CHECK-IN SEQUENCE

If not, then [list short-time checkins] are dismissed. We will now take regular checkins for the W5YM University WeatherNet. Check-in will be by geographic tiers, progressing from west to east, following the natural direction of weather in Washington County. Check-in when the town or area nearest your location is called. Western County Line Tier One -- Cincinati, Summers, Westville, Lincoln, Dutch Mills, Evansville Western County Line Tier Two -- Weddington, Prairie Grove, Strickler/Devil's Den Central Tier -- Elm Springs, Tontitown, Farmington 540 Corridor -- Springdale, Fayetteville, Greenland, West Fork Eastern County Line Tier -- Sonora/Spring Valley, Goshen, Elkins, Winslow Check-ins from persons who missed their tier, or towns and areas outside of Washington County

Please call {callsign} Net Control.

[pause] 17 W5YM University WeatherNet/Washington County Spotter's Guide WEEKLY TRAINING NET SCRIPT, Cont.

Recognize list of check-ins.

Thank you for all check-ins this week. Again, this is the W5YM University WeatherNet. Each week this net presents a brief informational program on emergency communications skills. This net is a local weather net. It is not a storm chaser net. The primary goals of the W5YM University WeatherNet are assisting with “ground truth” reports on severe weather from the Wash- ington County area and promoting severe weather awareness in both the amateur radio community and general public.

In the event of severe weather, Net Control for the W5YM University WeatherNet will serve as relay to outside agencies. For persons wishing to serve as spotters for the W5YM University WeatherNet, here are basic ground rules.

The W5YM University WeatherNet is looking for reports of severe weather. This includes: Hail, particularly penny sized or larger Winds in excess of 35 mph, and which cause damage Flooding where none regularly occurs or flooding across roadways Sudden downburst winds or dramatic shifts in wind direction Rotating funnel clouds or tornadoes Significant damage to property such as downed trees or power lines Heavy rain measured in excess of one inch in three hours or less

During times of severe weather activation of the University WeatherNet, stations are asked to report any of these conditions to the W5YM Net Control Station. When making reports, remember to give your name, call sign and T.E.L. information: Time Effect Location

Please keep in mind these National Weather Service definitions: A severe thunderstorm is one which produces a tornado, and/or winds of at least 58 mph, and/or hail at least 3/4 inch in diameter. A severe weather watch is issued based on the probability that these conditions may develop during the watch time period A severe weather warning is issued when conditions meeting these criteria are imminent A tornado is defined as aviolently rotating column of air, pendant to a cumulonimbus, with circulation reaching the ground.

As a reminder, the W5YM University WeatherNet is activated by any severe weather warning issued for Washington County. Participants are asked to make sure they have multiple means of receiving National Weather Service alerts. The net often operates in standby mode during severe weather watch periods, and when warnings have been issued for neighboring counties.

Printed version of these guidelines and other helpful tools for spotters in the field are available for download via the University of Arkansas club website at W5YM.org.

18 W5YM University WeatherNet/Washington County Spotter's Guide

WEEKLY TRAINING NET SCRIPT, Cont.

[on weekly basis, select two or three of following items to read before presentation]

A The most common errors made by spotters involve field estimations. Underestimation of distance away from the spotter is affected by the height of the cloud base. A higher cloud base will make objects look smaller, and farther away. Wind speeds are extremely difficult to estimate, and are routinely overestimated. The main problem is a lack of opportunity to experience high winds regularly. Finally, errors in hail size are common. Spotters tend to drift toward three basic sizes, the minimum penny size hail, golf ball and baseball. Measurements should be more discrete, but are based on the largest dimension. The most problematic measure of all is “marble” size hail.

B When making reports on severe weather you are witnessing, it is natural to be caught up in the moment. When making a report, take a moment to organize your thoughts. Remember, we are looking for 4 pieces of information. Your call sign, your name, what the location of the observation is, and what the observation is.

C Speak slowly. The ARRL Emergency Communications guideline is at a pace of ten words per minute. As you speak, think about how fast you could write down what you are saying. It also helps the Net Control to be able to hear your words if there is static in your transmission.

D When you give your location, provide a street and an intersecting street. If you can provide a large intersection near you, preferably state highways or numbered county roads that will appear on county-level maps. The National Weather Service Radar does not show streets on top of the radar image. However since a storm cell powerful enough to generate severe weather will also be very large, a major street intersection will still let them know which severe storm cell is affecting you.

E The National Weather Service has access to APRS data. While in the field, please enable if you have APRS capability. As a rule of thumb it is best not to rely 100 percent upon APRS to place the spotter within the region. APRS should be used as an aid to, not the primary means, of location and navigation. Remember, other spotters -- particularly mobile spotters -- may not have computer access. They will need your traditional map-oriented location.

F When giving reports, please do not guess on wind speeds. The National Weather Service is most interested in measured wind speeds. If you do not have an anemometer, use the standard Beaufort Scale. If you are experiencing strong winds, please note any sudden changes of wind direction or intense downburst winds. Of particular importance are significant in-flow winds toward a threatening storm.

G Other information we are looking for is lightning & wind damage, power outages, flooding where flooding does not -oc cur, funnel or wall clouds with visible rotation, or tornadoes. Remember, a funnel cloud has not reached the ground. A tornado is a rotating funnel cloud which has touched ground. The wall cloud is a lowered base, often located behind the major storm cloud.

H If you know of an area that always floods during a heavy rain, please do not report this. However, if water is flowing across streets or bridges, please give precise reports. Do not attempt to measure depth of any moving flood water. A leading cause of weather related death is flooding, not violent storms. Do not venture across flood waters in vehicles.

I Clouds can take on different shapes including funnel shaped clouds. Without rotation, these clouds are not dangerous. Try and confirm that there is rotation in the cloud you are seeing. Make sure the cloud is rotating rapidly. Do not attempt to make Fujita Scale estimates of tornadic strength. The Fujita Scale is based on damage, not appearance or wind strength. A F-Scale number will be assigned by the National Weather Service to a confirmed tornado by ground truth spotting after the weather has passed.

19 W5YM University WeatherNet/Washington County Spotter's Guide

WEEKLY TRAINING NET SCRIPT, Cont.

J If you see tree limbs or trees down,make sure to give the size of the downed debris, and if it appears to have been been dead or alive. The significance is dead wood breaks under less stress than green wood. Be careful when approaching downed trees, as downed power lines often are involved. Never approach a downed wire, and assume all wires are live. Wet ground will conduct power line voltage at dangerous levels for considerable distances.

K Among the items of interest to the National Weather Service in its ground truth of storm intensity are property damage. Report any winds which broke windows, caused roof or structural damage to buildings, or brought down permanent signage, mature trees, large limbs over four inches in diameter, power lines or large antennas.

L Visual clues of strong updraft in a major thunderstorm include a backward building against the upper level winds, an overshooting top that persists, a crisp, cauliflower midlevel structure, flanking line features and striations – corkscrew, soup can or barber pole – that run up the updraft tower. At the lower levels, the indicators are the rain free base as the wind sheer within the storm blows rain away from the updraft area.

M Tornadic wall clouds are persistant, lasting 10 to 20 minutes; present visible and violent rotation; and have a strong low level inflow of 20-to-30 miles per hour. This inflow will pull cloud fragments into the storm at the 500-foot level.

N While squal lines usually don’t create the tornadoes as much as microbursts and strong outflow winds, there are hot spots that are more likely to foster severe storms or tornadoes. The breaks in the line allow individual updrafts to become more developed. The same for the tail-end storm which does not compete with the other storms in the line for energy and moisture. When an intense storm does form in the squall line, it is most likely to exhibit the bow echo that may indicate tornadic activity.

O We request that stations please do not ask for information beyond the standard current conditions report we give at regular intervals. This information is also sent out through the other various means. If you need information about an area, please listen to N.O.A.A. weather radio, local TV or radio news.

P Respecting the valuable information you give us, we wish to help you provide the most concise information possible. It is assumed that if you are experiencing severe weather, you will always have lightning and possibly torrential rain fall. Please keep in mind our minimum criteria for severe weather.

Q The Amateur Radio Community, and all spotters in general, provide an indispensable service to the National Weather Service and local communities. Just as you have to calibrate a meter to measure your equipment, the National Weather Service is working to calibrate it's technology to better predict and identify this weather. In weather, there is no better calibration device than a set of human eyes. NEXRAD and doppler radar cannot see a tornado. They can indicate conditions are right. Only a spotter can verify its presence. Doppler radar can indicate a storm has the potential for severe or tornadic weather, but it cannot see to the ground. Only the spotter can provide the last thousand feet of observation, and the further away from the radar site, the higher this “last thousand” becomes.

R We provide the information that lets the National Weather Service improve it’s understanding of weather by comparing what their instruments say, and the “Ground Truth” they get from us. There are specific criteria the NWS seeks in ground truth – accurate wind speeds, size of hail, intensity of rain fall and damage. Despite the significant advances in remote monitoring of weather, the tree falls in the woods unheard without someone to hear it and report it. It is reports by spotters, often after the passing of the storm, which verify or disprove what was shown by radar.

20 W5YM University WeatherNet/Washington County Spotter's Guide

WEEKLY TRAINING NET SCRIPT, Cont. -- WINTER WEATHER TRAINING

S Severe weather does not occur only in the spring and summer. During the winter months, the W5YM University Weather- Net will activate to assist with reports of severe weather. The criteria for reports during a winter active net are: · Snowfall in excess of two inches · Severe icing on trees, streets or power lines · Sleet or freezing rain · Winds in excess of 30 miles per hour · Downed trees or power lines · Impassable or closed roads

T During winter severe weather, the net will operate on a 30 minute cycle. At the top and bottom of each hour, the W5YM University WeatherNet Control Station will take traffic and reports from the field on conditions. Between the reporting cycles, amateur operators are asked to keep their transmissions short with breaks to allow urgent reports to be made to Net Control. While the nature of winter weather is not as dramatic, sudden loss of public utilities may result in the activation of emergency net operations at any time during the winter storm. Please be prepared for these events.

U We do not encourage or request mobile operations to ascertain the state of road conditions during a winter weather active net. We leave this to the trained professionals of law enforcement. However, if you are traveling to or from your home QTH, we do appreciate your updates on road conditions.

V When measuring snowfall, the net is looking for two reports. Upon first reporting to a winter net, please give the accumulation on the ground as your baseline measurement. All other reports should take the baseline into consideration. For example, on first check-in, the snowfall is three inches deep. Next report an hour later and there are four inches on the ground. Please report this as one inch of new accumulation on top of your baseline of three inches. This avoids the "heat of the moment" error of a new snowfall of four inches.

W For proper snow measuring technique, pick a spot that appears to be average depth. It should be in an open area, away from buildings or trees that would create areas of snow drifting. The ideal is to take five readings and average the measurements. Round the measurement of snow to the nearest full inch. For example, anything four-tenths of an inch or less would be trace, but a half-inch or more rounds up to one inch. Keep in mind that after snow reaches the ground, it will condense. This may reduce your measured baseline. For increased accuracy, consider using a snow board to capture new snow fall totals.

21 W5YM University WeatherNet/Washington County Spotter's Guide

WEEKLY TRAINING NET SCRIPT, Cont.

This week’s subject is [fill in] presented by [call sign]. Net Control now recognizes [call sign].

Weekly program follows – Standard rotations are: Estimating wind speeds Spotting severe weather Scales for hail Proper terminology for reporting Emergency communications protocol Winter severe weather

Closing for training net

The W5YM University WeatherNet exists for two reasons. The main reason is to channel reports from trained spotters and others into the National Weather Service office in a quick and efficient manner. The other is to educate the public about Severe Weather. However, the University WeatherNet is not designed to disseminate information back out during a storm. We recommend that every home in the northwest Arkansas area have more than one means of receiving severe weather information, including a NOAA Weather Radio equipped with Specific Area Message Encoding (S.A.M.E.) receiving technology. In times of severe weather, local television and cable may become disabled and power lines may be down. Make sure that you can receive weather warnings and alerts in the event of the loss of power.

I would like to thank everyone that has participated in the net tonight, as well as the members of Amateur Radio Club of the University of Arkansas for the use of the repeater. Thank you. I will now bring the weekly meeting of the W5YM University WeatherNet to a close at [time UTC] and return this repeater to regular amateur radio use.

22 W5YM University WeatherNet/Washington County Spotter's Guide ACTIVATION SCRIPTS

The following scripts will be used in the event of severe weather. There are three levels of activation:

Standby Mode: Tulsa NWS has issued a watch for Washington County, but weather has not approached our western neighbor counties in Oklahoma. This is the time to make contacts with spotters and preset the location of mobile spotters. Make this announcement every 30 minutes on the hour and on the half hour when there are no reports coming in.

Active Mode: Weather heading for Washington County is in the neighboring areas and is making an impact on the county. For example, during severe weather season rain is falling and neighboring county watches are going to warnings. Make this announcement every 15 minutes on the quarter hour/15 minute mark.

Emergency Mode: Tulsa Weather Service has issued a warning and there is the need for immediate reports and announcments. Make this announcement only as necessary to control the frequency.

23 W5YM University WeatherNet/Washington County Spotter's Guide Standby Mode

Make this announcement every 30 minutes on the hour and on the half hour when there are no reports coming in.

This is (your callsign here)______for W5YM UNIVERSITY WEATHERNET. The National Weather Service has indicated the possibility of severe weather in the Washington County area. W5YM University WEATHERNET is in standby mode at this time and the repeater is free for normal use; however, a WEATHERNET net control operator will be standing by for any severe weather reports. We do ask that all stations keep their transmissions short and leave longer breaks between transmissions for WEATHERNET traffic. The current conditions are: (Make the Current Conditions and Desired Reports announcements.)

The current watches and warnings issued by the National Weather Service are: (Read warnings, then read watches).

The W5YM University WeatherNet is looking for reports of severe weather. This includes: · Hail, particularly dime sized or larger · Winds in excess of 35 mph, and which cause damage · Cloud to ground lightning strikes · Flooding where none regularly occurs or flooding across roadways · Sudden downburst winds or dramatic shifts in wind direction · Rotating funnel clouds or tornadoes · Significant damage to property such as downed trees or power lines · Heavy rain measured in excess of one inch in three hours or less

When making reports to the W5YM University WeatherNet, give your name, call sign and T.E.L. information: Time Effect Location

Stations are asked to report any of these conditions to the W5YM University WeatherNet Control Station.

Registered spotters with the W5YM University WeatherNet on frequency are requested to check in with Net Control. All stations are requested to give my call sign, {callsign}, that’s {callsign in phonetics}, then pause and listen for doubling, then give your call sign, name, location.

[RECOGNIZE CHECKINS]

The next scheduled announcement will be in 30 minutes at approximately {give time} central time.

24 W5YM University WeatherNet/Washington County Spotter's Guide Active Mode

Make this announcement every 15 minutes on the quarter hour/15 minute mark

This is (your callsign here)______W5YM net control. W5YM UNIVERSITY WEATHERNET is currently in active mode. This is a directed net and all traffic should be directed to the Net Control Station.

The current conditions are: (Make the Current Conditions and Desired Reports announcements.)

The current watches and warnings issued by the National Weather Service are: (Read warnings, then read watches).

When making reports to the W5YM University WeatherNet, give your name, call sign and T.E.L. information: Time Effect Location

Stations are asked to report any of these conditions to the W5YM Net Control Station.

Operators currently checked into the net are requested to stay on frequency and on station.

The next scheduled announcement will be in 15 minutes.

25 W5YM University WeatherNet/Washington County Spotter's Guide EMERGENCY Mode

Make this announcement only as necessary to control the frequency.

This is (your callsign here)______W5YM UNIVERSITY WEATHERNET net control. We are in EMERGENCY mode and the repeater is available only for severe weather reports and other life-threatening information. Stations with other traffic please stand by.

The National Weather Service in Tulsa has issued {fill in with appropriate warning}

OPEN TIME BETWEEN ANNOUCEMENTS IN STANDBY AND ACTIVE MODE

During this time we would like to provide some suggestions to help aid in the quick and clear communication of your reports to the Net Control Station.

[CHOOSE APPROPRIATE ITEMS FROM WEEKLY TRAINING SCRIPT]

NWS LOOKING FOR INFORMATION

This is {your call sign}, Net Control for the W5YM University WeatherNet Net Control. The National Weather Service has requested that any station in the ______area please make a report of any current conditions. This includes criteria that are outside of the normal Severe Weather reporting criteria

This is {your call sign} standing by for any reports from the ______area.

26 W5YM University WeatherNet/Washington County Spotter's Guide ENDING THE NET

This is {your call sign}, Net Control for the W5YM University WeatherNet. At this time all Watches and Warnings have been discontinued. If conditions warrant I will return.

I would like to invite anyone listening to tune into the 147.135 repeater every Monday night at 8:00pm local time for the W5YM University WeatherNet Training Net. This net meets weekly to help Net Control operators keep in practice, to provide information to spotters and the general listening public, and to allow stations interested in W5YM University WeatherNet to make questions or comments.

I would also like to thank all the stations that participated in the net tonight, and also the University of Arkansas Amateur Radio Club for the use of this repeater.

This is {your call sign}, W5YM University WeatherNet Net Control returning this repeater to normal amateur radio use.

27 W5YM University WeatherNet/Washington County Spotter's Guide Active Mode – Winter Storm Script

This is (your callsign here)______net control for the W5YM University WeatherNet. The W5YM University Weathernet is currently in a winter weather active mode. This is a directed net and all stations should direct their calls to the net control station. When the net is active, but not taking traffic, this repeater may be used by other amateur radio operators. However, we request that during the time between reporting cycles that transmissions are kept short and breaks given between transmissions to permit severe weather reports to reach the W5YM University WeatherNet. In this winter storm mode, reports will be taken on the hour and half hour.

The current conditions are: (Make the Current Conditions and Desired Reports announcements.)

The current watches and warnings issued by the National Weather Service are: (Read warnings, then read watches).

The W5YM University WeatherNet is looking for reports of severe weather. This includes: · Snowfall in excess of three inches · Severe icing on trees, streets or power lines · Sleet or freezing rain · Winds in excess of 30 miles per hour · Downed trees or power lines · Impassable or closed roads

When making reports to the W5YM University WeatherNet, give your name, call sign and T.E.L. information: Time Effect Location

Stations are asked to report any of these conditions to the W5YM University WeatherNet.

I will now take check-ins for stations who can monitor conditions and stay on frequency.

Net control recognizes (list call signs) as stations participating in the current active winter weather net. Operators currently checked into the net are requested to stay on frequency and on station. Are there any stations wishing to check out of the net.

Net control recognizes (list call signs) as stations departing the net. Do any stations on frequency need any of these stations? If not, stations recognized may secure at their leisure.

The next scheduled announcement will be in 30 minutes. This is (your callsign here) ______.

28 W5YM University WeatherNet/Washington County Spotter's Guide APPENDIX

Area spotter maps Arkansas county map Oklahoma county map Tulsa WAS repeater map Tulsa NWS spotter frequency chart Arkansas SKYWARN repeater map Sample WeatherNet log sheet

29 W5YM University WeatherNet/Washington County Spotter's Guide FOUR-STATE COUNTY MAP

KANSAS

MISSOURI

OKLAHOMA ARKANSAS

Map created for the W5YM University WeatherNet 30 W5YM University WeatherNet/Washington County Spotter's Guide

31 W5YM University WeatherNet/Washington County Spotter's Guide

32 W5YM University WeatherNet/Washington County Spotter's Guide TULSA NWS SPOTTER FREQUENCY MAP

This map taken from the Tulsa NWS website, with revisions for new frequencies in Washington and Benton counties

33 W5YM University WeatherNet/Washington County Spotter's Guide

TULSA WIDE AREA FREQUENCY MAP

This map taken from the TARC website

34 W5YM University WeatherNet/Washington County Spotter's Guide

LITTLE ROCK SKYWARN FREQUENCY MAP

W5DI Linked Repeater System 146.940 (-) Little Rock (Central Arkansas Coverage) 444.200 (+) Little Rock (Central Arkansas Coverage) 147.315 (+) Russell (Eastern Arkansas Coverage) 147.285 (+) Clarksville (Western Arkansas Coverage)

This map taken from the Arkansas SKYWARN website

35 W5YM University WeatherNet/Washington County Spotter's Guide COMMENTS QTH NAME CALL SIGN CALL DATE/TIME 36