Metro Skywarn Training Presentation

SKYWARN Storm Spotter Training 2021

Metro Skywarn NWS Twin Cities Agenda

• General Information • Updraft Features • Question and Answer • Break • Downdraft Features • Assess storm strength/potential • Determine storm motion and safety of your location • Report critical information • Question and Answer • Class Wrap Up • Amateur radio reporting (Metro Skywarn Nets) We Don't Recommend Chasing

We owe a great deal to storm chasers. • Knowledge, • Images for Best Training Materials, • Minnesota Severe Storms Conference, and • Metro Skywarn Training.

Metro Skywarn classes do not teach storm chasing skills • We do not dispatch spotters to particular locations. • Storm Chasing is a highly advanced skill. • We teach the basics of storm spotting and safety. • You are spotting at your own risk. Part 1: Role of Storm Spotters Spotters provide reports of what is actually happening

Radar

What you see What radar sees

© Bill Reid SPC Convective Outlooks • Storm Prediction Center outlooks the risk for severe weather across the country, as far out as 7 days in advance • www.spc.noaa.gov SPC Convective Outlooks SPC Convective Outlooks NWS’ Website

• weather.gov/twincities

• Get an hourly forecast for your city/zip code

• Weather story of the day Weather Story

• Main weather story of the day in one graphic

• Also posted on Facebook and Twitter -@NWSTwinCities Area Forecast Discussion

• Reasoning behind each forecast

• Highlights timing, areas of greatest impact, and forecast uncertainty

• www.weather.gov/twincities • Forecasts-Forecast Discussion Hazardous Weather Outlook

weather.gov/twincities/ehwo SPC Mesoscale Discussions • Issued up to several hours before an event. May also be a progress report. • Heads-up that a tornado/severe thunderstorm watch may be imminent Severe Weather Watches

• Issued when weather conditions are favorable for the development of severe weather

• Usually issued 1-3 hours before severe weather occurs. Sometimes before storms even develop

• “Spotters Get Ready” Severe Weather Warnings

• Severe weather is imminent or occurring

• Polygon-based. Anyone in the warning is at risk

• We need your reports! Severe Weather Warnings

• Our warnings are “Impact-Based”

• Highlight the severity of the hazard expected, and potential impacts to life and property Warning Dissemination • Use multiple methods in case one method fails

Wireless TV/Radio NWS Mobile Emergency Widget Alerts

Hazard County Internet/ Communication Mobile Apps Warning Systems

NOAA Weather Radio Weather Apps Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) County Boundary • Cell towers relay warning message to mobile devices

• Certain Hazards • Tornado • Flash Flood Warning Polygon • Non-Weather Emergencies NOAA Weather Radio

• Constant feed of NWS forecast products and alerts

• Tone alerts can be programmed by county and hazard type

• Available online or at major retailers for $20-$40 Part 3: Step By Step Storm Spotting

• 4 Ingredients needed for Severe Storms

• Moisture • Lift • Instability • Wind Shear

• No moisture = no clouds

• Water vapor condensing into clouds ultimately fuels the developing storm

• Dew Points greater than 60-65 °F are ideal Severe Storm Ingredients: Lift

• Must have a forcing mechanism to cause air to rise. • Look for: surface boundaries, low pressure systems, daytime heating, elevated terrain Severe Storm Ingredients: Instability

• An “unstable atmosphere” means warm & humid air near the surface, with cooler & drier air aloft

• Allows for air not only to rise, but accelerate upwards.

• Updrafts can exceed 100 mph

in the strongest © Brad Nelson thunderstorms Severe Storm Ingredients: Wind Shear

• Winds change speed and direction at different levels in the atmosphere

• Allows for more intense and longer-lived thunderstorms

• Vast majority of significant severe weather comes from rotating storms (supercells) Step By Step Storm Spotting: Overview

• Step 1: Identify updraft and downdraft features

• Step 2: Assess storm strength/potential

• Step 3: Determine storm motion and safety of your location

• Step 4: Report critical information Updrafts and Downdrafts

• Updrafts = Rising Air • Warm, humid air that fuels the storm • Thick, puffy, billowy clouds indicate a healthy updraft

• Downdrafts = Sinking Air • Rain-cooled air that rushes out underneath the storm • Frequently contain heavy rain and possibly hail

• The interaction between the updraft and downdraft is crucial in determining thunderstorm strength, longevity, and severity Thunderstorm Evolution

• Thunderstorm evolution depends on the updraft & downdraft • Function of the 4 ingredients mentioned previously Supercell Schematic Supercell With Tornado

Updraft Base Updraft Examples Updraft Examples

• Strong • Weak • Sharp, crisp cloud edges • Fuzzy cloud edges • Visible upward motion • Weak upward motion • Well-defined updraft/downdraft • Ill-defined storm structure regions • Little to no visible rotation • Visible rotation • Mammatus clouds underneath anvil Updraft/Downdraft Examples Updraft/Downdraft Examples Updraft/Downdraft Examples

• Develops under the updraft base, indicates rotation • Area of strongest rotation and inflow in updraft • Visible upward motion • Typically a first step towards tornadogenesis… sometimes • Usually tilted downwards towards the rainfall/downdraft Updraft Features: Wall Cloud

Updraft Base Updraft Features: Wall Cloud Updraft Features: Wall Cloud Updraft Features: Wall Cloud

• Look for persistent rotation. Watch the storm for a few minutes. • Is rotation speeding up/slowing down? How fast is it? • How low is the wall cloud to the ground? • Descending wall clouds are a sign of developing tornadogenesis • How strong is the inflow into the storm? • Increasing inflow into the storm is a sign of developing tornadogenesis • Are there any signs of a developing funnel cloud? • Look for enhanced areas of rotation and lowering Tips For Identifying Rotation

• In general, strong rotation will be obvious • Watch the storm for at least several minutes • Be sure you are looking at the updraft base • Watch for rotation along a vertical axis, not a horizontal one

• If you’re still not sure, rotation is likely weak or non-existent Updraft Features: Tornadoes

• Rapidly rotating column of air, in contact with the wall cloud or updraft base AND the ground

• Typically preceded by a wall cloud and then a funnel cloud • Funnel cloud may not be visible even as tornadic circulation is on the ground

• Will often initially be evident as rotation/debris at the ground Funnel or Tornado?

• Report only what you see • Other spotters may have a better view

• Check - send to Metro Skywarn PO Box 131895 St. Paul, MN 55113 • Click “Donate” on MetroSkywarn.org

It’s tax deductible!

We’re a 501(C)(3) organization Downdraft Features

• Review: All storms contain updrafts and downdrafts • Downdrafts appear dark • Rain/hail/strong winds coming out of storm (outflow) • Updraft/downdraft balance determines the strength and longevity of a storm Downdrafts On Radar Downdraft Features Downdraft Features Downdraft Features

• Occur on the leading edge of downdrafts (Gust Front) • Strong winds often follow immediately after the shelf cloud • Most common with a squall line or linear storm systems • No vertical rotation, but may exhibit rotation © Bill Doms along a horizontal axis Downdraft Features: Shelf Clouds

Wall Cloud Shelf Cloud • Updraft/inflow • Downdraft/outflow • Vertical rotation • Horizontal rotation

• Attached to inflow base • Moves along outflow • Associated with tornadoes • Often followed by damaging wind gusts • Typically a feature of supercell thunderstorms • Typically a feature of squall lines Shelf Cloud or Wall Cloud? Shelf Cloud or Wall Cloud?

• Area of sinking air that wraps around the back of the updraft/rain free base • May observe a pronounced clear slot develop in the back of the updraft base/wall cloud • Can bring strong winds • Does NOT necessarily mean a tornado will form

Squall Lines • Group of storms organized in a line • Can be hundreds of miles long, but typically only 10-20 miles wide • Pose the greatest risk for damaging winds • “Derechos” are intense squall lines that can produce damaging winds over 80-90 mph over a large area • In certain cases, tornadoes can be embedded in squall lines • “Quasi-Linear Convective Systems” • Very difficult for spotters Part 4: Storm Spotter Safety

• Your safety is of the utmost importance • Situational Awareness is key • What is the storm motion? • Are you at a safe distance? • Are there other storms in the area? • Are you safe from lightning? Hail? Flooding? • Do you have an escape route? Place of shelter? • Visibility often degraded around storms Storm Motion

• Most storms generally exhibit a west to east component of motion • Supercells typically exhibit deviant motion • Tend to move slower and to the “right” of the other storms • Multiple ways to determine storm motion • Radar • Warning Text • Visual Cues Storm Motion: Radar Storm Motion: Warning Text Visual Cues Positioning: Supercells

What was this spotter’s location? Storm is moving northeast.

B: Most effective and safest spot for spotting. 1-3 miles to the right of the updraft once you’ve established storm motion A C: Safer than B, but view may be obstructed by rain/hail in B hook. Low contrast between updraft/downdraft. Watch out for storms to the south! C D: Totally safe from storm. Downdraft likely obstructing view of updraft features Positioning: Squall Lines

B • D No “safe” locations to spot a squall line. All locations will be impacted by high winds and heavy rain/hail.

• Shelf cloud will be visible from all locations ahead of the storm.

• Be especially aware of kinks and bowing segments in the C line of storms (B). Area where tornadoes may spin up

• You will want to stay ahead of the storm (mobile spotters) or have a safe location nearby to ride out the storm Where to Spot From

You can either be a: • Stationary Spotter – Monitor the weather from where you’re at • Recommended for newer spotters • Mobile Spotter – Follow the weather in your car • Advanced skill (direction of storm, speed, positioning, etc) • Safety first! • Scout out sites ahead of time so you can see the storm as it’s coming in • Important to have someone in the car with you who is navigating and watching the storm while you drive Visibility Concerns

• Heavy rain/blowing dust can conceal updraft features • Remember to maintain a safe 1-3 miles from updraft • Spotting at night has its own challenges Visibility Concerns

• Heavy rain/blowing dust can conceal updraft features • Remember to maintain a safe 1-3 miles from updraft • Spotting at night has its own challenges Spotting Hazards: Flash Flooding

• Watch the storm for a few minutes

• Report exactly what you see in an accurate and timely manner

• Express ANY uncertainty. It’s ok if you are unsure.

• Communicate… • WHO you are • WHAT you see • WHEN the event occurred • WHERE the event occurred What To Report • Tornado • Funnel Cloud • Wall Cloud (visibly rotating) • Watch for 1-3 minutes before reporting • No longer report non-rotating wall clouds • Wind Damage or measured wind > 50 mph • Hail - All sizes, but especially ≥ 1” • Heavy rainfall (>1” in < 60 min) • Flash Flooding (running water) • Fatalities/Injuries (call 911 first) Reporting Hail

• Measure the hail if possible • Compare size to common objects. • No marbles please! • Report the largest size hailstone at its widest point. • Include details such as “I have quarter sized hail and pea sized hail is covering the ground” • Avoid reports without giving a hail size • “Lots” of hail, etc. • Don’t guess! Reporting Wind

• Damage, not estimated wind speeds! • Damage to structures • Downed power lines • Trees snapped/uprooted • Limbs down (measure, if possible) Reporting Flooding

• How deep is it? Is water flowing, or just ponding? • What are the impacts? • Call 911 for traffic emerg. • Flooding of structures • Stream/river out of banks • Roads closed • Minor street flooding/ low-water crossings • Remember: Turn Around, Don’t Drown! Be Wary Of Look-Alikes

• SLCs (Scary-Looking Clouds) • Not attached to updraft base • Rising motion, but no rotation • Often scud clouds • Blowing Dust © Jonathan Gabrelcik • Rain Shafts

• As always: monitor the storm

Amateur (Ham) Internet Phone Radio Nets

NWS Twin Cities Page

@NWSTwinCities NWS Skywatcher ID Metro Skywarn For those who are over 14. Spotter ID NWS will only be renewing existing Skywatchers this year. Sign up ahead of time to get username and password. For those without a Requires test to be taken. Can Skywatcher ID, reports will use GPS to pinpoint location. still be taken Reports On NWS’ Website

weather.gov/twincities Sample Reports Sample Reports Summary

• Storms are an incredibly dynamic process • Change frequently… watch them! • Remember the steps we covered • Understand the potential hazard threat • Identify the updraft and updraft features/how they evolve • Maintain your situational awareness • Let us know! • Remember, safety is your #1 priority Additional Information

• www.spotternetwork.org • UCAR COMET classes: www.meted.ucar.edu • NWS Storm Spotter Handbook https://www.weather.gov/owlie/publication_brochures • Metro Skywarn: www.metroskywarn.org [email protected] • YouTube: “Advanced Spotter Training” • NWS Norman, OK Like Metro Skywarn on

Just search for us and join in on the conversation! • https://www.facebook.com/metroskywarn (Used for official announcements) • https://www.facebook.com/groups/TwinCitiesMetroSkywarn/ (Open for discussion) Follow Metro Skywarn on

• http://twitter.com/metroskywarn

• We will update it for: • Upcoming Events • Informational Items Sign up for emails • MSWInfo – Informational items such as potential severe weather, class information, and organization events. • MSWAlert – Watch and warning information and activations

• To subscribe, go to MetroSkywarn.org and scroll to the bottom of the page, then click on each of the links. Please include your first and last name in order to be added to the email lists. Next Steps

All spotters must take training at least EVERY TWO YEARS To maintain your certification! Registration

✓ Two code words (unique to each class). ✓ Watch your email for a registration link to TypeForm.com. Should arrive within 30 minutes of class from Event Brite. Email [email protected] if you do not receive it. ✓ Reminder will be sent the 2nd day following class at 8am. ✓ You have until 11:59pm on the 3rd full day from today to complete your registration. ✓ Your spotter card will be emailed to you acknowledging your registration. Please allow two weeks to receive the card. If you do not have an email, we will mail one via USPS. Registration – TypeForm.com

✓ Please complete the registration in full.

✓ Everyone aged 14+ in your household who attended this class should register.

✓ One registration per household Donations $5 Recommended Donation

• Check - send to Metro Skywarn PO Box 131895 St. Paul, MN 55113 • Click “Donate” on MetroSkywarn.org

It’s tax deductible!

We’re a 501(C)(3) organization Skywarn Gear

Buy Skywarn Gear at: https://www.cafepress.com/profile/metroskywarn

iPad and iPhone Accessories * Clothing Mugs/Water Bottles * Duffle and Handbags Kitchenware * License Plates Stickers * Posters * More! Metro Skywarn Net Operations Training Net Activations

Net Control will activate the net in the following situations: 1. Any Tornado Warning 2. Any Severe Thunderstorm Warning

Metro Skywarn Coverage Area - Counties included are: Hennepin Scott Ramsey Dakota Anoka Washington Carver Net Activations

3. A Severe Thunderstorm or Tornado WATCH is in effect

AND A Severe thunderstorm or Tornado WARNING has been issued for the surrounding counties or areas: Wright Southern Isanti Eastern Sibley Northern Rice Southern Sherburne Northern LeSueur

AND the storm movement is in the general direction of the Metro Skywarn Coverage Area Primary Repeaters

• 146.700 PL 127.3 Located in Minneapolis, covers the central cities, west, east, and north • 147.210 PL 100.0 Located in Burnsville, covers the south and southwest side • 147.000 PL114.8 Located in Maple Plain and covers the west and northwest • (used by West Metro / Wright County Skywarn) • 145.210 PL114.8 Located in Crown and covers the far northern portions • (used by Isanti County Skywarn) Backup Repeaters

If one or more of the Primary Repeaters is down, an announcement will be made to move to one (or more) of the Backup Repeaters

• 145.17 PL100.0→ St. Paul • 146.67 PL114.8 → Fridley/Blaine • 146.76 PL114.8 → Minnetonka Net Operations

• Net Control Officers decide when to activate • Once the decision has been made to activate, an announcement will be made on the primary repeaters regarding the expected time. • Net Control WILL NOT tell you where to go. • Net Control MAY tell you where the most concern is. • You will hear Net Control Officers discussing the situation with each other and spotters. Net Operations

• If the net has not been formally activated, feel free to discuss the situation with others on the repeater. • Please yield to the Net Control Officers if they need to use the repeater. • Net Control may take a roll call. Please respond with: • Metro Skywarn ID Number AND • Intersection / Location AND • Callsign Net Operations

Modes of Net Operation • Formal Net – traffic is limited by the discretion and direction of the Net Control Officer • Informal Net – net may be open to routine traffic. This may be used during times of lull and during overnight operations. • Standby Net – Severe weather is expected, but not imminent. Normal communication is allowed.

Net Control Officers may move from one mode to another, depending on the situation. Net Operations

• Weather and situational updates will be provided on the quarter hour (:00, :15, :30, :45) by Net Control Officers • When the weather is imminent, an announcement will be made that the net is now activated. • Check email for an announcement on MSWAlert • Please go to MetroSkywarn.org to review the latest Net Operations Guide How to Report

Give the following information of the reportable condition you are witnessing to Net Control: SPOTTER • Your Skywarn ID Number (not call sign) • A one (or two) word description of the condition you are witnessing.

For example, “3965 Hail” or “3965 Wall Cloud” How to Report

NET CONTROL • Will acknowledge you by repeating your Skywarn ID Number “3965” OR “3965 Go Ahead” How to Report

SPOTTER replies with: • Your location including city/suburb and major cross streets • Reportable condition (or describe it if appropriate) • Location of reportable condition • When did it happen? • Your Amateur Call Sign

“I’m in Arden Hills at US 10 & Hwy 96. I’ve been watching at a rotating wall cloud about .5 miles to my north for 3 minutes. Rotation has increased in the last minute. KZ0ZZZ” How to Report

NET CONTROL • If Net Control needs more information or clarification, they will ask further questions OR • They will acknowledge your report by repeating back the 24 Hour Local Time. “1424” (2:24pm) Thank You!