DOCSLIB.ORG

Partnership Between the Greater New Orleans Expressway Commission and the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Slidell, Louisiana

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Partnership Between the Greater New Orleans Expressway Commission and the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Slidell, Louisiana PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE GREATER NEW ORLEANS EXPRESSWAY COMMISSION AND THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE FORECAST OFFICE IN SLIDELL, LOUISIANA Alan Johnson, Paul Trotter and Freddie Zeigler NOAAlNational Weather Service Forecast Office Slidell, Louisiana Abstract span has been rammed by marine traffic about sixteen times. Also, there have been incidents where vehicles have For the safety of life and property in southeast been knocked off the bridge into the lake. Louisiana in hazardous weather situations, a strong part­ Applying local forecast techniques using the latest nership has developed between the NOAA/National numerical guidance, enhanced technology, automated Weather Service Forecast Office in Slidell, Louisiana and and manual surface observations, NWSFO Slidell has the Greater New Orleans Expressway Commission. This significantly improved the forecast lead time for the report outlines the products developed by the partnership development of dense fog over the tidal lakes. Figure 1 concerning dense fog events affecting the traffic on the illustrates the typical synoptic pattern conducive to Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, the longest bridge in the dense sea/lake fog development. The motorists can be world. notified by using the Internet to access Web site: www.thecauseway.com or the NWS Web site: 1. Introduction www.srh.noaa.gov/ix. The latest dense fog advisories are given in the Hazardous Weather Outlook (HWO) twice The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway in Louisiana is the daily and updated as needed. This product, issued rou­ longest bridge over water in the world (38,422 km; 23 tinely at 0630 local time and 1100 local time daily, lists miles 1,538 yd). The first span opened to the public in weather hazards which may cause visibility problems for 1956, the second in 1969. It allows one-way driving safe­ motorists during the following 24-hour period. It is also ty on straight, two-lane railed surfaces 80-ft apart con­ issued on the NOAA Weather Radio (NWR) as well as to nected by seven crossovers to provide pullover areas for the news media. In the short term, the Causeway pro­ vehicle emergencies. Over 30,000 commuter vehicles vides current weather information to the motorists on the make a round-trip crossing of the lake daily. The bridge variable message signs approaching the bridge as well as connects Jefferson Parish on the South Shore and Saint the Causeway's Information Advisory Radio Station (a Tammany Parish on the North Shore. The low-power radio station at 1700 AM). NOAAlNational Weather Service Forecast Office Another purpose of this study was to show how public (NWSFO) in Slidell, Louisiana has developed a partner­ awareness campaigns have been provided. This has been ship with the Greater New Orleans Expressway done through the publishing of a fog brochure. The Commission in order to strive to give the Causeway brochure was designed and developed as a coordinated Commission more precise forecasts and advisories. effort between the Slidell NWSEO and the Causeway Consequently, products developed can be used to assist in Commission of Greater New Orleans. This brochure preparation for such significant weather events as high informs motorists of the safety procedures for crossing winds across the lake which impede certain vehicles such the world's longest bridge. See Fig. 2 for picture of the as recreation vehicles, glass transporters and motorcycles Causeway. as they try to make their way across the bridge. Other types of inclement weather that affect bridge operations 2. Partnership between NWSFO Slidell and the Greater are dense fog, severe thunderstorms, heavy rain, hail­ New Orleans Expressway Commission storms, hurricane conditions, waterspouts and winter freezes. In the past several years, a unique partnership has One of the purposes of this study is to show how the been developed between the NWSFO Slidell and the local NWSFO in southeast Louisiana has used local Greater New Orleans Expressway Commission. Aided by research to develop forecast techniques for the formation the research and development of a "fog decision tree" by of dense fog over the tidal lakes. Safety of motorists across several NWSFO LIX forecasters in the early 1990's, the the Causeway is extremely important. The Causeway lead time for forecasting dense fog over the tidal lakes Police Department is greatly concerned with sudden and has been significantly improved. Using the latest rapid weather changes which affect visibility as well as enhanced technology, numerical guidance, observations, the ability to control high profile vehicles. Since the bridge satellite imagery, and sea surface temperatures, forecasts initially opened in 1956 with two lanes across the lake, the for surface visibility can be made several days in 54 Volume 28 December 2004 55 ' 11 .Ill I :. I _ • A I I I --/ Fig. 1. Typical synoptic pattern during return flow in the Northern Fig.3. These message signs are used to warn motorists of poten­ gulf in the wintertime. tial upcoming roadway conditions. • GREArER NEW ORLEANS : : ]'01.;: 0; EXPRESSWAY . • , COMMISSION , " " Tnlffic Munag:~ll\l!n l & I., Fog Abmement System I : THE 1970'5 f. ·1, I • ; : Polko! I , 1 1 Fig. 4. Initial convoy system used by the Causeway police in the 1970's. Fig. 2. There has been several improvements concerning safety on the Causeway since the first span of two lanes was opened in 1956. In 1969, another span of two lanes was opened giving two ing them of developing weather conditions. During the lanes in each direction. The picture above shows the Causeway wintertime, dense fog is likely not only over the cooler across Lake Pontchartrain looking north. shallow tidal lake waters, but also over adjacent land areas especially when the wind is light. advance. The Causeway Police Department can then use High winds, hurricane conditions, severe thunder­ this information for staffing purposes especially for the storms, hailstorms, waterspouts, heavy rains, and freezes onset of the dense fog when convoying of motorists might are also weather phenomena which may affect travel become necessary. over the Causeway. However, occurrences are a much Dense fog over the tidal lakes is the most important smaller percentage when compared to the dense fog dur­ weather parameter motorists have to deal with during ing the winter months of November to March. There are the year. That is, seasonally, dense fog events may last for usually about 10 to 15 episodes of significant fog affecting several days except for minor improvement in visibilities travel over the world's longest bridge during a season. during the mid-afternoon into the evening hours. Thus, convoying may become necessary for both morning and 3. Methodology Used by Causeway Police In Reducing afternoon commuters. Loss of Life and Property during Adverse Weather In addition to the fog brochure which was made available for the first time at the beginning of the fog According to Lambart (1991) there has been several season in late 2001, several ads have been published in improvements concerning safety on the Causeway since the Times Picayune of New Orleans newspaper and in the first span of two lanes was built and opened in 1956. the New Orleans City Business Magazine. These ads In 1969, another span of two lanes was opened giving two advise motorists of helpful guidelines to follow during lanes in each direction. The Causeway police have estab­ fog conditions. lished an excellent rapport with the commuters by The Slidell NWSFO has direct contact with the exchanging roadway information over citizen band radios Causeway Police Department. Besides issuing a Dense and cellular phones and, and of course, the AM broadcast. Fog Advisory to the public and news media, coordination Safety enhancements were made in 1984 with the instal­ calls are made to the dispatchers at the Causeway advis- lation of the Motorist Information System (MIS). These 56 National Weather Digest ''I 1 G REATER NEW O RLEANS Poll':.ll EXPRESSWAY i ·'" 1 C O MMISSION ~ I, Tram e Management II & I I.~ ' ; Fog Abatement System I I ~ " I : "Ul T HE LATE 1980's , ,I I 1 1 !~ r t ' 11'011:1; 1:,.] 1 I' oll ~c I 1 .1- Fig. 5. Convoy system used in the 1980's utilizing a lead car in the front and one in the back. Fig. 7. Fog abatement sign configuration illustrates the view from ground level to what motorists would encounter when controls have been put in place on the bridge. 1 I GREA~i~~is~~:~EANS I· ,I C O MMISSION 16r-_______--, I' ,I: : 70 r-- ------, ~ . 'I r\.lkc Tra me M anagement NO Ft){i f• • ,. Fog A batem ent System I! ~ : :: 6 mi 13200· 9{)On 1111 '. & . I" IHI I 'I r nli..:c 1990 TO THE liJ PRESENT 1 lU I :.~ ~ mi I.JR!iO IIl j !' 'I Wind ~ PATCIIY j .... l P.. HCIIY i::1 . ~;~I;S ) 6 r OG rnC'j I, 'I: : I)o l=----~ I: : I Pull" <2ml ,. 1: I (.120(lml i I Pa lloo IfIO '---'---'_-'----'-_-'--.Ll I o J 2 3 4 I~ l:'i IS J T" - Td ( 'C) Tw-Ta ( C) Advecfio n (enlporation/steam) Fog Wlll'm Advcction(cooli ng) Fog Fig. 6. System used in the 1990's to present time by Causeway police (riding herd) to prevent motorists from passing (used when visibility is below 500 feet). NOI:O("j .' e­ " ~ " I>mi Ta-TII "' : , ,, ,,,i Ta - Ttl ~l :r)O . ~ 1!1l ( ~~OO-_Il\I(IO! are twelve variable message signs (Fig. 3) which are used rC) : rq , p.\T(m 1';\f('JI\' rm, to warn motorists of potential upcoming roadway condi­ FOG tions. As a toll facility, it is essential to avoid, if possible, -. ':-m,..,i\3""l ll(J,.-.......' "\ a disruption in service of the daily commuters.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Tornado Safety Q & A
    TORNADO SAFETY Q & A The Prosper Fire Department Office of Emergency Management’s highest priority is ensuring the safety of all Prosper residents during a state of emergency. A tornado is one of the most violent storms that can rip through an area, striking quickly with little to no warning at all. Because the aftermath of a tornado can be devastating, preparing ahead of time is the best way to ensure you and your family’s safety. Please read the following questions about tornado safety, answered by Prosper Emergency Management Coordinator Kent Bauer. Q: During s evere weather, what does the Prosper Fire Department do? A: We monitor the weather alerts sent out by the National Weather Service. Because we are not meteorologists, we do not interpret any sort of storms or any sort of warnings. Instead, we pass along the information we receive from the National Weather Service to our residents through social media, storm sirens and Smart911 Rave weather warnings. Q: What does a Tornado Watch mean? A: Tornadoes are possible. Remain alert for approaching storms. Watch the sky and stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio or television for information. Q: What does a Tornado Warning mean? A: A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar and you need to take shelter immediately. Q: What is the reason for setting off the Outdoor Storm Sirens? A: To alert those who are outdoors that there is a tornado or another major storm event headed Prosper’s way, so seek shelter immediately. I f you are outside and you hear the sirens go off, do not call 9-1-1 to ask questions about the warning.
    [Show full text]
  • Coastal Weather Program
    Commandant 2100 Second Street, S.W. United States Coast Guard Washington, DC 20593-0001 (202) 267-1450 COMDTINST 3140.3D 13 JAN 1988 COMMANDANT INSTRUCTION 3140.3D Subj: Coastal Weather Program 1. PURPOSE. To set forth policy for weather observation, reporting, and dissemination from Coast Guard shore units and offshore light stations; and, to direct the coordination with the National Weather Service (NWS) for these activities. 2. DIRECTIVES AFFECTED. Commandant Instruction 3140.3C is canceled. 3. PROGRAM OBJECTIVES. To support the National Weather Service in conducting its federally-mandated weather forecasting and dissemination program by: a. Designating those stations and units required to report weather observations. b. Ensuring that weather reports are made in the suitable format as prescribed by the NWS. c. Ensuring that uniform and timely communication procedures and methods are used to convey this information to the NWS. d. Providing procedures for units not participating in a regular weather reporting program which may be required to make weather observations in support of NWS special programs. 4. POLICY. Title 14 Section 147 of the U.S. Code authorizes the Commandant to procure, maintain, and make available facilities and assistance for observing, investigating, and communicating weather phenomena and for disseminating weather data, forecasts and warnings in cooperation with the Director of the National Weather Service. To this end the Commandant supports a program to ensure the high quality and quantity of weather observations for NWS marine weather forecasts. The Coast Guard, as a user, depends upon high quality forecasts for our missions in the marine environment. COMDTINST 3140.3D 13 JAN 1988 5.
    [Show full text]
  • California Interoperability Field Operations Guide (FOG)
    Cal-IFOG 1 June 2020 Letter of Introduction Since the first version of the California Interoperability Field Operations Guide (Cal-IFOG) was published in 2010, it has become an indispensable tool in day-to-day Public Safety communications and it encourages more efficient and effective use of our limited mutual aid spectrum. The Cal IFOG is a living document that is updated through the feedback provided by every operational area throughout California. Please accept my sincere gratitude for your efforts and I understand that without your input this update would not have been possible. The purpose of the Cal-IFOG is to provide a single source document for the usage guidelines of the statewide and National Interoperability channels in support of the California Statewide Communication Interoperability Plan (CalSCIP). Please keep in mind that the mutual aid frequencies are open to all emergency responders, who are encouraged to program their radios as appropriate and authorized. As always, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules and regulations with regards to licensing and operations should be followed. Every effort was made to ensure the information presented is accurate. In the event you do find an error, please contact either the California Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee (CalSIEC), your Planning Area, or the Statewide Interoperability Coordinator (SWIC), and they will ensure the updates make it into the next version. Thank you to all that contributed to the development of the Cal-IFOG and those dedicated to ensuring that it stays relevant for years to come. Budge Currier, Statewide Interoperability Coordinator Hank O’Neill, Deputy Statewide Interoperability Coordinator This page intentionally left blank Cal-IFOG 3 June 2020 Table of Contents Chapter 1 - About the Cal-IFOG .................
    [Show full text]
  • Common Solutions to NOAA Weather Radio Problems (FAQ)
    Common Solutions to NOAA Weather Radio Problems (FAQ) Symptom Cause & Remedy 1…Not picking up any broadcast signal 1…Radio transmitter isn’t working (hit by lightning or ice storm) or is down for some maintenance. 2…NWR not receiving signal. Hills, buildings and some double- and triple-pane windows can partially or totally block signal. Put radio next to window above ground level. Install an exterior antenna kit on your building’s roof, or patio deck, or in the attic, and run cable into your weather radio. Make sure radio is receiving electrical power and/or battery is properly inserted and works. Operate radio in battery-only mode and then move it around room or in a different room for a stronger signal “hot spot.” Last resort – purchase a new weather radio. 2…Weak signal – can barely hear 1…Transmitter may be temporarily operating at lower broadcast, power. Switch to another frequency (channel). 2… NWR not receiving signal. Hills and thick or you hear a lot crackle or hiss buildings block signal. (especially during pauses between Put radio next to window above ground level. words). Install an exterior antenna kit on your building’s roof, or patio deck, or in the attic, and run cable into your weather radio. Make sure radio is receiving electrical power and/or battery is properly inserted and works. Operate radio in battery-only mode and then move it around room or in a different room for a stronger signal “hot spot.” Adjust angle of whip antenna from vertical to 45 degree to near horizontal.
    [Show full text]
  • Programming NOAA Weather Radio
    Why Do I Need a NOAA Weather Radio? ⦿ NOAA Weather Radio is an "All Hazards" radio network, making it your single source for comprehensive weather and emergency information. ⦿ One of the quickest and most reliable way to get life saving weather and emergency alerts from government and public safety officials. ⦿ NWR is provided as a public service by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), part of the Department of Commerce. What Features Do Weather Radios Have? ⦿ Tone alarm ⦿ S.A.M.E. Technology ⦿ Selectable alerting of events ⦿ Battery backup ● In the event of a power outage the radio will still work with the batteries ⦿ External antenna jack ⦿ Can be hooked up to attention getting devices ● Strobe lights, pagers, bed shakers, computers, text printers Where Should They Be Kept? ⦿ Near a window in a home or office. ● Receive better reception ⦿ It is a good idea to keep one with sports equipment for emergency alerts. ⦿ Everyone should take one with them while outdoors (boating, camping) or traveling. Getting to Know Your NWR 3 4 1. Programming Buttons 2 2. Select 2 5 3. Menu 1 1 4. Warning Light-Red 6 5. Watch Light- Orange 6. Advisory Light- Yellow 7 7. Weather Radio On/Off Switch 8 8. Volume Up/Down 9 9. Weather/Snooze Button Getting to Know Your NWR: Display Icons 1. Low Battery 3 4 5 Indicator 2 6 1 7 2. Menu Indicator 3. Weather Radio On Indicator 4. Warning Tone Alert 5. Voice Alert 6. Clock Alarm 7. Volume Level Bars 8 8. Alphanumeric Starting Your NWR 1.
    [Show full text]
  • Nwr Factsheet
    NATIONAL OCEANIC & ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards: On Alert For All Emergencies aving lives is the focus of NOAA Features of NOAA Weather Radio Weather Radio All Hazards by provi- • Tone Alarm: Special tones precede the Sding immediate broadcasts of severe initial broadcast of all emergency an- weather warnings and civil emergency nouncements regarding immediate messages and giving those in harm’s way weather threats and civil emergency critical lead time to respond and remain safe. messages to gain a listener’s attention. Broadcasts of tornado warnings, flood These tones will also activate radios that warnings, AMBER Alerts for child abduc- are on alert mode, yet silent. This feature tions, chemical spill messages and many is especially crucial when severe storms or other notifications, in addition to routine other events occur at night when most weather observations and forecasts, make people are sound asleep. NOAA Weather Radio an essential item for • Size: Units are small (about the size of a every home, business and public area. clock radio) and require little space on a NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards, a nightstand or table. They travel easily component of the nation's Emergency Alert (vacations, relocations) and will use the System, is comprised of a nationwide network signal from a nearby transmitter. of more than 970 transmitters directly linked • Battery Backup: Ensures continued with one of the 123 local offices of NOAA’s service during a loss of electricity, which National Weather Service, which issues weather can disable the warning capabilities of warnings and relays civil emergency messages television and the Internet.
    [Show full text]
  • News Release Ashland Police Department Douglas A
    News Release Ashland Police Department www.ashlandpolice.us Douglas A. Goodman, Chief Date: March 8, 2012 The Ashland Police Department would like to remind our citizens that March 20, 2012 has been proclaimed Tornado Preparedness Day by Governor Bob McDonnell. Recently in the news we have seen the tragedy caused by the outbreak of tornados in the mid west. Closer to home we are reminded about the devastation which was caused by tornados in Virginia in 2011. In an effort to educate the public about the dangers of tornados and the safety precautions we can take should a tornado affect our area, we are forwarding the Virginia Department of Emergency Management Press Release from the Governor’s Office. Please contact the Ashland Police Department at 412-0600 or visit http://www.vaemergency.gov for more information. GOVERNOR PROCLAIMS MARCH 20 AS TORNADO PREPAREDNESS DAY CITIZENS CAN PARTICIPATE IN STATEWIDE TORNADO DRILL RICHMOND, Va. – Last year, 51 tornadoes hit Virginia, the second highest number on record. To encourage tornado awareness and safety, Gov. Bob McDonnell has proclaimed March 20 as Tornado Preparedness Day in the commonwealth. “Tragically, many Virginia families and communities were affected by deadly tornadoes last year, and they continue to heal,” said Michael Cline, state coordinator for the Virginia Department of Emergency Management. “We cannot forget that 10 of our citizens died and more than 100 were injured. So it is critically important that we all know what to do when a tornado warning is issued.” On March 20, businesses and organizations, schools and colleges, and families and individuals are encouraged to practice taking cover from tornadoes by participating in the Statewide Tornado Drill, set for 9:45 a.m.
    [Show full text]
  • Noaa Weather Radio
    MO D AT SPH N ER A IC IC N A A D E M I C N O I S L T A R N A O T I I T O A N N U NOAA WEATHER RADIO . S E . C D R E E P M A M RT O On alert for all emergencies MENT OF C NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION • UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE aving lives is the focus of NOAA Weather Radio All travel easily (vacations, relocations) and will use the Hazards by providing immediate broadcasts of severe signal from a nearby transmitter. Sweather warnings and civil emergency messages and • Battery Backup: Ensures continued service during a giving those in harm’s way critical lead time to respond and loss of electricity, which can disable the warning remain safe. Broadcasts of tornado warnings, flood warnings, capabilities of television and the Internet. AMBER Alerts for child abductions, chemical spill messages • Customization: Most models featuring SAME (Specific and many other notifications, in addition to routine weather Area Message Encoding) technology can be pro- observations and forecasts, make NOAA Weather Radio an grammed to sound select alerts for select areas—in essential item for every home, business and public area. essence, broadcasting messages that only apply to the NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards, a component of the local area. nation's Emergency Alert System, is comprised of a nationwide • Accessories: Many radios allow customization for an network of more than 970 transmitters directly linked with one external antenna to improve reception; and for of the 123 local offices of NOAA’s National Weather Service, devices for the hearing or visually impaired, such as which issues weather warnings and relays civil emergency strobe lights, pagers, or bed shakers.
    [Show full text]
  • Severe Thunderstorm Information
    Severe Thunderstorm Information Information Courtesy of the National Weather Service Severe Thunderstorm Watch- Conditions are favorable for the development of severe weather including large hail and damaging winds. Severe thunderstorms sometimes do produce tornadoes. Watch the sky and listen to the radio or television for more information. Be prepared to take shelter. Severe Thunderstorm Warning- Damaging winds or large hail is imminent or occurring. These severe weather elements have been reported or radar indicated. Take shelter. Turn on a battery operated radio or television to receive warnings and severe weather statements. Tornado Warning- A tornado is imminent or occurring. A tornado has been reported or radar indicated. Turn on a battery operated radio or television to receive warnings and severe weather statements. Before Thunderstorms • Purchase a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio with battery backup and tone-alert feature, which automatically alerts you when a Watch or a Warning is issued. Know the county(s) in which you live and work. The National Weather Service use county names when watches, warning and advisories are issued and broadcast. New Specific Area Message Encoder (SAME) Weather Radio can be programmed to alarm only for a specific county or a group of adjacent counties. • Check the weather forecast before leaving for extended outdoor periods and postpone plans if severe weather is imminent. • Keep a list of emergency phone numbers. Teach children how and when to call 911 for emergency assistance. • Choose a friend or family member who lives out of the area for separated family members to call to report their whereabouts and conditions.
    [Show full text]
  • Listen to Local Media and NOAA Weather Radio for Possible Warnings
    Subscribe to emergency alert systems in your community. Police: Call 9-1-1 or Fire Dept.: Call 9-1-1 or NOAA Weather Radios provide weather warnings directly from the Ambulance: Call 9-1-1 or National Weather Service. Poison Control Center: 800-222-1222 Listen to local TV and radio stations for information and instructions. Other local numbers: Follow local emergency response agencies and media on social media. Listen to local media and NOAA Weather Radio for possible warnings. Be ready to take cover. Go to the lowest level of your building when a tornado warning is issued. Get in a closet, hallway or interior room without windows. Choose an interior hallway away from outside walls if you don’t have time to go to the lowest oor or if you are in a shopping mall or large open building such as a gym. Stay in your safe place until the tornado warning expires. Activate re alarms if they are nearby. Leave immediately and calmly. Test doors before opening. If a door is cool, open it slowly and leave. If it is hot, do not open it. Use a window or other exit to escape. Do not use elevators. Crawl low under any smoke to your exit. Stay out once you get out. Do not reenter. Call 9-1-1. Drop. Immediately drop to the ground where you are. Shaking may be so violent that you can’t run or crawl. Cover. Get under something heavy, such as a desk or table, away from large windows and mirrors. Cover your face and head with your arms.
    [Show full text]
  • Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week Is April 12-16
    For more information contact: Andrew Beckett Christine Bellport Office: (608) 242-3211 (608) 242-3239 Cell: (608) 572-6073 (608) 733-0322 For Immediate Release April 5, 2021 Wisconsin’s Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week is April 12-16 MADISON, Wis. – Gov. Tony Evers has declared April 12-16 Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week in Wisconsin, and ReadyWisconsin wants everyone to take time to talk about weather safety with their families. ReadyWisconsin, the National Weather Service (NWS), Wisconsin Broadcasters Association, and Wisconsin Emergency Alert System Committee also encourage everyone in the state to participate in statewide tornado drills on April 15. “Tornadoes and severe thunderstorms are a frequent weather threat across the state each year, and it’s important that people know what to do when the skies darken and warnings are issued,” said Dr. Darrell L. Williams, Wisconsin Emergency Management administrator. “During the statewide tornado drill, we ask everyone to practice their plan by going to their emergency shelter location.” Wisconsin averages 23 tornadoes annually. During the 2020 season, the NWS confirmed 20 tornadoes touched down in the state. While spring and summer are the most active time of the year for tornadoes, they can happen in any month. To stay safe from severe weather, ReadyWisconsin encourages people to do the following: • Create an emergency plan and practice it. Know where designated shelters are located at home, work, and school, and be ready to go there when a tornado warning is issued. • Have multiple ways to receive alerts about approaching severe weather. Outdoor warning sirens, a NOAA Weather Radio, local media, and smart phone apps are all important tools.
    [Show full text]
  • NOAA Weather Radio National Weather Service
    Facts About NOAA Weather Radio National Weather Service NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts NOAA’s National Weather Service warnings, watch- es, forecasts and non-weather hazard infor- NOAA Weather mation 24 hours a day. Radio Weather radios equipped with a special NOAA Broadcast alarm tone feature can sound an alert and give immediate information about a life- Frequencies (MHz) threatening situation. Weather Radio SAME (Specific Area Message Encoding) technology lets listeners pre-select the NO- Southeast Arizona AA’s National Weather Service and non- Transmitter Information weather alerts they want to receive, based “The Voice of NOAA’s on the county where they live. National Weather Call Sign Site Name Site Location Frequency Weather radios come in many sizes and with Service” WNG703 Nogales Crawford Hill 162.5 a variety of functions and costs; from simple, battery-operated portables, to CB KXI24 Safford Heliograph 165.55 radios, scanners, short wave sets, and in Peak some cars and TV’s. WXL30 Tucson Mt. Lemmon 162.4 Broadcast range from a NOAA Weather Radio transmitter is approximately 40 For transmitter locations and miles. frequencies nationwide visit: weather.gov/nwr/listocv.htm 520 N. Park Avenue Suite #304 Tucson, AZ 85719 Phone: 520-670-5156 Fax: 520-670-5167 [email protected] Where to get your NOAA NOAA Weather Weather Radio Radio (NWR) NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards transmitters broadcast on one of seven Specific Area Message VHF frequencies from 162.400 MHz to Encoder (SAME) 162.550 MHz. The broadcast cannot be NOAA Weather Radio (NWR) is a heard on a simple AM/FM radio receiver.
    [Show full text]