DOCSLIB.ORG

Guidelines on Weather Broadcasting and the Use of Radio for the Delivery of Weather Information

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Guidelines on Weather Broadcasting and the Use of Radio for the Delivery of Weather Information World Meteorological Organization GUIDELINES ON WEATHER BROADCASTING AND THE USE OF RADIO FOR THE DELIVERY OF WEATHER INFORMATION PWS-12 WMO/TD No. 1278 Lead author and coordinator of text: Gerald Fleming (Contributions by: Jon Gill, Samuel Muchemi,Ahmed H.M.Al-Harthy, Elena Cordoneanu,Aboul Aziz Diop, Claire Martin, Edwin Lai, Johan Groth, Stephen Palmer and Tanja Cegnar) Edited by: Haleh Kootval Cover design by: F.Decollogny © 2005, World Meteorological Organization WMO/TD No. 1278 NOTE The designations employed and the presentation of material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Secretariat of the World Meteorological Organization concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area, or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or bound- aries. It should be noted that this Report is not an official WMO Publication and has not been subjected to the Organization’s standard editorial procedures. The views expressed by individuals or group of experts and published in a WMO Technical Document, do not neces- sarily have the endorsement of the Organization. TABLE OF CONTENTS Page PART I: GUIDELINES ON WEATHER BROADCASTING . 1 CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION . 3 CHAPTER 2. BROADCAST METEOROLOGISTS . 4 CHAPTER 3. STRUCTURAL, CONTRACTUAL AND EDITORIAL CONSIDERATIONS . 5 3.1 NMHS ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS: . 5 3.2 UNDERSTANDING MEDIA EXPECTATIONS: . 6 3.3 TAILORING: . 6 3.4 EDITORIAL CONTROL OF THE FINAL DELIVERED PRODUCT: . 6 3.5 FRONTING THE BROADCAST: . 6 3.6 OVERALL AND FINAL APPEARANCE OF FORECAST PRODUCTS: . 6 3.7 TIMING AND LENGTH OF FORECAST PRODUCT: . 7 3.8 SPONSORSHIP: . 7 3.9 NEGOTIABLE CHANGES: . 7 CHAPTER 4. PRESENTING THE WEATHER – THE CHALLENGE . 8 CHAPTER 5. VISUALISING THE WEATHER STORY . .9 CHAPTER 6. EFFECTIVE USE OF LANGUAGE IN WEATHER BROADCASTING . 11 CHAPTER 7. DEVELOPING PERSONAL SKILLS IN TELEVISION WEATHER PRESENTING . 13 CHAPTER 8. ANATOMY OF A WEATHER BROADCAST . 16 8.1 THE INTRODUCTION . 16 8.2 THE PRESENT WEATHER . 16 8.3 THE FORECAST WEATHER . 16 8.3.1 SIGNIFICANT WEATHER: . 16 8.3.2 TEMPERATURES: . 17 8.3.3 WINDS: . 17 8.3.4 MARINE WEATHER: . 17 8.3.5 WEATHER AROUND THE WORLD: . 17 8.4 POSSIBLE ADDITIONAL ELEMENTS IN THE FORECAST PRESENTATION . 18 8.4.1 BIOMETEOROLOGY: . 18 8.4.2 ASTRONOMICAL INFORMATION: . 18 8.4.3 COMMUNICATION PLUS – EXTRA ELEMENTS TO BE CONSIDERED: . 18 8.4.4 DURATION OF WEATHER BULLETINS: . 19 8.4.5 SOME CONCLUDING POINTS: . 19 CHAPTER 9. COMMUNICATING UNCERTAINTY IN THE PRESENTATION OF WEATHER INFORMATION . 20 9.1 USER UNDERSTANDING . 20 9.2 DIFFERENT TYPES OF UNCERTAINTY INFORMATION: . 21 9.3 CONCLUDING POINTS: . 21 iv Contents Page CHAPTER 10. GUIDELINES ON DISSEMINATION TECHNOLOGY . 24 10.1 WEATHER GRAPHICS TECHNOLOGY AND INTERFACE . 24 10.1.1 TECHNOLOGY AS A TOOL – A BALANCE BETWEEN THE MESSAGE AND VISUALS:: . 24 10.1.2 USE OF GENERAL PURPOSE SOFTWARE PACKAGES AND THE RANGE OF CAPABILITY: . 24 10.1.3 A SIMPLE READY-TO-BROADCAST/PRINT PACKAGE FOR DEVELOPING NMHSS . 25 10.1.4 MORE SOPHISTICATED WEATHER GRAPHICS PACKAGES FOR MEDIA USE . 26 10.1.5 INTERNET RESOURCES WHICH MAY BE VALUABLE IN THE PREPARATION AND ENHANCEMENT OF WEATHER BROADCASTS. 26 10.1.6 INTERFACING WITH TELEVISION NETWORKS UNDER DIFFERENT WORKING ARRANGEMENTS . .27 10.2 EVOLVING AND EMERGING COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES . 27 10.2.1 MORE MOBILE / TIME-SPECIFIC / LOCATION-SPECIFIC PRODUCTS . 27 10.2.2 MORE MULTI-MEDIA / MULTI-LANGUAGE CHANNELS AND PERSONALISED / TAILOR-MADE DELIVERY . 27 10.2.3 IMPLICATIONS FOR THE DESIGN, PACKAGING AND DELIVERY OF WEATHER INFORMATION . .28 10.3 POOLING AND MOBILIZATION OF RESOURCES . 28 10.3.1 THE INGREDIENTS OF A GOOD WEATHER PROGRAMME . 28 10.3.2 CHALLENGES FOR NMHSs . 28 10.3.3 CHALLENGES FACING THE WMO COMMUNITY . 29 10.3.4 ALTERNATIVE RESOURCES . 30 PART II: GUIDELINES ON THE USE OF RADIO FOR THE DELIVERY OF WEATHER INFORMATION . 31 CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION . 33 CHAPTER 2. STATUS OF RADIO WEATHER REPORTING . 34 2.1 RADIO BROADCASTING . 34 2.2 WORKING RELATIONSHIP . 34 2.3 TRAINING CONSIDERATIONS . ..
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]