[Wakeares-list] Re: Skywarn Liaison for Public Service Events

[Gary Pearce KN4AQ]

SKYWARN Liaison for Public Service Events

I think this is a good idea, whether done formally through SKYWARN or just 
through an individual ham's somewhat remote participation in the 
event.  Maybe CCHH, RARS and other groups should include "weather monitor" 
in their list of volunteers so they get a definite commitment to cover the 
job, rather than include SKYWARN in the bureaucracy of scheduling a 
volunteer.  But the tactical callsign "SKYWARN" would sound impressive to 
the hams and event staff who hear the radio traffic.

I've done some weather-watching for public service events, and I can do 
more.  Time commitments to the Repeater Journal keep me away from most of 
the events, but that means I'm probably in the shack, on the computer, 
working on the Journal or another project.  It's easy to keep an eye on the 
radar now and then, and have the event activity on the radio.  The event 
repeater must be within range of my base station, of course.

I'd like to hear John K4JVP's thoughts on this, especially before calling 
anything "SKYWARN", and before initiating contact with NWS.  SKYWARN 
spotters aren't forecasters, but I think we can look at the radar and tell 
net control if there's a strong storm on the way, and about how long it 
might last.  If there is particularly active or potentially dangerous 
weather in the area, a report from NWS might be in order, if they're 
willing.  I suppose they get calls like that all the time.

73,
Gary KN4AQ

At 12:03 PM 7/12/2003 -0400, kg4cxy at bellsouth.net wrote:
>Greetings;
>
>Wanted to run an idea by the ARES group.  During the summer, its not
>uncommon to have transient Thunderstorms during the course of a Public
>Service event.  Unfortunately, those working Public Service events have
>limited ability to determine the severity and scope for onsetting
>weather.
>
>Weather can be a non-trivial issue for PS Event coordination.  While
>most hard-core athletic events will run irregardless of weather, many of
>the Charity walks & other events would appreciate real-time weather
>information.  Having this information allows them to make tactical
>adjustments to an ongoing event schedule, and if necessary the decision
>to cancel an event.  It also is valuable for the communications (HAMs)
>crew working the event as it allows us to make tactical adjustments to
>SAG patrols, stationary positions, (etc.).
>
>I would like to propose the following idea:  Would it be possible for
>Skywarn to provide a liaison for Public Service events?  A liaison would
>only be needed if there was a possibility of weather the day of the
>event, and ideally would be stationed near a PC for weather radar
>updates.  It wouldn't even have to be a full-time role.  A Liaison could
>check in with Net Control every hour or so if needed.  The rest of the
>time the Liaison could follow their daily routine...
>
>Thoughts?  Comments?  Flames?  Bring 'em on...
>
>Regards;
>
>Bill KG4CXY