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

[Greg Johnson]

Yes.  Someone could monitor watch/warnings and if one
came out could repeat the info to the net.  And
certainly could look at radar.  Sofar the best I have
found is weathertap.com.  It's a pay service, but it's
only like a few bucks a month.  Most of the time the
most helpful part of it is that it gives you the cloud
tops which are a very good indicator of where there is
lightning.  It's radar updates about 5 to 6 secs after
the NWS radar dish compltes one revolution.  They have
a really nice Java interface that lets you filter all
those little pixels of data to clear up the image when
needed.  It lets you zoom in, and overlay other
information including storm tracks.

Someone watching that could easily see where what was
at any time.  It even provides lightning data.  Only
thing they haven't added to the java yet I would like
to see is the lightning data and watch/warning boxes.
--- Gary Pearce KN4AQ <kn4aq at ipass.net> wrote:
> 
> 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
> 
> 
> 


=====
Greg Johnson (KG4AWG)
Amateur Radio Operator/WebMaser/Volunteer
----
I have 3 bibles for Internet Communications.
1. Merriam-Webster Online - http://www.m-w.com/dictionary.htm
2. Urban Legends and Folklore/Net Hoaxes - http://www.urbanlegends.about.com/science/urbanlegends/cs/nethoaxes/index.htm
3. The Core Rules of Netiquette - http://www.albion.com/netiquette/corerules.html

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