![\"\"](\"https:\/\/tristatesarc.com\/club\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/ares_cl.jpg\")
<\/a>ARES or Amateur Radio Emergency Services<\/a><\/span><\/strong>, is Amateur radio operators use their training, skills, and equipment to provide communications during emergencies When All Else Fails\u00ae<\/sup>. \u00a0Hams serve our communities when storms or other disasters damage critical communication infrastructure, including cell towers, and wired and wireless networks. Amateur radio can function completely independently of the internet and phone systems.\u00a0 An amateur radio station can be set up almost anywhere in minutes.\u00a0 Hams can quickly raise a wire antenna in a tree or on a mast, connect it to a radio and power source, and communicate effectively with others.<\/p>\nARES membership requirements are roughly the same in any given geographic area.\u00a0 Since our club is based in Georgia, that is what we will speak to here.\u00a0 The Walker county GA ARES net is held every Tuesday evening at 1930 eastern time on the W4GTA 145.350 (minus offset \/ 100.0hz tone) repeater.\u00a0 It is also available on the N4LMC 146.640 (minus offset \/ 146.2 tone) repeater, as well as Allstar #46331, Echolink #9058, Amateur Wire ext 90013, HAMs Over IP ext 15014.<\/p>\n
Every licensed amateur, regardless of membership in ARRL or any other local or national organization is eligible to apply for membership in ARES.\u00a0 Training may be required or desired to participate fully in ARES.\u00a0 Please inquire at the local level for specific information.\u00a0 Because ARES is an Amateur Radio program, only licensed radio amateurs are eligible for membership.\u00a0 The possession of emergency-powered equipment is desirable, but is not a requirement for membership.\u00a0 Click the link above for the GA ARES website.<\/p>\n
Other ARES nets for various surrounding GA counties are as follows<\/strong>:<\/h3>\n\n- Catoosa County, GA – Thursday at 1930 eastern time on the W4GTA 145.350 (minus offset \/ 100.0hz tone) repeater and are also available on the N4LMC 146.640 (minus offset \/ 146.2 tone) repeater, as well as Allstar #46331, Echolink #9058, Amateur Wire ext 90013, HAMs Over IP ext 15014.<\/li>\n
- Chattooga County, GA – Thursday at 1730 eastern time on the KK4QWH 147.225 (plus offset \/ 100.0hz tone) repeater.<\/li>\n
- Dade County, GA – Thursday at 2000 eastern time on the K4SOD 146.760 (minus offset \/ 141.3hz tone) repeater.<\/li>\n
- Whitfield \/ Murray County, GA – Thursday at 2100 eastern time on the N4BZJ 147.135 (minus offset \/ 141.3hz tone) repeater and are also available on the N4LMC 146.640 (minus offset \/ 146.2 tone) repeater, as well as Allstar #510135, Echolink #780688, Amateur Wire ext 90015, HAMs Over IP ext 15022.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/tristatesarc.com\/club\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/SkywarnLogoTxtOutln2.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\nIn most years, thunderstorms, tornadoes and lightning cause hundreds of injuries and deaths and billions in property and crop damages.\u00a0 To obtain critical weather information, the National Weather Service (NWS) established SKYWARN with partner organizations.\u00a0 SKYWARN is a volunteer program with between 350,000 and 400,000 trained severe weather spotters.\u00a0 These volunteers help keep their local communities safe by providing timely and accurate reports of severe weather to the National Weather Service.<\/p>\n
Although SKYWARN spotters provide essential information for all types of weather hazards, the focus is reporting on severe local thunderstorms.\u00a0 In an average year, the United States experiences more than 10,000 severe thunderstorms, 5,000 floods and more than 1,000 tornadoes.<\/p>\n
Skywarn nets are created as the weather warrants.\u00a0 Skywarn nets are held on the W4GTA 145.350 (minus offset \/ 100.0hz tone) repeater and are also available on the N4LMC 146.640 (minus offset \/ 146.2 tone) repeater, as well as Echolink #9058, Allstar #46331, HAMs Over IP ext 15014.<\/p>\n
Who is eligible and how do I get started? <\/strong><\/h3>\nNWS encourages anyone with an interest in public service to join the SKYWARN program. Volunteers include police and fire personnel, dispatchers, EMS workers, public utility workers and other concerned private citizens. Individuals affiliated with hospitals, schools, churches and nursing homes or who have a responsibility for protecting others are encouraged to become a spotter. Ready to learn more? Find a class in your area<\/a><\/span><\/strong>. Training is free and typically lasts about 2 hours. You’ll learn:<\/p>\n\n- Basics of thunderstorm development<\/li>\n
- Fundamentals of storm structure<\/li>\n
- Identifying potential severe weather features<\/li>\n
- Information to report<\/li>\n
- How to report information<\/li>\n
- Basic severe weather safety<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Condition Alert Meanings<\/h3>\n\n- Condition Yellow:<\/strong> is standby status: severe weather is possible<\/li>\n
- Condition Orange:<\/strong> is active status: severe weather is present<\/li>\n
- Condition Red:<\/strong> is emergency status: state of emergency<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\nDO NOT ASSUME OTHERS HAVE ALREADY REPORTED THE SEVERE WEATHER <\/strong>YOU ARE SEEING!\u00a0\u00a0 REPORT IT<\/u>!<\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/h3>\nNet Activations\u2014Informational, Informal, Formal<\/strong><\/h3>\nEvery effort is made to avoid interfering with QSO’s & nets on repeaters.\u00a0\u00a0You may hear periodic NWS warning or advisory announcements. This does not mean the system is in a net mode.\u00a0 If an informational, informal, or formal net is activated, it will be announced periodically. If you aren\u2019t sure, simply call out and ask.<\/p>\n
\n- Informational<\/strong>, no net is yet activated. NWS announcements air as needed and there may be weather conversations.\u00a0 The repeaters operate normally.\u00a0 Upon actual SkyWarn net activation, the net may be set to an informal or a directed net.<\/li>\n
- Informal Nets<\/strong> are most common.\u00a0 A Net Coordinator will be present.\u00a0 The net is open for all weather use and station-to-station traffic.\u00a0 We ask that you keep transmissions short so that net control can break in if \/ when needed.\u00a0 Severe announcements take place, along with heads-ups on developments, and periodic conversations about events. Leave at least 3-5 seconds between transmissions for priority traffic to break in.\u00a0 End each transmission with your callsign.<\/li>\n
- Formal, Directed Nets<\/strong> are used during significant, widespread severe weather.\u00a0 During directed nets, all communications must be passed through the Net Control Station. Traffic will usually be limited to priority and severe reports, severe observations, and Warnings information.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Always adhere to guidance from Network Control or NC<\/u>. All amateur radio operators across the Georgia, Tennessee and Alabama area are encouraged to participate.\u00a0 Ask questions, report observations, and further your understanding of severe weather.<\/p>\nSevere Weather Net Operating Procedure<\/strong><\/h3>\nWhen checking in to a net, please do the following:<\/p>\n
\n- Clearly state your callsign twice, at least once using standard ITU phonetics<\/u>.<\/li>\n
- NWS Spotter Number if you have one.<\/li>\n
- Location\u2014current and anticipated.<\/li>\n
- Clear every<\/u> transmission with your callsign.<\/li>\n
- Allow 3-5 seconds between transmissions for priority to break-in.<\/li>\n
- Advise net control of all location changes.<\/li>\n
- Net control may come back with needed clarification and \/ or questions, be ready!<\/li>\n
- ALWAYS advise net control when you are checking out of the net, arriving at home, or QRT!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Reporting Criteria<\/strong><\/h3>\nNet Control is your guide as to what or what not to report.\u00a0 This depends on severe the storm and scope, magnitude, and the amount of traffic in the area.\u00a0 Usually, reports are limited to NWS Severe Thresholds.\u00a0 Listen carefully to Net Control for guidance. Too many non-severe reports can unnecessarily overload communications<\/em>.<\/strong><\/p>\nYOUR REPORT MUST INCLUDE:<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n- Event \u2018Name\u2019 (e.g., Hail, Rotating Wall Cloud, Funnel Cloud, Straight-line Wind)<\/li>\n
- Current location<\/li>\n
- Event Location, (advise if estimated) e.g., street \/ road intersections, mile markers, miles & direction from a known locality<\/li>\n
- County and state<\/u> in which event is located, this is VERY important<\/u><\/li>\n
- Description\u2014brief but concise, lose adjectives whenever possible<\/li>\n
- Clear with your callsign and wait to confirm acknowledgement from the net control.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Sometimes, criteria may be modified by NWS based on need.\u00a0 NWS may want hail reports to as small as 1\/4\u201d including fall field depth, instead of the usual size of 0.75\u201d and larger.<\/p>\n
What to Report to Severe Weather Net Control<\/strong><\/h3>\nGather your thoughts. When in doubt, wait and observe for another few moments<\/em><\/p>\n\n- Tornadoes<\/strong>, high wind gusts or high sustained winds \u2014 confirm that a tornado formation is on the ground<\/li>\n
- Funnel cloud\/condensation funnel<\/strong>, look carefully at surface<\/u> for dust\/debris<\/li>\n
- Wall Clouds<\/strong> may be very slowly rotating. Should be attached to cloud base in or near the clear slot, away from rain shaft. Scud\u2014ragged clouds detached from the storm base\u2014are tricky. If they\u2019re very near or under a wall cloud, then watch closely and we need to discuss because they may be part of a somewhat invisible, possibly weak, rotation.<\/li>\n
- Micro & Macro (large) downbursts<\/strong>, look for rain\/dust spreading away at surface<\/li>\n
- Damaging straight-line winds<\/strong> blowing down trees and power lines, damaging buildings (see wind speed estimation below<\/em>). Handheld anemometer measurements are best.<\/li>\n
- Hail<\/strong>, usually 0.75\u201d largest side (1\u201d+ is severe) (see hail reporting graphic below)<\/li>\n
- Rain Rates,<\/strong> 1\u201d\/hr urban, 1.5\u201d\/hr rural<\/li>\n
- Flooding<\/strong> of rivers, creeks, drainages, homes, buildings, roadways<\/li>\n
- Whiteout snow conditions<\/strong> with visibility less than 0.5 miles<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
In the case of roadway flooding that is a danger to traffic, first call 911.\u00a0 Then, report the heads-up to net control, clearly stating that you have reported to 911<\/u>. Net control will relay the heads-up to NWS.\u00a0 Some NWS offices want road flooding reported only to emergency management which, in turn, relays the report to them.<\/em><\/p>\nParticipants are encouraged to share reports of the severity they\u2019re observing.\u00a0 However, exclude reports such as \u2018light rain\u2019 or \u2018it\u2019s clear here\u2019 unless called for.\u00a0 Always be ready to give an estimate of direction and distance of the event from your location.\u00a0 If you\u2019re uncertain of the severity, please state that to net control.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\nWhat to Report to 911<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n- Traffic accidents<\/strong> due to severe weather<\/li>\n
- Dangerous road conditions<\/strong> due to severe weather, including flooding.\u00a0 Let net control\u00a0 know afterward, clearly stating that you have already reported this to 911<\/u><\/em><\/li>\n
- Structural damage<\/strong> due to severe weather<\/li>\n
- Downed power lines and poles<\/strong> anywhere<\/li>\n
- Any life threatening event<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\nGeneral Severe Warnings, Thresholds and Measurements<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n- Blizzard<\/strong>: winds sustained 35+mph, or frequent gusts to 35+; blowing snow and visibility <1\/4mi, all for 3 or more hours.<\/li>\n
- Flash Flood<\/strong>: Short duration (usually <6hrs), sudden, intense flooding.<\/li>\n
- Flood or Areal Flood<\/strong>: Longer (often many hrs), more gradual flooding after excessive rainfall or snowmelt; usually prolonged river\/stream flooding.<\/li>\n
- Funnel Cloud<\/strong>: Tightly rotating column of air attached to a thunderstorm but NOT in contact with ground.\u00a0 Requires careful observation of surface beneath, since may be invisible near surface.\u00a0 Normally prompts Warning.<\/li>\n
- Heavy rain<\/strong>: reportable at 1\u201d per hour or greater.\u00a0 Often coupled with thunderstorm parameters above to define severe.<\/li>\n
- High Straight-line Wind<\/strong>: sustained at 50+mph for 1+ hrs, or gusts at 58+mph for any duration.<\/li>\n
- Ice Storm<\/strong>: any freezing rain event.<\/li>\n
- Red Flag<\/strong>: Critical fuels paired with winds (sustained or gusting) >25mph with humidity <15% or critical fuels paired with widely scattered dry thunderstorms.\u00a0 Often initiates a Dry Thunderstorm Fire Risk advisory.<\/li>\n
- Severe Thunderstorm<\/strong>: hail 1\u201d or greater with winds 58mph or greater.<\/li>\n
- Snow Squall<\/strong>: Visibility 1\/4mi or less with sub-freezing road temperatures or flash-freezing with significant reduction in visibility from falling and\/or blowing snow.<\/li>\n
- Tornado<\/strong>: Tightly rotating column of air attached to a thunderstorm cloud AND in contact with the ground.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Wind Speed Estimation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Less than 1 mph<\/strong> \u2013 Smoke rises vertically<\/li>\n
- 1-3 mph<\/strong> \u2013 Light Air Movement \u2013 Smoke drift indicates wind direction, still wind vanes<\/li>\n
- 4-7 mph<\/strong> \u2013 Light Breeze \u2013 Wind felt on face, leaves rustle, vanes begin to move<\/li>\n
- 8-12 mph<\/strong> \u2013 Leaves and small twigs constantly moving, light flags extended<\/li>\n
- 13-18 mph<\/strong> \u2013 Moderate Breeze \u2013 Dust, leaves, loose paper lifted, small branches move<\/li>\n
- 19-24 mph<\/strong> \u2013 Fresh Breeze \u2013 Small trees in leaf begin to sway<\/li>\n
- 25-31 mph<\/strong> \u2013 Strong Breeze \u2013 Larger tree branches moving, whistling in wires<\/li>\n
- 32-38 mph<\/strong> \u2013 Near Gale \u2013 Whole trees moving, resistance felt walking against wind<\/li>\n
- 39-46 mph<\/strong> \u2013 Gale \u2013 Twigs breaking off trees, generally impedes progress<\/li>\n
- 47-54\u00a0mph<\/strong> \u2013 Strong Gale \u2013 Slight structural damage; shingles may lift off roofs<\/li>\n
- 55-63 mph<\/strong> \u2013 Storm force \u2013 Trees broken or uprooted, considerable structural damage<\/li>\n
- 58+ mph (60 knots) is severe threshold<\/strong><\/li>\n
- 64-72+ mph<\/strong> \u2013 Violent storm force \u2013 Widespread tree and structural damage<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Hail <\/strong>Measurement<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n
In most years, thunderstorms, tornadoes and lightning cause hundreds of injuries and deaths and billions in property and crop damages.\u00a0 To obtain critical weather information, the National Weather Service (NWS) established SKYWARN with partner organizations.\u00a0 SKYWARN is a volunteer program with between 350,000 and 400,000 trained severe weather spotters.\u00a0 These volunteers help keep their local communities safe by providing timely and accurate reports of severe weather to the National Weather Service.<\/p>\n Although SKYWARN spotters provide essential information for all types of weather hazards, the focus is reporting on severe local thunderstorms.\u00a0 In an average year, the United States experiences more than 10,000 severe thunderstorms, 5,000 floods and more than 1,000 tornadoes.<\/p>\n Skywarn nets are created as the weather warrants.\u00a0 Skywarn nets are held on the W4GTA 145.350 (minus offset \/ 100.0hz tone) repeater and are also available on the N4LMC 146.640 (minus offset \/ 146.2 tone) repeater, as well as Echolink #9058, Allstar #46331, HAMs Over IP ext 15014.<\/p>\n NWS encourages anyone with an interest in public service to join the SKYWARN program. Volunteers include police and fire personnel, dispatchers, EMS workers, public utility workers and other concerned private citizens. Individuals affiliated with hospitals, schools, churches and nursing homes or who have a responsibility for protecting others are encouraged to become a spotter. Ready to learn more? Find a class in your area<\/a><\/span><\/strong>. Training is free and typically lasts about 2 hours. You’ll learn:<\/p>\n Every effort is made to avoid interfering with QSO’s & nets on repeaters.\u00a0\u00a0You may hear periodic NWS warning or advisory announcements. This does not mean the system is in a net mode.\u00a0 If an informational, informal, or formal net is activated, it will be announced periodically. If you aren\u2019t sure, simply call out and ask.<\/p>\n Always adhere to guidance from Network Control or NC<\/u>. All amateur radio operators across the Georgia, Tennessee and Alabama area are encouraged to participate.\u00a0 Ask questions, report observations, and further your understanding of severe weather.<\/p>\n When checking in to a net, please do the following:<\/p>\n Net Control is your guide as to what or what not to report.\u00a0 This depends on severe the storm and scope, magnitude, and the amount of traffic in the area.\u00a0 Usually, reports are limited to NWS Severe Thresholds.\u00a0 Listen carefully to Net Control for guidance. Too many non-severe reports can unnecessarily overload communications<\/em>.<\/strong><\/p>\n Sometimes, criteria may be modified by NWS based on need.\u00a0 NWS may want hail reports to as small as 1\/4\u201d including fall field depth, instead of the usual size of 0.75\u201d and larger.<\/p>\n Gather your thoughts. When in doubt, wait and observe for another few moments<\/em><\/p>\n In the case of roadway flooding that is a danger to traffic, first call 911.\u00a0 Then, report the heads-up to net control, clearly stating that you have reported to 911<\/u>. Net control will relay the heads-up to NWS.\u00a0 Some NWS offices want road flooding reported only to emergency management which, in turn, relays the report to them.<\/em><\/p>\n Participants are encouraged to share reports of the severity they\u2019re observing.\u00a0 However, exclude reports such as \u2018light rain\u2019 or \u2018it\u2019s clear here\u2019 unless called for.\u00a0 Always be ready to give an estimate of direction and distance of the event from your location.\u00a0 If you\u2019re uncertain of the severity, please state that to net control.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Wind Speed Estimation<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\nWho is eligible and how do I get started? <\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n
Condition Alert Meanings<\/h3>\n
\n
\nDO NOT ASSUME OTHERS HAVE ALREADY REPORTED THE SEVERE WEATHER <\/strong>YOU ARE SEEING!\u00a0\u00a0 REPORT IT<\/u>!<\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/h3>\n
Net Activations\u2014Informational, Informal, Formal<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n
Severe Weather Net Operating Procedure<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n
Reporting Criteria<\/strong><\/h3>\n
YOUR REPORT MUST INCLUDE:<\/strong><\/h5>\n
\n
What to Report to Severe Weather Net Control<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n
What to Report to 911<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n
\nGeneral Severe Warnings, Thresholds and Measurements<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n
\n
Hail <\/strong>Measurement<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/tristatesarc.com\/club\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Hail.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/tristatesarc.com\/club\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Winter.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n