KV4EOC

SKYWARN Severe Weather Net Guide Lines
This page is for Skywarn Team Training
Part 1, 2,3

This script is to be used when severe weather is approaching or has reached Volusia County. The script is divided into three parts. Part One is for use when the National Weather Service has issued a WATCH for severe weather and a Stand-By Net is needed. Part Two is for use when check-in's need to take place (Stand-By or Active nets). Part Three is a Directed and Restricted Only for spotters and emergency or priority traffic use when there is an active WARNING for severe weather approaching or inside Volusia County

The general rule is that a net will be initiated anytime a NWS Watch or Warning is issued. Nets operated during WATCHES will be standby nets, with periodic announcements from Net Control regarding the current situation. When a WARNING is issued, the net will go active, take check-ins from spotters and receive severe weather reports.

The Volusia County ARES EC (Jim Jaeger, KO4KUS) should be notified immediately for any type of SkyWarn net activated either, email or phone. If possible, a member of the leadership team should be available to help with any SkyWarn activations.
Team Leader: N4DAL “DANIEL “Email:wanofwonder@yahoo.com

Operation Notes:

• If the net is in WATCH status and it appears that severe weather will reach the county in the immediate future, Net Control should consider beginning a spotter check-in process to determine which stations might already be available and moving into position to spot.
• Net Control stations should have NWS Radar, NWS Chat and Volusia County ARES Radio, APRS access available at their station or work in close cooperation with someone who does have the tools. An Alternate Net Control should be recruited / identified while the net is in Stand-By mode if possible.
• Net Control stations should remember to conduct regular safety/status checks, especially with mobile spotters. Where possible, check on mobile spotters every 15-20 minutes.
• During active weather situations remember to properly identify yourself (this is <name> , Net Control <your callsign> for Volusia County ARES), the repeater being used and that a controlled, directed, Restricted SkyWarn Net is currently active. Encourage all traffic to be kept short so the repeater is available for emergency traffic checks.

(Remind all stations that) we will take severe weather reports only from currently NWS certified spotters. Severe weather reports accepted will be regarding:

Reportable Criteria

• Winds of 50+ mph measured or estimated
• Any wind damage to trees or structures
• Observation of tornado /funnel cloud/waterspout
• Hail greater than pea size (i.e., dime size or larger
• Rainfall of 3” within an hour
• Roadway flooding causing impassible or nearly impassible conditions
• Rising of water approaching entry to homes and/business