WX1BOX – Amateur Radio Station at NWS Boston/Norton

Special Announcement: SKYWARN Email List Issues Over the Past Year Will Be Addressed By the End of September 2024

July 22, 2024 Rob Macedo

Hello to all…

Please propagate widely to folks and we have posted this message at the top of our wx1box.org web site.

We have continued to receive a number of questions and problems with regard to our SKYWARN Announcement email list within the last few weeks and we wanted to provide an additional update. As stated previously, over the last year, we have had chronic email server issues with the SKYWARN Announcement list due to new spam prevention techniques launched by some of the larger email providers. At first, it was just Microsoft email addresses but it has now spread to Comcast and some gmail users as well.

Our email administrator, Phil McNamara, is looking to address the issue with a new email server that will have new hardware and software that should fix it completely by the end of September 2024. It has taken longer than expected due to unexpected technical glitches and vacation time of a key professional resource that has been assisting on the new email server software and hardware installation. We are sorry for the issues this causes you or others that are on the announcement email list that haven’t been receiving messages and how its extended into September. All our coordination messages for severe weather are posted via https://www.wx1box.org and via our Facebook and Twitter feeds under WX1BOX on social media until we address the email issues being seen and this has been a standard protocol for years so please look to these sources if you don’t see emails regarding severe weather potential until this problem is addressed.

We appreciate your understanding during this time and we will send an updated message once the enhancements are completed. Thanks to all for your support of the NWS Boston/Norton SKYWARN program and your support of Amateur Radio!

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
https://ares.ema.arrl.org
https://www.wx1box.org
Like us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wx1box
Follow us on Twitter – https://twitter.com/wx1box
Subscribe on YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@wx1box-nwsboston-amateur-radio

Uncategorized

Special Announcement: Amateur Radio Hurricane Nets Activating for Major Hurricane Milton and Florida Impacts

October 8, 2024 Rob Macedo

Hello to all…

The Amateur Radio VoIP Hurricane Net and Hurricane Watch Net will be active for Major Hurricane Milton and impacts on Florida. Details on their net activation plans can be seen at the following links:

VoIP Hurricane Net:
https://www.voipwx.net

Hurricane Watch Net:
https://www.hwn.org

For any SKYWARN Spotters and Amateur Radio Operators in our region who may have friends and family in the affected area and have the ability to provide surface weather or damage reports, pictures and videos, they can be passed via these nets, provided to WX1BOX Facebook and Twitter feeds or to the email address pics@nsradio.org

We hope everyone in the affected area stays safe as major Hurricane Milton, a potentially historical and catastrophic hurricane approaches west-central Florida through the East Florida coast.

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
https://ares.ema.arrl.org
https://www.wx1box.org
Like us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wx1box
Follow us on Twitter – https://twitter.com/wx1box
Subscribe on YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@wx1box-nwsboston-amateur-radio

Uncategorized

Storm Coordination Message #2 – Friday 9/20/24 Through Saturday 9/21/24 Coastal Storm Hazards

September 20, 2024 Rob Macedo

Hello to all…

..Stalled out Coastal Storm will bring beneficial rain possibly heavy at times to Southeast New England through part of Saturday, strong wind gusts up to around 40 MPH along the coast and particularly in Southeast Coastal New England and the potential for minor to isolated pockets of moderate coastal flooding focused on the Friday PM, and Saturday PM high tide cycles with more minor coastal flooding for the Friday Evening high tide..
..A Coastal Flood Advisory is now in effect from 11 AM to 6 PM Friday, 11 PM Friday Evening to 5 AM Saturday and 11 AM to 5 PM Saturday for East Coastal Massachusetts, Cape Cod and the Islands for minor to isolated pockets of moderate coastal flooding at the time of high tide with potential for road closures at the more vulnerable shore road locations. A High Surf Advisory remains in effect through Friday Evening 7 PM for Eastern Essex, Eastern Plymouth, Barnstable and Nantucket Counties of Massachusetts with a High Rip Current Risk through Friday Evening for South Coastal Rhode Island and Block Island RI..
..SKYWARN Self-Activation will monitor for rain gauge reports 1″ or more, any measured wind gusts 40 MPH or greater/wind damage reports and minor to moderate coastal flooding reports where Amateur Radio Nets maybe called up as needed for coastal flood reports. This will likely be the final coordination message for this storm system unless a significant update to the situation occurs and time allows for an update. Below is the NWS Boston/Norton Coastal Flood Advisory/High Surf Advisory Statement, Area Forecast Discussion and Enhanced Hazardous Weather Outlook..

NWS Boston/Norton Coastal Flood Advisory/High Surf Advisory Statement:
https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?site=NWS&issuedby=BOX&product=CFW&format=CI&version=1&glossary=1&highlight=off

NWS Boston/Norton Area Forecast Discussion:
https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?site=NWS&issuedby=BOX&product=AFD&format=CI&version=1&glossary=1&highlight=off

NWS Boston/Norton Enhanced Hazardous Weather Outlook:
https://www.weather.gov/erh/ghwo?wfo=box

Respectfully Submitted,

Uncategorized

Storm Coordination Message #1 – Thursday Evening 9/19/24 Through Saturday 9/21/24 Coastal Storm Hazards

September 19, 2024 Rob Macedo

Hello to all…

..Stalled out Coastal Storm will bring beneficial rain possibly heavy at times to Southeast New England through part of Saturday, strong wind gusts up to around 40 MPH along the coast and particularly in Southeast Coastal New England and the potential for minor to moderate coastal flooding focused on the Friday PM high tide cycle..
..A Coastal Flood Watch is now in effect from Friday Morning through Friday Afternoon for East Coastal Massachusetts, Cape Cod and the Islands for minor to moderate coastal flooding at the time of high tide with potential for road closures at the more vulnerable shore road locations. A High Surf Advisory is in effect from 7 AM to 7 PM for Eastern Essex, Eastern Plymouth, Barnstable and Nantucket Counties of Massachusetts with a High Rip Current Risk through Friday Evening for South Coastal Rhode Island and Block Island RI..
..SKYWARN Self-Activation will monitor for rain gauge reports 1″ or more, any measured wind gusts 40 MPH or greater/wind damage reports and minor to moderate coastal flooding reports where Amateur Radio Nets maybe called up as needed for coastal flood reports. Another coordination message will be posted by 900 AM Friday Morning. Below is the NWS Boston/Norton Coastal Flood Watch/High Surf Advisory Statement, Area Forecast Discussion and Enhanced Hazardous Weather Outlook..

NWS Boston/Norton Coastal Flood Watch/High Surf Advisory Statement:
https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?site=NWS&issuedby=BOX&product=CFW&format=CI&version=1&glossary=1&highlight=off

NWS Boston/Norton Area Forecast Discussion:
https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?site=NWS&issuedby=BOX&product=AFD&format=CI&version=1&glossary=1&highlight=off

NWS Boston/Norton Enhanced Hazardous Weather Outlook:
https://www.weather.gov/erh/ghwo?wfo=box

Respectfully Submitted,

Uncategorized

Severe Weather Coordination Message #2 – Monday 8/26/24 Late Morning through Early Evening Severe Weather/Flood Potential

August 26, 2024 Rob Macedo

Hello to all…

..Isolated to Scattered Strong to Severe Thunderstorms are likely for Monday from late morning to early evening from around 11 AM-9 PM EDT across much of Southern New England. Strong to damaging winds, hail, frequent lightning and heavy downpours leading to urban and poor drainage flooding are the main threats..
..The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has placed much of Southern New England in a slight risk for severe weather for Monday. Key factors will be heating and destabilization to take advantage of cold air aloft to offset relatively marginal/weak wind shear for strong to severe thunderstorm development which currently looks on track with strong heating and destabilization taking place..
..SKYWARN Self-Activation with Amateur Radio Net Call-Ups are likely today for the severe weather potential. Pictures and videos of storm damage, hail, flooding can be sent as a reply to this message, via our WX1BOX Facebook/Twitter feeds or via the email address pics@nsradio.org with credit given to the spotter unless otherwise indicated. This will be the only coordination message as we shift into operations mode. Below is the NWS Boston/Norton Area Forecast Discussion, Enhanced Hazardous Weather Outlook and SPC Day-1 Convective Outlook..

NWS Boston/Norton Area Forecast Discussion:
https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?site=NWS&issuedby=BOX&product=AFD&format=CI&version=1&glossary=1&highlight=off

NWS Boston/Norton Enhanced Hazardous Weather Outlook:
https://www.weather.gov/erh/ghwo?wfo=box

SPC Day-1 Convective Outlook:
https://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/day1otlk.html

Respectfully Submitted,

Uncategorized

Severe Weather Coordination Message #1 – Monday PM & Evening 8/26/24 Severe Weather/Flood Potential

August 26, 2024 Rob Macedo

Hello to all…

..Isolated to Scattered Strong to Severe Thunderstorms are possible for Monday from early afternoon to early evening from around 12-9 PM EDT across much of Southern New England. Strong to damaging winds, hail, frequent lightning and heavy downpours leading to urban and poor drainage flooding are the main threats..
..The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has placed much of Southern New England in a slight risk for severe weather for Monday. Key factors will be heating and destabilization to take advantage of cold air aloft to offset relatively marginal/weak wind shear for strong to severe thunderstorm development..
..SKYWARN Self-Activation with Amateur Radio Net Call-Ups are possible today for the severe weather potential. Pictures and videos of storm damage, hail, flooding can be sent as a reply to this message, via our WX1BOX Facebook/Twitter feeds or via the email address pics@nsradio.org with credit given to the spotter unless otherwise indicated. Another more complete coordination message will be posted by 11 AM Monday Morning. Below is the NWS Boston/Norton Area Forecast Discussion, Enhanced Hazardous Weather Outlook and SPC Day-2 Convective Outlook..

NWS Boston/Norton Area Forecast Discussion:
https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?site=NWS&issuedby=BOX&product=AFD&format=CI&version=1&glossary=1&highlight=off

NWS Boston/Norton Enhanced Hazardous Weather Outlook:
https://www.weather.gov/erh/ghwo?wfo=box

SPC Day-2 Convective Outlook:
https://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/archive/2024/day2otlk_20240825_1730.html

Respectfully Submitted,

Uncategorized

Severe Weather Coordination Message #1 – Monday PM & Evening – 8/19/24 Severe Weather/Flood Potential

August 19, 2024 Rob Macedo

Hello to all…

..Isolated to Scattered Strong to Severe Thunderstorms are possible this Monday Afternoon and Evening across much of Southern New England. Heavy downpours with urban/poor drainage flooding to flash flooding with frequent lightning are the main threats but strong to damaging winds and hail are secondary threat. The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has Western, Central and Northeast Mass, much of Rhode Island and Connecticut in a Marginal Risk for severe weather..
..The Weather Prediction Center (WPC) has placed Western Massachusetts and Western Connecticut in a slight risk for excessive rainfall with a marginal risk for excessive rainfall for much of the rest of Southern New England..
..SKYWARN Self-Activation with Amateur Radio Net Call-Ups are possible today for the severe weather potential. Pictures and videos of storm damage, hail, flooding can be sent as a reply to this message, via our WX1BOX Facebook/Twitter feeds or via the email address pics@nsradio.org with credit given to the spotter unless otherwise indicated. This will be the only coordination message on the Thursday severe weather potential. Below is the NWS Boston/Norton Area Forecast Discussion, Enhanced Hazardous Weather Outlook and SPC Day-1 Convective Outlook..

NWS Boston/Norton Area Forecast Discussion:
https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?site=NWS&issuedby=BOX&product=AFD&format=CI&version=1&glossary=1&highlight=off

NWS Boston/Norton Enhanced Hazardous Weather Outlook:
https://www.weather.gov/erh/ghwo?wfo=box

SPC Day-1 Convective Outlook:
https://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/day1otlk.html

WPC Day-1 Excessive Rainfall Outlook:
https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/qpf/excessive_rainfall_outlook_ero.php

Respectfully Submitted,

Uncategorized

Severe Weather Coordination Message #1 – Thursday PM & Evening Severe Weather Potential

August 15, 2024 Rob Macedo

Hello to all…

..Isolated to Scattered Strong to Severe Thunderstorms are possible for Thursday from mid-afternoon to early evening from around 3-9 PM EDT across much of interior Southern New England with areas of Central and Eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island the favorable area for these storms. Strong to damaging winds, hail, frequent lightning and heavy downpours leading to urban and poor drainage flooding are the main threats..
..The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has placed much of interior Southern New England in a marginal risk for severe weather for today. Key factors will be heating and destabilization to take advantage of cold air aloft to offset relatively marginal/weak wind shear for strong to severe thunderstorm development..
..SKYWARN Self-Activation with Amateur Radio Net Call-Ups are possible today for the severe weather potential. Pictures and videos of storm damage, hail, flooding can be sent as a reply to this message, via our WX1BOX Facebook/Twitter feeds or via the email address pics@nsradio.org with credit given to the spotter unless otherwise indicated. This will be the only coordination message on the Thursday severe weather potential. Below is the NWS Boston/Norton Area Forecast Discussion, Enhanced Hazardous Weather Outlook and SPC Day-1 Convective Outlook..

NWS Boston/Norton Area Forecast Discussion:
https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?site=NWS&issuedby=BOX&product=AFD&format=CI&version=1&glossary=1&highlight=off

NWS Boston/Norton Enhanced Hazardous Weather Outlook:
https://www.weather.gov/erh/ghwo?wfo=box

SPC Day-1 Convective Outlook:
https://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/day1otlk.html

Respectfully Submitted,

Uncategorized

Severe Weather Coordination Message #1 – Monday PM & Evening 8/12/24 Strong Thunderstorm Potential

August 12, 2024 Rob Macedo

Hello to all…

..Convective showers and isolated strong thunderstorms are possible this afternoon and evening across Southern New England this Monday afternoon and evening between around 1-8 PM. Strong winds, small hail, frequent lightning and brief heavy downpours with brief urban/poor drainage flooding are the main threats. While an isolated marginally severe thunderstorm cannot be ruled out completely, sub-severe criteria hail and strong winds are what most likely will occur today..
..SKYWARN Self-Activation will monitor for any hail, strong winds, wind damage, rain gauge reports in the region. This will be the only coordination message for this event. Pictures and videos of storm damage from the events over the next couple days or prior events in the previous two days can be sent as a reply to this message, via our WX1BOX Facebook and Twitter feeds and to the email address pics@nsradio.org with credit given to the spotter unless otherwise indicated. Below is the NWS Boston/Norton Area Forecast Discussion and Enhanced Hazardous Weather Outlook..

NWS Boston/Norton Area Forecast Discussion:
https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?site=NWS&issuedby=BOX&product=AFD&format=CI&version=1&glossary=1&highlight=off

NWS Boston/Norton Enhanced Hazardous Weather Outlook:
https://www.weather.gov/erh/ghwo?wfo=box

Respectfully Submitted,

Uncategorized

Severe Weather Coordination Message #2 – Friday PM 8/9/24 Through Early Saturday AM 8/10/24 – Severe Weather/Flood Potential

August 9, 2024 Rob Macedo

Hello to all…

..Isolated to Scattered Strong to Severe Thunderstorms remain possible in Western and Central Massachusetts and Western and Central Connecticut as the remnants of Debby passes to the west of the region. Strong to damaging winds, and heavy downpours leading to urban and poor drainage flooding are the main threats with an isolated weak tornado as a secondary threat with the threat timeframe around 3 PM Friday Afternoon through 1 AM Saturday Morning..
..The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has continued portions of Western/Central Massachusetts and Western/Central Connecticut in a marginal risk for severe weather..
..SKYWARN Self-Activation with Amateur Radio call-up nets will monitor the severe weather potential for late Friday Afternoon and Evening. Pictures and videos of storm damage from the events over the next couple days or prior events in the previous two days can be sent as a reply to this message, via our WX1BOX Facebook and Twitter feeds and to the email address pics@nsradio.org with credit given to the spotter unless otherwise indicated..

The remnants of Debby will pass well to the west of Southern New England Friday through Saturday Morning. This means widespread heavy rainfall and flooding is not expected in the region. That said, it puts Southern New England and in particular Western and Central Massachusetts and Western and Central Connecticut at risk for isolated to scattered strong to severe thunderstorms being on the east side of the remnant circulation of Debby. The headlines depict the current thinking. Key factors include:

1.) The conditional straightline wind damage and isolated tornado threat could affect a very localized, spotty area or areas within the severe weather risk area making any impacts hyper localized. In addition, any tornadic circulations maybe very brief or not detectable by radar so severe thunderstorm warnings with tornado possible tags may be utilized more ubiquitously for this event with tornado warnings issued for circulations that can be radar detected and seen for a period of time.
2.) Any flooding that occurs will be localized and typical of severe weather events we see over the course of the summer with urban and poor drainage areas at greatest risk
3.) There will be some general gusty winds of around 40 MPH in gusts with slightly higher gusts in the higher elevations and possibly at the coast that could cause isolated pockets of wind damage.

SKYWARN Self-Activation with Amateur Radio call-up nets will monitor the severe weather potential for late Friday Afternoon and Evening. Pictures and videos of storm damage from the events over the next couple days or prior events in the previous two days can be sent as a reply to this message, via our WX1BOX Facebook and Twitter feeds and to the email address pics@nsradio.org with credit given to the spotter unless otherwise indicated. This will be the last coordination message as we shift into operations mode. Below is the NWS Boston/Norton Area Forecast Discussion, Enhanced Hazardous Weather Outlook and SPC Day-1 Convective Outlook:

NWS Boston/Norton Area Forecast Discussion:
https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?site=NWS&issuedby=BOX&product=AFD&format=CI&version=1&glossary=1&highlight=off

NWS Boston/Norton Enhanced Hazardous Weather Outlook:
https://www.weather.gov/erh/ghwo?wfo=box

SPC Day-1 Convective Outlook:
https://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/day1otlk.html

Respectfully Submitted,

Uncategorized

Severe Weather Coordination Message #1 – Friday 8/9/24 Through Saturday AM 8/10/24 – Severe Weather/Flood Potential

August 9, 2024 Rob Macedo

Hello to all…

..Isolated to Scattered Strong to Severe Thunderstorms are possible in Western and Central Massachusetts and Western and Central Connecticut as the remnants of Debby passes to the west of the region. Strong to damaging winds, and heavy downpours leading to urban and poor drainage flooding are the main threats with an isolated weak tornado as a secondary threat with the threat timeframe around 3-11 PM Friday Afternoon and Evening..
..The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has placed portions of Western/Central Massachusetts and Western/Central Connecticut in a marginal risk for severe weather..
..SKYWARN Self-Activation with Amateur Radio call-up nets will monitor the severe weather potential for late Friday Afternoon and Evening. Pictures and videos of storm damage from the events over the next couple days or prior events in the previous two days can be sent as a reply to this message, via our WX1BOX Facebook and Twitter feeds and to the email address pics@nsradio.org with credit given to the spotter unless otherwise indicated..

SKYWARN Self-Activation with Amateur Radio call-up nets will monitor the severe weather potential for late Friday Afternoon and Evening. Pictures and videos of storm damage from the events over the next couple days or prior events in the previous two days can be sent as a reply to this message, via our WX1BOX Facebook and Twitter feeds and to the email address pics@nsradio.org with credit given to the spotter unless otherwise indicated. The next coordination message will be posted by 11 AM Friday Morning. Below is the NWS Boston/Norton Area Forecast Discussion, Enhanced Hazardous Weather Outlook and SPC Day-2 Convective Outlook:

NWS Boston/Norton Area Forecast Discussion:
https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?site=NWS&issuedby=BOX&product=AFD&format=CI&version=1&glossary=1&highlight=off

NWS Boston/Norton Enhanced Hazardous Weather Outlook:
https://www.weather.gov/erh/ghwo?wfo=box

SPC Day-2 Convective Outlook:
https://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/archive/2024/day2otlk_20240808_1730.html

Respectfully Submitted,

Uncategorized

1 2 3 … 204 »