June 2012

NWS Taunton Public Information Statements for Lightning Safety Preparedness Week – Monday 6/25/12 through Friday 6/29/12

June 29, 2012 Rob Macedo Leave a comment

Hello to all..

The week of June 25th through June 29th, 2012 is Lightning Safety Preparedness Week for the NWS Taunton Coverage area. The NWS Taunton Forecast Office has issued 5 Lightning Safety Preparedness Week Public Information Statements to cover various safety rules for lightning. Below are the NWS Taunton Public Information Statements regarding Lightning Safety Preparedness Week:

http://beta.wx1box.org/local/pns_lightning_safety_2012.txt

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)
Work Phone #: 508-346-2929 (8 AM-5 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
http://ares.ema.arrl.org
http://beta.wx1box.org

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Severe Weather Coordination Message #1 – Monday June 25th, 2012 – Severe Weather Potential

June 25, 2012 Rob Macedo Leave a comment

Hello to all..

..SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Taunton will commence around 800 AM as Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued for Connecticut through 200 PM today..
..Isolated to Scattered Strong to Severe Thunderstorms likely in Connecticut and could potentially extend into Rhode Island and portions of Southeast and Eastern Massachusetts later this morning into this afternoon, damaging winds, large hail, and urban/poor drainage flooding are the main threats..
..Threat timeframe will be from 800-1100 AM this morning across Connecticut with the threat in eastern areas after 11 AM or Noon today. This will be the only coordination message on today’s severe weather threat. Below is the SPC Day-1 Convective Outlook and Severe Thunderstorm Watch Statement and NWS Taunton County Watch Outline and Hazardous Weather Outlook..

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

SPC Severe Thunderstorm Watch Statement:
http://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/watch/ww0425.html

NWS Taunton County Watch Outline:
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.wwus61.KBOX.html

NWS Taunton Hazardous Weather Outlook:
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.flus41.KBOX.html

Respectfully Submitted,

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Amateur Radio Field Day/Severe Weather Coordination Message #5 – Saturday June 23rd-Sunday June 24th, 2012 – Final Update

June 23, 2012 Rob Macedo Leave a comment

Hello to all..

..The following is the fifth and final message in a series of messages on Amateur Radio Field Day Weekend and providing information on severe weather potential during this period..
..Another round of Isolated to scattered strong to severe thunderstorms are possible to likely Saturday Afternoon into early evening with damaging winds, large hail, and urban/poor drainage flooding as the main threats as a cyclonic flow with cooler temperatures aloft and strong winds aloft set the stage for another round of activity. The greatest risk is over Central and Eastern Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Northeast Connecticut but all areas should monitor. The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) and NWS Taunton are in agreement on this severe weather threat. SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Taunton will commence at Noon today with storm initiation expected between 1-3 PM this afternoon..
..Friday brought isolated to scattered strong to severe thunderstorms over portions of Connecticut, Rhode Island and East-Central Massachusetts. The Local Storm Report and Public Information Statement on Friday’s storms events are posted..
..As we get into Saturday Night and Sunday, temperatures and humidity will be pleasant with lows in the 50’s to lower 60’s and highs Sunday in the 70s to lower 80s. The next threat of another round of showers and thunderstorms will be after Amateur Radio Field Day is completed and sites have taken down their antennas and equipment..
..Amateur Radio Field Day Weekend is an annual event where Ham Operators across the United States setup at Emergency Operations Centers, field locations, home locations etc. to operate and test their equipment and skills and make as many radio contacts as possible during the weekend. Many locations can be visited by the public and Amateur Radio Field Day can be a form of outreach to Ham and non-Ham Operators. It is also noted that several states have given proclamations to Amateur Radio/Ham Radio Operators for either an ‘Amateur Radio Week’ during the month of June or ‘Amateur Radio Month’ for this month. It is both a fun/preparatory event for Ham Radio Operators for Emergency Communications scenarios..
..As have been done over the past 10 plus years, this will be the first in a series of Severe Weather/Amateur Radio Field Day Coordination Messages to pass instructions to Amateur Radio Field Day sites on what to do if threatening weather approaches and to have Field Day sites guard their SKYWARN repeaters as required if threatening weather approaches..
.Unlike past years, Amateur Radio Field Day Weekend doesn’t coinicide with Lightning Awareness Week so lightning safety information from NOAA’s Lightning Safety web site has been posted for awareness for all Amateur Radio Field Day Sites..

There are a large number of Amateur Radio Field Day sites across the NWS Taunton County Warning Area and adjacent NWS County Warning Areas. Here are some links to information on these Amateur Radio Field Day Sites from across the region

Amateur Radio Field Day Information: http://www.arrl.org/field-day

Amateur Radio Field Day National Locator: http://www.arrl.org/field-day-locator

Eastern Massachusetts Field Day Home Page: http://fd.ema.arrl.org/

If there is additional Amateur Radio Field Day information that you would like to appear in these coordination messages, please contact me and I will add it to this section of the Amateur Radio Field Day Coordination Message.

Friday brought hot and humid conditions with isolated to scattered strong to severe thunderstorms causing pockets of wind damage, flooding, large hail and damage from lightning strikes across portions of the region. The Cape Ann Amateur Radio Association Club in Gloucester, Massachusetts lost 2 large tents in strong thunderstorm wind gusts measured at 43 MPH at the Gloucester Marina and 60 MPH in the Pebble Beach area of Rockport, Massachusetts. The Local Storm Report and Public Information Statement for these events are listed at the following links:

NWS Taunton Local Storm Report:
http://kamala.cod.edu/offs/KBOX/1206230135.nwus51.html

NWS Taunton Public Information Statement – Rainfall Reports:
http://kamala.cod.edu/offs/KBOX/1206230141.nous41.html

Reviewing latest radar and satellite imagery as of 915 AM Saturday Morning showed showers over the Metro Boston area and South Shore moving offshore with rapid clearing over Eastern New York and breaks into Western and Central New England. This will move over the remainder of the region allowing for sunshine and destablization of the atmosphere. An impulse will move into the area this afternoon and with the cooling aloft, increasing wind shear aloft and heating to allow for instability that could set the stage for another round of isolated to scattered strong to severe thunderstorms with damaging winds, large hail and urban and poor drainage flooding as the main threats over portions of Southern New England. The greatest threat area appears to be in Central and Eastern Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Northeast Connecticut but all areas should monitor the situation. Activity will start in the 1-3 PM timeframe lasting through early evening. SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Taunton will commence at Noon today. Temperatures are expected to be in the low to mid 80s Saturday. While it won’t be as warm as past days, please use caution in the warm conditions and the link to heat safety is listed below:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/os/heat/index.shtml

Amateur Radio Field Day sites active on Saturday should use caution and keep an eye to the sky and monitor their local SKYWARN Repeater, NOAA Weather Radio or weather information via Internet and media resources to guard against safety issues if thunderstorms, even if they are non-severe, occur in the region due to the potential lightning risk on radio equipment and antennas. Proper grouding of antennas is essential to help reduce any risk from lightning. Below is the NWS Taunton Hazardous Weather Outlook, SPC Day-1 Convective Outlook and the link for lightning safety awareness information:

NWS Taunton Hazardous Weather Outlook: http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.flus41.KBOX.html

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

NWS Lightning Safety Awareness Home Page: http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/

Field Day sites are encouraged to bring a NOAA All-Hazards Weather Radio and a dedicated Ham Radio that can monitor their local SKYWARN Frequency for their area or if they have mobile Internet capability, that is also a way to monitor for weather information if thunderstorms, even that are non-severe, approach your area. With Mobile Internet capability, utilizing Echolink to monitor the New England Reflector system on Echolink Conference Node: 9123/IRLP 9123 would be helpful. Please see the link below for the latest SKYWARN Frequency information for the region:

http://beta.wx1box.org/node/37

As we get into Saturday Night and Sunday, the threat for severe weather and thunderstorms will have passed and pleasant weather conditions with low temperatures in the 50’s to lower 60’s Saturday Night and highs Sunday in the 70’s to lower 80’s with sunshine and less humidity. The next storm system bringing another round of showers and thunderstorms will not affect the region until late Sunday Night and Monday after Field Day and takedown of Field Day equipment is completed.

This will be the last coordination message for Amateur Radio Field Day Weeekend as we move to NWS Taunton SKYWARN Operations mode for Saturday and there will be no further severe weather threats beyond this Saturday Afternoon and early Evening.

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator
Pager #: (508) 354-3142
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Work Phone #: 1-800-445-2588 Ext.: 72929 (8 AM-5 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
http://ares.ema.arrl.org
http://beta.wx1box.org

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Amateur Radio Field Day/Severe Weather Coordination Message #4 – Saturday June 23rd-Sunday June 24th, 2012

June 23, 2012 Rob Macedo Leave a comment

Hello to all..

..The following is the fourth in a series of messages on Amateur Radio Field Day Weekend and providing information on severe weather potential during this period..
..Another round of Isolated to scattered strong to severe thunderstorms are possible to likely Saturday Afternoon into early evening with damaging winds, large hail, and urban/poor drainage flooding as the main threats as a cyclonic flow with cooler temperatures aloft and strong winds aloft set the stage for another round of activity. The greatest risk is over Central and Eastern Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Northeast Connecticut but all areas should monitor. SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Taunton are likely Saturday Afternoon and Evening..
..Friday brought isolated to scattered strong to severe thunderstorms over portions of Connecticut, Rhode Island and East-Central Massachusetts. The Local Storm Report and Public Information Statement on Friday’s storms events are posted..
..As we get into Saturday Night and Sunday, temperatures and humidity will be pleasant with lows in the 50’s to lower 60’s and highs Sunday in the 70s to lower 80s. The next threat of another round of showers and thunderstorms will be after Amateur Radio Field Day is completed and sites have taken down their antennas and equipment..
..Amateur Radio Field Day Weekend is an annual event where Ham Operators across the United States setup at Emergency Operations Centers, field locations, home locations etc. to operate and test their equipment and skills and make as many radio contacts as possible during the weekend. Many locations can be visited by the public and Amateur Radio Field Day can be a form of outreach to Ham and non-Ham Operators. It is also noted that several states have given proclamations to Amateur Radio/Ham Radio Operators for either an ‘Amateur Radio Week’ during the month of June or ‘Amateur Radio Month’ for this month. It is both a fun/preparatory event for Ham Radio Operators for Emergency Communications scenarios..
..As have been done over the past 10 plus years, this will be the first in a series of Severe Weather/Amateur Radio Field Day Coordination Messages to pass instructions to Amateur Radio Field Day sites on what to do if threatening weather approaches and to have Field Day sites guard their SKYWARN repeaters as required if threatening weather approaches..
..Unlike past years, Amateur Radio Field Day Weekend doesn’t coinicide with Lightning Awareness Week so lightning safety information from NOAA’s Lightning Safety web site has been posted for awareness for all Amateur Radio Field Day Sites..

Amateur Radio Field Day Information: http://www.arrl.org/field-day

Amateur Radio Field Day National Locator: http://www.arrl.org/field-day-locator

Eastern Massachusetts Field Day Home Page: http://fd.ema.arrl.org/

NWS Taunton Local Storm Report:
http://kamala.cod.edu/offs/KBOX/1206230135.nwus51.html

NWS Taunton Public Information Statement – Rainfall Reports:
http://kamala.cod.edu/offs/KBOX/1206230141.nous41.html

Reviewing latest radar and satellite imagery as of 1030 PM Friday evening showed cloud cover over the region but most of the rain remaining offshore. There is the possibility of lingering cloud cover, a few showers and embedded thunderstorms Saturday Morning but this will likely clear out allowing for sunshine. An impulse behind today’s cold front will move into the area and the cooling aloft, increasing wind shear aloft and heating to allow for instability that could set the stage for another round of isolated to scattered strong to severe thunderstorms with damaging winds, large hail and urban and poor drainage flooding as the main threats over portions of Southern New England. The greatest threat area appears to be in Central and Eastern Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Northeast Connecticut but all areas should monitor the situation. Activity would start in the early to mid afternoon lasting through early evening. SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Taunton are likely Saturday afternoon and evening. Temperatures are expected to be in the low to mid 80s Saturday. While it won’t be as warm as past days, please use caution in the warm conditions and the link to heat safety is listed below:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/os/heat/index.shtml

Amateur Radio Field Day sites active on Saturday should use caution and keep an eye to the sky and monitor their local SKYWARN Repeater, NOAA Weather Radio or weather information via Internet and media resources to guard against safety issues if thunderstorms, even if they are non-severe, occur in the region due to the potential lightning risk on radio equipment and antennas. Proper grouding of antennas is essential to help reduce any risk from lightning. Below is the NWS Taunton Hazardous Weather Outlook and the link for lightning safety awareness information:

NWS Taunton Hazardous Weather Outlook: http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.flus41.KBOX.html

NWS Lightning Safety Awareness Home Page: http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/

http://beta.wx1box.org/node/37

The next coordination message will be posted by Noon Saturday.

Respectfully Submitted,

Uncategorized

Amateur Radio Field Day/Severe Weather Coordination Message #3 – Friday June 22nd through Sunday June 24th, 2012

June 22, 2012 Rob Macedo Leave a comment

Hello to all..

..The following is the third in a series of messages on Amateur Radio Field Day Weekend and providing information on the heat and severe weather potential during this period..
..Conditions will be hot and humid Friday with temperatures in the upper 80’s to mid 90s region wide so any Field Day sites doing setup Friday should use extreme caution due to the warm conditions by going slow and drinking plenty of liquids..
..Isolated to Scattered Strong to Severe Thunderstorms remain likely Friday Afternoon and Evening across much of Southern New England as a cold front moves through the region. Strong to Damaging Winds, Large Hail and Urban and poor drainage flooding are the primary threats. Thunderstorm activity could extend into Saturday Morning across the coastal plain of Southern New England. There will then be a break with the potential for Isolated to scattered strong to severe thunderstorm development again later Saturday Afternoon and Evening now centered over Eastern New England. SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Taunton will commence by 2 PM Friday Afternoon lasting through late Friday Evening and SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Taunton are possible on Saturday..
..The remainder of the period will largely be dry. Showers and thunderstorms are expected Sunday Night as Field Day weekend winds down but this should be after takedown of equipment is completed based on current forecasts. Temperatures over the weekend will be in the Upper 70s to mid 80s as the cold front brings cooler temperatures..
..Amateur Radio Field Day Weekend is an annual event where Ham Operators across the United States setup at Emergency Operations Centers, field locations, home locations etc. to operate and test their equipment and skills and make as many radio contacts as possible during the weekend. Many locations can be visited by the public and Amateur Radio Field Day can be a form of outreach to Ham and non-Ham Operators. It is also noted that several states have given proclamations to Amateur Radio/Ham Radio Operators for either an ‘Amateur Radio Week’ during the month of June or ‘Amateur Radio Month’ for this month. It is both a fun/preparatory event for Ham Radio Operators for Emergency Communications scenarios..
..As have been done over the past 10 plus years, this will be the first in a series of Severe Weather/Amateur Radio Field Day Coordination Messages to pass instructions to Amateur Radio Field Day sites on what to do if threatening weather approaches and to have Field Day sites guard their SKYWARN repeaters as required if threatening weather approaches..
..Unlike past years, Amateur Radio Field Day Weekend doesn’t coinicide with Lightning Awareness Week so lightning safety information from NOAA’s Lightning Safety web site has been posted for awareness for all Amateur Radio Field Day Sites..

Amateur Radio Field Day Information: http://www.arrl.org/field-day

Amateur Radio Field Day National Locator: http://www.arrl.org/field-day-locator

Eastern Massachusetts Field Day Home Page: http://fd.ema.arrl.org/

On Friday, any Amateur Radio Field Day sites doing setup will see Hazy, Hot and Humid conditions with temperatures in the upper 80s to mid 90s. Given this extreme heat, any groups setting up for Field Day on Friday should take it slow and drink plenty of liquids. The link below features information on Heat Safety:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/os/heat/index.shtml

A Cold front will begin to approach the region Friday Afternoon and evening and this will set the stage for isolated to scattered strong to severe thunderstorms with strong to damaging winds, large hail and urban and poor drainage flooding as the primary threats. Any thunderstorms that do develop will have the attendant risk of lightning which is a danger to all Amateur Radio Field Day sites setting up during Friday Afternoon and evening regardless of whether thunderstorms become severe. SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Taunton will commence by 2 PM Friday Afternoon lasting through late Friday evening.

As we get into Saturday, the cold front’s movement will be slowing and there remains a possibility of thunderstorm activity across East Coastal Massachusetts and Southeast New England through midday with an attendant lightning risk and possible urban and poor drainage flooding. It appears the cold frontal passage off the coast before we get into Saturday is unlikely. Following this activity, skies will clear however a cold pool of air in the upper levels of the atmosphere and increasing winds aloft may allow for an isolated to scattered strong to severe thunderstorm threat during the late afternoon into early evening. The area at most risk for this activity later Saturday now looks to be Eastern New England but there remains uncertainty. Any severe threat will depend on any sun and heating that could destablize the atmosphere and the atmosphere recovery after Saturday Morning’s activity. This will be better understood in future forecasts. As we get into Saturday Night into Sunday, drier conditions will return to the area and the threat for thunderstorms and severe weather will have passed. As we get into Sunday Evening, another round of showers and thunderstorms with possible heavy rainfall will occur but this should be after Field Day ends though some takedown of sites may be affected if that extends well into the evening. Confidence is growing in this scenario. Temperatures over the weekend will be cooler ranging in the upper 70s to lower 80s.

Amateur Radio Field Day sites setting up on Friday and active on Saturday should use caution and keep an eye to the sky and monitor their local SKYWARN Repeater, NOAA Weather Radio or weather information via Internet and media resources to guard against safety issues if thunderstorms, even if they are non-severe, occur in the region due to the potential lightning risk on radio equipment and antennas. Proper grouding of antennas is essential to help reduce any risk from lightning. Below is the NWS Taunton Hazardous Weather Outlook:

NWS Taunton Hazardous Weather Outlook: http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.flus41.KBOX.html

SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Taunton will commence at 2 PM Friday Afternoon into late Friday evening and future coordination messages will better define the activity for Saturday and SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Taunton remains possible on Saturday. SKYWARN monitoring for non-severe thunderstorms and their lightning risk will be done throughout the weekend to protect Amateur Radio Field Day sites as required.

Also, as stated previously, remember that non-severe thunderstorms can pose a threat to Amateur Radio Field Day sites due to the threat of lightning. Please keep this in mind if you have an outdoor Field Day site. The following is a link for lightning safety information:

NWS Lightning Safety Awareness Home Page: http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/

http://beta.wx1box.org/node/37

The next coordination message will be posted by 1130 PM Friday Evening.

Respectfully Submitted,

Uncategorized

Amateur Radio Field Day/Severe Weather Coordination Message #2 – Friday June 22nd through Sunday June 24th, 2012

June 22, 2012 Rob Macedo Leave a comment

Hello to all..

..The following is the second in a series of messages on Amateur Radio Field Day Weekend and providing infromation on the heat and severe weather potential during this period..
..Conditions will be hot and humid Friday with temperatures in the upper 80’s to mid 90s region wide so any Field Day sites doing setup Friday should use extreme caution due to the warm conditions by going slow and drinking plenty of liquids..
..Isolated to Scattered Strong to Severe Thunderstorms are likely Friday Afternoon and Evening across much of Southern New England as a cold front moves through the region. Strong to Damaging Winds, Large Hail and Urban and poor drainage flooding are the primary threats. Thunderstorm activity could extend into Saturday across portions of Southern New England depending on the cold front’s movement. SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Taunton will commence by 2 PM Friday Afternoon lasting through late Friday Evening and SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Taunton are possible on Saturday..
..The remainder of the period will largely be dry with a chance of showers and thunderstorms later Sunday as Field Day weekend winds down possibly affecting takedown of some sites or will be after the event is completed based on current forecasts. Temperatures over the weekend will be in the Upper 70s to low 80s as the cold front brings cooler temperatures..
..Amateur Radio Field Day Weekend is an annual event where Ham Operators across the United States setup at Emergency Operations Centers, field locations, home locations etc. to operate and test their equipment and skills and make as many radio contacts as possible during the weekend. Many locations can be visited by the public and Amateur Radio Field Day can be a form of outreach to Ham and non-Ham Operators. It is also noted that several states have given proclamations to Amateur Radio/Ham Radio Operators for either an ‘Amateur Radio Week’ during the month of June or ‘Amateur Radio Month’ for this month. It is both a fun/preparatory event for Ham Radio Operators for Emergency Communications scenarios..
..As have been done over the past 10 plus years, this will be the first in a series of Severe Weather/Amateur Radio Field Day Coordination Messages to pass instructions to Amateur Radio Field Day sites on what to do if threatening weather approaches and to have Field Day sites guard their SKYWARN repeaters as required if threatening weather approaches..
..Unlike past years, Amateur Radio Field Day Weekend doesn’t coinicide with Lightning Awareness Week so lightning safety information from NOAA’s Lightning Safety web site has been posted for awareness for all Amateur Radio Field Day Sites..

Amateur Radio Field Day Information: http://www.arrl.org/field-day

Amateur Radio Field Day National Locator: http://www.arrl.org/field-day-locator

Eastern Massachusetts Field Day Home Page: http://fd.ema.arrl.org/

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/os/heat/index.shtml

As we get into Saturday, the cold front’s movement will be slowing and there remains a possibility of thunderstorm activity across East Coastal Massachusetts and Southeast New England through midday to mid-afternoon with an attendant lightning risk and possible urban and poor drainage flooding. It appears the cold frontal passage off the coast before we get into Saturday is unlikely. Any severe threat will depend on any sun and heating that could destablize the atmosphere and the position of the cold front. There is the possibility of some instability building in the afternoon in portions of northern and central New England which may cause isolated to scattered thunderstorm development. The intensity of that activity is still difficult to determine at this time and that will be better understood in future forecasts. As we get into Saturday Night into Sunday, drier conditions will return to the area and the threat for thunderstorms and severe weather will have passed. As we get into Sunday Evening, another round of showers and thunderstorms with possible heavy rainfall will occur but this should be after Field Day ends though some takedown of sites may be affected. This will be better understood in future forecasts. Temperatures over the weekend will be cooler ranging in the upper 70s to lower 80s.

NWS Taunton Hazardous Weather Outlook: http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.flus41.KBOX.html

SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Taunton will commence at 2 PM Friday Afternoon into late Friday evening and future coordination messages will better define the activity for Saturday and SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Taunton remains possible on Saturday. SKYWARN monitoring for non-severe thunderstorms and their lightning risk will be done throughout the weekend to protect Amateur Radio Field Day sites as required.

NWS Lightning Safety Awareness Home Page: http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/

http://beta.wx1box.org/node/37

The next coordination message will be posted by 900 AM Friday Morning.

Respectfully Submitted,

Uncategorized

Amateur Radio Field Day/Severe Weather Coordination Message #1 – Friday June 22nd through Sunday June 24th, 2012

June 21, 2012 Rob Macedo Leave a comment

Hello to all..

..The following is the first in a series of messages on Amateur Radio Field Day Weekend and providing infromation on the heat and severe weather potential during this period..
..Conditions will be hot and humid Friday with temperatures in the upper 80’s to mid 90s region wide so any Field Day sites doing setup Friday should use extreme caution due to the warm conditions by going slow and drinking plenty of liquids..
..Isolated to Scattered Strong to Severe Thunderstorms are Possible to likely Friday Afternoon and Evening across much of Southern New England as a cold front moves through the region. Strong to Damaging Winds, Large Hail and Urban and poor drainage flooding are the primary threats. Thunderstorm activity could extend into mid afternoon Saturday across East Coastal Massachusetts and Southeast New England depending on the cold front’s movement. SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Taunton are possible to likely Friday Afternoon and Evening and possible on Saturday..
..The remainder of the period will largely be dry with a chance of scattered showers later Sunday as Field Day weekend winds down. Temperatures over the weekend will be in the Upper 70s to low 80s as the cold front brings cooler temperatures..
..Amateur Radio Field Day Weekend is an annual event where Ham Operators across the United States setup at Emergency Operations Centers, field locations, home locations etc. to operate and test their equipment and skills and make as many radio contacts as possible during the weekend. Many locations can be visited by the public and Amateur Radio Field Day can be a form of outreach to Ham and non-Ham Operators. It is also noted that several states have given proclamations to Amateur Radio/Ham Radio Operators for either an ‘Amateur Radio Week’ during the month of June or ‘Amateur Radio Month’ for this month. It is both a fun/preparatory event for Ham Radio Operators for Emergency Communications scenarios..
..As have been done over the past 10 plus years, this will be the first in a series of Severe Weather/Amateur Radio Field Day Coordination Messages to pass instructions to Amateur Radio Field Day sites on what to do if threatening weather approaches and to have Field Day sites guard their SKYWARN repeaters as required if threatening weather approaches..
..Unlike past years, Amateur Radio Field Day Weekend doesn’t coinicide with Lightning Awareness Week so lightning safety information from NOAA’s Lightning Safety web site has been posted for awareness for all Amateur Radio Field Day Sites..

Amateur Radio Field Day Information: http://www.arrl.org/field-day

Amateur Radio Field Day National Locator: http://www.arrl.org/field-day-locator

Eastern Massachusetts Field Day Home Page: http://fd.ema.arrl.org/

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/os/heat/index.shtml

A Cold front will begin to approach the region Friday Afternoon and evening and this will set the stage for isolated to scattered strong to severe thunderstorms with strong to damaging winds, large hail and urban and poor drainage flooding as the primary threats. Any thunderstorms that do develop will have the attendant risk of lightning which is a danger to all Amateur Radio Field Day sites setting up during Friday Afternoon and evening regardless of whether thunderstorms become severe. The threat will be monitored with SKYWARN Activation and Ops at NWS Taunton possible to likely during Friday Afternoon and Evening.

As we get into Saturday, the cold front’s movement will be slowing and there remains a possibility of thunderstorm activity across East Coastl Massachusetts and Southeast New England through mid-afternoon with an attendant lightning risk. There is also the possibility the front moves fast enough that it clears the coast on Saturday. Any severe threat will depend on any sun and heating that could destablize the atmosphere and the position of the cold front. That will be better understood in future forecasts. As we get into late Saturday Night into Sunday, drier conditions will return to the area and the threat for thunderstorms and severe weather will have passed. There will be a chance for scattered showers later Sunday Afternoon and Evening which might affect Field Day site takedown in some locations but the chance of this is low at this time. Temperatures over the weekend will be cooler ranging in the upper 70s to lower 80s.

NWS Taunton Hazardous Weather Outlook: http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.flus41.KBOX.html

SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Taunton is possible to likely on Friday Afternoon into the evening and future coordination messages will better define the activity for Saturday as mentioned previously. SKYWARN monitoring for non-severe thunderstorms and their lightning risk will be done throughout the weekend to protect Amateur Radio Field Day sites as required.

NWS Lightning Safety Awareness Home Page: http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/

The next coordination message will be posted by 1130 PM Thursday Evening.

Respectfully Submitted,

Uncategorized

Heat Coordination Message #1 – Wednesday June 20th through Friday June 22nd, 2012 Heat Potential

June 20, 2012 Rob Macedo Leave a comment

Hello to all..

..Intense Heat and Humidity on tap for at least Wednesday into Thursday and possibly extending into Friday before a cold front moves into the region..
..A Heat Advisory is in effect from Noon to 7 PM Wednesday for Hartford County Connecticut, Middlesex, Western Essex, Suffolk, Eastern Hampden, Northern Bristol and Western Plymouth Counties of Massachusetts, Hillsborough County New Hampshire, and Providence and Kent Counties of Rhode Island. Even outside of the Heat Advisory area, intense heat and humidity will affect people exerting themselves outdoors for extended periods of times. Additional Heat Advisories/Watches/Warnings could be extended into Thursday with a lower chance of Heat Advisories/Watches/Warnings for Friday..
..It is noted that SPC has placed the region in a ‘see text’, 5% probability for severe weather for Wednesday. At this time, NWS Taunton is not in agreement on this isolated to scatterd strong to severe thunderstorm threat but it will be monitored. Another threat for thunderstorms exists for late Thursday and Friday with the cold front..
..This will be the only Heat Coordination Message to be posted for the Wednesday through Friday period. Additional coordination messages for any severe weather threat for Wednesday will be posted as required. Amateur Radio Field Day Coordination Messages on severe weather and other weather issues will commence on Thursday..
..Below is the NWS Taunton Heat Advisory Statement, Hazardous Weather Outlook and SPC Day-2 Convective Outlook..

NWS Taunton Heat Advisory Statement:
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.wwus71.KBOX.html

NWS Taunton Hazardous Weather Outlook:
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.flus41.KBOX.html

SPC Day-2 Convective Outlook:
http://kamala.cod.edu/offs/KWNS/1206191727.acus02.html

Respectfully Submitted,

Uncategorized

Reminder: SKYWARN Training Classes in June Through August 2012 – New Session Added in Leominster Mass.

June 13, 2012 Rob Macedo Leave a comment

Hello to all..

A reminder on upcoming SKYWARN Training Classes coming up for Saturday June 16th in West Newbury, Mass. from 1-4 PM and Attleboro, Mass. Thursday Evening June 21st from 7-10 PM. We have also added a session in Leominster, Mass. for Saturday July 28th from 10 AM to 1 PM with preregistration required. In August, a SKYWARN Training class will be held Friday Afternoon August 24th from 1-4 PM at the Holiday Inn in Boxboro, home of the 2012 Boxboro New England Division Amateur Radio ARRL Convention. Additional classes could be added during the later summer and fall months. The complete SKYWARN Training schedule is listed below along with a link to the schedule.

SKYWARN Training Class Schedule link:
http://beta.wx1box.org/node/36

The following are SKYWARN Training Sessions booked for 2012. Further training sessions will be booked over the course of the year so check back frequently for updates.

Saturday June 16th, 2012: 1-4 PM:
Public Safety Complex Training Room
401 Main Street
West Newbury, Mass.
Taught by: Amateur Radio Coordinator
Registration: None required

Thursday June 21st, 2012: 7-10 PM:
Sturdy Memorial Hospital
Conference Rooms A, B and C
211 Park Street
Attleboro, Mass.
Taught by: NWS Taunton Forecaster
Registration: None Required
Note: Parking in the main lot. Walk up the hill to the Emergency Room entrance and walk through to the main hospital. Signs directing you to the conference room area will be posted.

Saturday July 28th, 2012: 10 AM-1 PM:
Leominster Office of Emergency Management (OEM)
37 Carter Street
Leominster, Mass.
Taught by: Amateur Radio Coordinator
Registration: Preregistration required. Email KD1CY-Rob Macedo at rmacedo at rcn.com

Friday August 24th, 2012: 1-4 PM:
Holiday Inn – Boxborough
242 Adams Place
Boxborough Mass.
Taught by: Amateur Radio Coordinator
Registration: None Required
Sponsorship: This training is being run in conjunction with the ARRL New England Division Convention and Ham Radio Show. This is being done prior to the Hamfest starting and no admission will be charged on Friday for those interested in attending this SKYWARN Training session.

Respectfully Submitted,

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NWS Taunton Drought Information Statement – Friday June 8th 2012

June 10, 2012 Rob Macedo Leave a comment

Hello to all..

On Friday June 8th, NWS Taunton issued its final Drought Information Statement as conditions have improved enough where the region is no longer in drought conditions. These statements could be reinitiated if another extended period of dry conditions occurs. Below is the NWS Taunton Drought Information Statement:

http://beta.wx1box.org/local/drought_6_8_12.txt

Respectfully Submitted,

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