Hello to all..

..First and foremost, on behalf of the volunteer staff of WX1BOX, the Amateur Radio Station at the National Weather Service in Taunton Massachusetts and the NWS Taunton weather forecasters, a very Happy Thanksiving to all! We appreciate everyone’s support during the 2012 season and look forward to your continued support for the remainder of 2012 into 2013..
..The following is an updated summary on the impacts on Hurricane Sandy from around the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast United States. This will likely be the last summary regarding Hurricane Sandy’s impacts across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic US region..

We would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving on behalf of the staff of volunteer Amateur Radio Operators at WX1BOX, the Amateur Radio Station at NWS Taunton, and SKYWARN Coordinators across the NWS Taunton coverage area as well as on behalf of the NWS Taunton forecasters. We are all very appreciative of the support we have received all this year and in past years and look forward to your continued support for the remainder of 2012 into 2013. This is also a time to reflect and provide what will likely be a final summary on Hurricane Sandy’s impacts to our region and provide some valuable links on the response and recovery efforts ongoing in the New Jersey, New York City and Long Island New York areas.

Starting in Southern New England, an updated Public Information Statement Storm Summary on Hurricane Sandy was provided on November 8th, 2012. This update has been provided as a link in this post storm coordination message. In addition, a complete updated storm reports summary from the desk at WX1BOX has been provided which also includes reports from various automated non-ASOS/NWS weather station sites of wind gusts of 45 MPH or greater over the region.

Also included in this update are many of the pictures and videos we have received to date except for files that were greater than 100 MB (due to the length of time it would take for viewing). If anyone has pictures or video from Hurricane Sandy from Southern New England, it is not too late to send them as a reply to this email or via the pics at nsradio.org email address. Credit will be given to the spotter/Amateur Radio Operator for providing the picture and video. Work will be done on a Hurricane Sandy storm collage video and will likely be completed in the March 2013 timeframe. This will eventually be made available on the web near this timeframe as well.

As stated previously, while Hurricane Sandy caused hurricane force wind gusts across portions of Southern New England, some of the most significant storm surge flooding particularly in Rhode Island and Marthas Vineyard that rivaled Hurricane Bob, over 1.1 Million power outages over Massachusetts (approx. 390K), Rhode Island (approx. 122K) and Connecticut (approx 600+K), the impact was even worse across New York City, Long Island and New Jersey. Power Outages in this area totaled over 3 Million people with an additional 525,000 without power in Pennsylvania. Storm Surge flooding was historic across New Jersey, New York City and Long Island New York causing severe structural damage and reshaping the coastline due to severe beach erosion. Power Outages in some areas lasted well over a week to 2 weeks. Many areas along the coastline are still in a high impact recovery operation in this region. Donations for those in this area continue to be requested due to the extent of structural damage largely from storm surge but also from hurricane force winds.

Below are links to the Hurricane Sandy Information specific to Southern New England including links to PR generated by the efforts of Amateur Radio Operators in Southern New England in response to Hurricane Sandy as well as pictures and video provided by many Amateur Radio Operators and SKYWARN Spotters that were under a 100-Meg file size limit:

NWS Brookhaven New York Hurricane Sandy Storm Summary Link:
http://www.erh.noaa.gov/okx/StormEvents/storm10292012.html

New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services – Hurricane Sandy Information:
http://www.dhses.ny.gov/oem/event/sandy/sandy-info.cfm

New York City Office of Emergency Management:
http://www.nyc.gov/html/oem/html/home/home.shtml

NWS Philadelphia PA/Mount Holly NJ Hurricane Sandy Storm Summary Link:
http://www.erh.noaa.gov/er/phi/reports/PNSPHI%202012-11-01%200056Z%20summary%20rain%20wind%20pressure%20surge.pdf

New Jersey Office of Emergency Management Web Site:
http://www.state.nj.us/njoem/

FEMA Information on Hurricane Sandy:
http://www.fema.gov/sandy

Hurricane Sandy Wikipedia Link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurricane_Sandy

Below are links to the Hurricane Sandy Information specific to Southern New England including links to PR generated by the efforts of Amateur Radio Operators in Southern New England in response to Hurricane Sandy:

Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES) E-Letter Story:
http://www.arrl.org/ares-el?issue=2012-11-21

Taunton Daily Gazette News Article on NWS Taunton and Amateur Radio SKYWARN efforts:
http://www.tauntongazette.com/bigstorm/x1292885439/National-Weather-Service-works-overtime-in-Taunton-office-to-keep-public-informed?zc_p=1&img=3

VoIP Hurricane Net Hurricane Sandy Amateur Radio Newsline Story from the November 9th, 2012 Edition:
http://www.voipwx.net/node/438

Complete and updated report compilation including many additional wind measurement and damage reports:
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/hurricane_sandy_reports_10_29_12.txt

Last Hurricane Sandy Local Storm Report and Public Information Statement from 10/30/12:

http://beta.wx1box.org/local/10_30_12_LSR_Sandy.txt
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/pns_10_30_12_sandy.txt
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/pns_10_29_12.txt

NWS Taunton Hurricane Sandy Public Information Statement Summary:
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/pns_11_8_12_hurricane_sandy.txt

NWS Taunton Local Storm Report from Severe Thunderstorms/Flash Flood incident associated with Post-Tropical Storm Sandy well after landfall (Tuesday Evening 10/30/12) including Wareham/Onset Microburst data and Public Information Statement on the microburst:

http://beta.wx1box.org/local/pns_10_31_12_wareham_microburst.txt
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/lsr_10_31_12_svr_tstorms_10_30.txt

KB1MAO-Jim Creamer – Westerly RI Storm Surge Photos:
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/westerly_ri_pictures_sandy_jim_creamer_kb1mao.zip

Charlestown RI Storm Surge/Beach Erosion Photos from Charlestown RI PDs Sgt Jamie Quattromani and Sgt. Phillip Gingerella relayed by W1JPZ-John Zabiskie:
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/charlestown_ri_pd_storm_surge_photos.zip

Narragansett RI Storm Surge Damage Pictures from KB1G-Bill Boyes:
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/hurricane_sandy_kb1g_narragansett_ri_pictures.zip

Miguel Ruiz Mattapoisett MA Storm Photos/Video at the Harbor:
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/miguel_ruiz_mattapoisett_ma.zip

Derek Blackburn Storm Photos Bedford MA:
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/bedford_ma_derek_blackburn.zip

Richard Levesque – Nahant Beach, MA Pictures:
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/Pics_from_andie_r_levesque_nahant_beach.zip

Anthony Sicliano – West Bridgewater, MA Damage:
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/679539997_anthony_sicliano_west_bridgewater_sunset_avenue.jpg

Mark Belton Braintree, MA Minor Street Flooding Photo:
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/A6ZcOFUCEAAqAaH_braintree_ma_howard_street_mark_belton.jpg

John Robinson Jr – Walpole MA Damage Picture:
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/A6ZpbaZCcAA3LdW_pwr_lines_down_washington_street_walpole_ma_john_robinson_jr.jpg

RIBNS Twitter Feed – Newport RI storm Surge Flooding Picture:
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/2rgmc0g_newport_ri_ribns.jpg

Harold Ambler – Wickford RI Storm Surge Flooding picture:
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/img_3511_wickford_ri_harold_ambler.jpg

N1VUX-Bill Ricker – Boston MA Storm Surge Flooding picture:
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/PB022012-27Charles_n1vux.jpg
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/PA302000-12Arcadia.jpg
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/PA302006-YaleElec.jpg
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/PA301999-12Arcadia.jpg

Geoff Hayworth – Acushnet MA Damage Picture:
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/IMG-20121103-WA0010_geoff_hayworth_acushnet.jpg
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/IMG-20121103-WA0011_geoff_hayworth_acushnet.jpg

KD1CY-Rob Macedo – Roof Damage on Liberia Lane – New Bedford MA:
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/20121104_131751_nb_liberia_lane_kd1cy.jpg
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/20121104_131727_nb_liberia_lane_kd1cy_2.jpg

Amateur Radio SKYWARN Pictures from Quincy MA Area Coastal Flooding from KB1NCG-Marek Kozubal:
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/IMG-20121028-WA0000_clay_center_command.jpg
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/IMG-20121029-WA0011_quincy_ma_kb1ncg.jpg
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/IMG-20121029-WA0013_chickabot_st_quincy.jpg
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/IMG-20121029-WA0010_quincy_kb1ncg_pic_2.jpg
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/VID-20121031-WA0004.MOV (Winthrop Shore Drive – Winthrop)
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/IMG-20121029-WA0000_quincy_kb1ncg.jpg

Amateur Radio SKYWARN Pictures of Wind Damage in Holbrook MA from Holbrook EMA Director KA1LKB-Rick Reuss:
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/IMG-20121029-WA0017_holbrook_5.jpg
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/IMG-20121029-WA0018_holbrook_5.jpg
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/IMG-20121029-WA0017_holbrook_4.jpg
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/IMG-20121029-WA0020_holbrook_3.jpg
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/IMG-20121029-WA0021_holbrook_pic_2.jpg
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/IMG-20121029-WA0022_holbrook_tree_down_ka1lkb.jpg

Amateur Radio SKYWARN Pictures – Fence Blown Down in Barnstable MA from WQ1O-Frank O’Laughlin:
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/IMG-20121029-WA0023_fence_down_2_wq1o.jpg
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/IMG-20121029-WA0024_fence_down_barnstable_wq1o.jpg

Amateur Radio SKYWARN Pictures – Wind Damage in Acushnet and New Bedford MA from KA1RSY-Ed Caron:
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/IMG-20121030-WA0003_mattapoisett_rd_acushnet.jpg
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/IMG-20121030-WA0004_mattapoisett_rd_acushnet.jpg
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/IMG-20121030-WA0007_trampoline_nb_ed_caron.jpg

Amateur Radio SKYWARN Pictures – Wind Damage in Winchester MA from KB1USO-Kate Murphy:
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/IMG-20121030-WA0006_winchester_pierpoint_rd_kb1uso_2.jpg
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/IMG-20121030-WA0005_pierpoint_road_winchester_ma_kb1uso.jpg

Amateur Radio SKYWARN Pictures – Coastal Flood/Shoreline Pictures in Lynn MA from N1EVH-Mike Nasleroad:
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/MVI_2674_Mike_Nasleroad_n1evh.avi
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/MVI_2641_Mike_Nasleroad_n1evh.avi
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/MVI_2639_Mike_Nasleroad_n1evh.avi
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/MVI_2671_Mike_Nasleroad_n1evh.avi

SKYWARN Spotter Pictures – Stow Mass from Jeff Miller:
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/2012-10-29_16-59-43_812_stow_mass_tree_down.jpg
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/2012-10-29_16-56-46_404_tree_down_stow_mass.jpg

SKYWARN Spotter Pictures – Quincy Mass and Old Lyme CT from Mike Rolfes:
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/photo_quincy_water_over_seawall_mike_rolfes.jpg
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/image001_mike_rolfes_old_lyme_CT.jpg

Amateur Radio SKYWARN Pictures – Northbridge/Mendon/Upton Mass from K1JWB-John Bacon:
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/sandy4_k1jwb_northbridge_mendon_upton.JPG
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/sandy3_k1jwb_northbridge_mendon_upton.JPG
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/sandy2_k1jwb_northbridge_mendon_upton.JPG
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/sandy1_k1jwb_northbridge_mendon_upton.jpg.JPG

Amateur Radio SKYWARN Pictures – KB1YMY-Nick Snow – Storm Surge flooding – Long Wharf Boston, MA:
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/IMG_20121029_115329_nick_snow_3.jpg
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/IMG_20121029_115344_long_wharf_boston_mass_2_nick_snow.jpg
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/IMG_20121029_115344_long_wharf_boston_mass_1_nick_snow.jpg

Amateur Radio SKYWARN Pictures – KB1LXH-Don Burke – Wind Damage – Brockton, MA:
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/N_Byron_Brockton_MA_KB1LXH_don_burke.jpg

Amateur Radio SKYWARN Pictures – KB1QL-Brad Fligor – Storm Surge Flooding – Marthas Vineyard, MA (Brad stated worst since the 1991 Perfect Storm/Hurricane Bob-1991):
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/IMG_0229_mvy_brad_kb1ql.mov
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/IMG_0228_mvy_brad_kb1ql.mov

Amateur Radio SKYWARN Pictures – KB1QLQ-Brian Saper – Belmont Mass Wind Damage:
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/photo_brian_saper_belmont_middles_ex_rd_2.jpg
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/photo_brian_saper_belmont_middles_ex_rd.jpg
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/photo_middles_ex_rd_belmont_brian_saper.jpg

Amateur Radio SKYWARN Pictures – WX1GRS-George Strassburger – Wind Damage Boston, MA:
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/2012-10-29_14-55-05_458_george_wx1grs.jpg

Amateur Radio SKYWARN Pictures – Mike Goralski-KB1UGS – Arlington MA Wind Damage:
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/IMG_8770_arlington_ma.jpg

Amateur Radio SKYWARN Pictures – KB1VEG-David Whil – Newton Mass:
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/photo_david_whil_newton.jpg

KB1SSN-Alex Dills – Wind Damage Picture Newton Mass:
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/IMG_20121029_161307_535_newton_ma_kb1ssn_alex.jpg

KB1QCF-Jon Hardie – Wind Damage Picture Royalston Mass:
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/image_john_hardie_royalston_ma.jpg

KB1KQW-Jim Palmer – North Shore Mass Wind Damage Pictures:
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/103012_Peabody_KB1KQW_Berry_Street_2.JPG
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/103012_Peabody_KB1KQW_Surrey_Lane_1.JPG
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/103012_Peabody_KB1KQW_Symphony_Road_6.JPG
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/103012_Peabody_KB1KQW_Symphony_Road_1.JPG
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/103012_Peabody_KB1KQW_Lynnfield_Street_1.JPG
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/103012_Peabody_KB1KQW_Bay_State_Road_5.JPG
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/103012_Peabody_KB1KQW_Bay_State_Road_4.JPG
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/103012_Peabody_KB1KQW_Bay_State_Road_3.JPG
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/103012_Peabody_KB1KQW_Bay_State_Road_1.JPG
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/103012_Lynn_KB1KQW_Sherman-Harrison_Street_1.JPG
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/103012_Lynn_KB1KQW_Washington_Street_4.JPG
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/103012_Lynn_KB1KQW_Washington_Street_1.JPG

Deana Lisi – Wind Damage Pictures – North Providence RI:
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/Wind_gust_north_providence_ri_deana_lisi.jpg
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/Tree3_north_providence_ri_deana_lisi.jpg
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/Tree2_north_providence_ri_deana_lisi.jpg
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/Tree1_north_providence_ri_deana_lisi.jpg.jpg

Matt Hoenig – Wind Damage Picture – Wakefield MA:
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/A6ZSk13CEAAvtFW_matt_hoenig_wakefield_ma.jpg

Littleton Mass. PD Damage Picture from Littleton Mass PD Twitter:
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/599174_10151205831047311_2119536716_n_littleton_pd.jpg

Spring Hill Sandwich Mass Wave Action/Storm Surge Video from KB1QDF-Bill Lapine:
http://beta.wx1box.org/Video-01.MOV

N2CRT-Gary Toth Brookline Mass. Damage Pictures:
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/DSCF0984_brookline_ma_n2crt.jpg.JPG
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/DSCF0983_gardner_road_brookline_ma_n2crt.jpg.JPG
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/DSCF0981_gardner_road_brookline_ma_n2crt.jpg.JPG
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/DSCF0980_gardner_road_brookline_ma_n2crt.jpg.JPG
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/DSCF0979_gardner_road_brookline_ma_n2crt.jpg.JPG

Corey Welch Storm Surge Picture – Newport RI:
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/A6aDS7KCMAAU7ME_corey_welch_wellington_ave_newport_ri.jpg

East Providence RI Roof Blown off Post Office Picture (Twitter Feed):
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/682dbd584c309e69c3fd10382a115ef6_east_providence_ri_post_office_roof_Damage.jpg

SKYWARN Pictures from Chris Tripp from Acushnet Wind Damage and Fairhaven Storm Surge Flooding:
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/WP95001659_car_damaged_by_fallen_tree_acushnet.jpg.jpg
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/WP95001658_tree_down_on_car_mendall_road_chris_tripp.jpg
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/WP95001623_jacks_cove_north_causeway_road_fairhaven_ma_chris_tripp.jpg.jpg
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/WP95001620_seaview_aveue_boat_ramp_water_at_bottom_of_ocean_ave_fairhaven_ma_chris_tripp.jpg
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/WP95001608_earls_marina_at_north_causeway_road_chris_tripp.jpg
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/WP95001612_jacks_boat_club_north_causeway_road_fairhaven_ma_chris_tripp.jpg

SKYWARN Pictures from Newport RI – Mike Nasiff:
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/A6YA8ViCYAAcwPk_mike_nasiff_wellington_ave_kings_park.jpg
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/A6YAqUyCcAAng4h_mike_nasiff_point_section_of_newport_ri.jpg
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/A6YAz7-CAAAGSFv_wellington_ave_bowens_wharf_newport_ri_mike_nasiff.jpg

SKYWARN Pictures from KB1UAM-Anthony (Storm Surge Flooding New Bedford MA):
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/IMG_20121029_083041_anthony_kb1uam.jpg

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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Hello to all..

NWS Taunton did Winter Weather Preparedness Week on the week of October 22nd, 2012 and issued Public Information Statements during that week. The Public Information Statements were cut short to three statements during that week due to preparations for Hurricane Sandy and the statements were not released to the email list due to the hurricane and then preparations for the nor’easter. Below is a link to the three NWS Taunton Winter Weather Preparedness Week Public Information Statements:

http://beta.wx1box.org/local/winter_weather_prepare_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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Hello to all..

The National Weather Service in Taunton Amateur Radio Station, WX1BOX, will once again be active for SKYWARN Recognition Day 2012. In addition, for the sixth straight year, the National Weather Service Gray, Maine Office will also be active under call-sign, WX1GYX. The Boston Amateur Radio Club will also be active as they have been over the past several years at the NWS Blue Hill Observatory under call-sign W1BOS from 9 AM-3 PM Saturday December 1st, 2012.

This will be the 14th year of SKYWARN Recognition Day and its
anticipated that over 100 NWS Forecast Offices will be participating once again this year. Web links to information on SKYWARN Recognition Day can be seen at the following links:

http://hamradio.noaa.gov

The following is a schedule of repeaters that will be utilized along with simplex being utilized during certain timeframes on Saturday at WX1BOX. We hope Amateurs will utilize this schedule and try and work WX1BOX during these various timeframes. If you don’t hear NWS, feel free to call for WX1BOX and if the office is monitoring, a response will be given. When you make contact, give your current sky condition and temperature as required. Below is the tentative schedule of operations:

Friday November 30th, 2012:
7:00-7:30 PM:    146.970-Paxton Repeater (PL: 114.8 Hz)
7:30-8:00 PM:    147.180-Bridgewater Repeater (PL: 67.0 Hz)
8:00-8:30 PM:    145.490-Fairhaven Repeater (PL: 67.0 Hz)
8:30-9:00 PM:    146.955-Westford Repeater (PL: 74.4 Hz)
9:00-9:30 PM:    146.79-Vernon, CT Repeater (PL: 82.5 Hz) (linked via IRLP.)
9:30-10:00 PM:   147.225-Killingly, CT Repeater (PL: 156.7 Hz)
10:00-10:30 PM:  146.760-Scituate, RI Repeater PL: 67.0 Hz
10:30-11:00 PM:  145.470-Danvers Repeater (PL: 136.5 Hz)
11:00-11:30 PM:  146.955-Barnstable PL: 88.5 or 147.375-Falmouth Repeater PL: 110.9
11:30 PM-12:00 AM: 146.640-Waltham Repeater

**Will Attempt to monitor both the New England Network and the *WX-TALK*/IRLP Reflector 9219 systems during this entire timeframe.

**It is possible we may switch off to different repeaters or simplex during time slots if we run out of contacts.

Saturday December 1st, 2012:
7:00-8:30 AM:   146.595 Simplex
8:30-9:00 AM:   Litchfield County Linked System via KB1AEV repeater system
9:00-9:30 AM:   145.230-Boston Repeater (PL: 88.5 Hz)
9:30-10:00 AM:  146.640-Waltham Repeater
10:00-11:00 AM: NWS Taunton will participate in the Eastern Massachusetts Hospital Net
11:00-11:30 AM: 146.895-Walpole Repeater (PL: 123.0 Hz)
11:30-12:00 PM: 147.225-Killingly, CT Repeater (PL: 156.7 Hz)
12:00-12:30 PM: 145.470-Danvers Repeater (PL: 136.5 Hz)
12:30 PM-100 PM:  146.79-Vernon, CT Repeater (Linked via IRLP.)
1:00-1:30 PM:   146.595 Simplex
1:30-2:00 PM:   147.000-Dartmouth Repeater (PL: 67.0 Hz)
2:00-2:30 PM:   146.685-Plymouth Repeater (PL: 82.5 Hz)
2:30-3:00 PM:   145.130-Gloucester Repeater (PL: 107.2 Hz)
3:00-3:30 PM:   146.955-Barnstable (PL: 88.5) or 147.375-Falmouth Repeater (PL: 110.9)
3:30-4:00 PM:   146.955-Westford Repeater (PL: 74.4)
4:00-4:30 PM:   146.970-Paxton Repeater (PL: 114.8)
4:30-5:00 PM:   147.165-Exeter, RI Repeater (PL: 67.0)
5:00-5:30 PM:   146.760-Scituate, RI (PL: 67.0)
5:30-6:00 PM:   145.490-Fairhaven Repeater (PL: 67.0)
6:00-6:30 PM:   147.180-Bridgewater Repeater (PL: 67.0)
6:30-7:00 PM:   449.375-Pack Monadnock, NH Repeater (PL: 88.5 Hz)

**Will Attempt to monitor both the New England Network and the *WX-TALK*/IRLP Reflector 9219 systems during this entire timeframe.

**It is possible we may switch off to different repeaters or simplex during time slots if we run out of contacts.

The following is information EchoLink/IRLP operations during SKYWARN Recognition Day. Further updates to follow as we get closer to the event:

Time in UTC NWS Office Call-Sign
0000-0100: WX0GLD (Time slot from last year)
0100-0200: WX1GYX (Confirmed to keep the time slot)
0200-0300: WX4MLB (Confirmed to keep the time slot)
0300-0400: W0ABR  (Confirmed to keep the time slot)
0400-0500: WX1BOX (Confirmed to keep the time slot)
0500-0600: WX9GRB (Time slot from last year)
0600-0700: WX4HUN (Confirmed to keep the time slot)
0700-0800: N0NWS  (Confirmed to keep the time slot, willing to take an earlier evening time slot)
0800-0900: KL7FWX (Confirmed to keep the time slot)
0900-1000: KL7FWX (Confirmed to keep the time slot)
1000-1100: KL7FWX (Confirmed to keep the time slot)
1100-1200: WX4HUN (Time slot from last year)
1200-1300: W7NWS  (Confirmed to keep the time slot)
1300-1400: KL7FWX (Confirmed to keep the time slot)
1400-1500: WX7SLC (Confirmed to keep the time slot)
1500-1600: WX1BOX (Time slot from last year)
1600-1800: WX4NC  (Confirmed to keep the time slot)
1800-1900: WX6MTR (Confirmed to keep the time slot)
1900-2000: K0MPX  (Confirmed to keep the time slot)
2000-2100: WX4MLB (Confirmed to keep the time slot)
2100-2300: WX4NHC (Confirmed to keep the time slot)
2300-2400: WX6NWS (Confirmed to keep the time slot)

There will be other conference systems utilized for SKYWARN Recognition Day. They are as follows:

The New England Reflector Gateway System will be utilized by the NWS Taunton, Mass. and NWS Gray, Maine offices from 0000-0500 UTC and 1200-2400 UTC. The New England Gateway system is on EchoLink Conference server *NEW-ENG* Node: 9123, IRLP reflector 9123. If other NWS offices would like to join the
system, they are welcome to do so and participants in SKYWARN Recognition Day can also use that system to make contact with various NWS offices.

Also, the Western Reflector will be having NWS offices calling CQ as in past years on reflector 9250 and have its gateway system on IRLP 9258/EchoLink Conference *NV-GATE* Node: 125266 open for NWS offices. Please contact Kent-W7AOR for additional information on the Western Reflector.

A few technical reminders for folks interested in making contacts with the NWS Forecast Offices on the *WX-TALK* Node: 7203/IRLP 9219 and New England Reflector Gateway IRLP 9123/*NEW-ENG* Echolink Node: 9123 systems:

-The system allows both EchoLink and IRLP connections. For EchoLink users, you connect to the *WX-TALK* Node: 7203 conference system. For IRLP users, you would connect to IRLP reflector 9219.

-If you are using EchoLink, the RF node or PC that you’re using must have EchoLink conferencing disabled. If it is not disabled, the system will automatically kick the node or PC off of the system.

The reason this occurs is to prevent unintentional interference from a conferencing station that may not know the node is connected somewhere else. This will keep traffic moving on the net and reduce interference considerably.

For more information on VoIP Technical Configuration Tips, please go to our web site at http://www.voipwx.net where we have a link to that information on the main menu of the web site. This announcement will also be on the web site.

We are looking forward to another fun SKYWARN Recognition Day on the *WX-TALK* Node: 7203/IRLP reflector 9219 system, New England Reflector Gateway system and Western Reflector system. Thanks to all for there support!

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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Hello to all..

..Strong Nor’easter taking aim on Southern New England Wednesday into Thursday Morning with strong to damaging winds, minor to locally moderate coastal flooding, heavy rainfall and even some light snow and ice accumulation in some locations..
..A High Wind Warning is now in effect through 1 AM Thursday Morning for Cape Cod and the Islands with a High Wind Warning in effect for South Coastal Rhode Island including Block Island and South Coastal Massachusetts from 10 AM Wednesday to 1 AM Thursday..
..A Wind Advisory remains in effect for Windham County Connecticut, the remainder of Rhode Island and Eastern Norfolk, Eastern Essex, Northern Bristol, Plymouth, Suffolk and Southeast Middlesex Counties of Masachusetts through 6 AM Thursday..
..A Wind Advisory has now been issued for Hartford and Tolland counties of Connecticut, Worcester, Western Essex, Western Norfolk and Northern Middlesex Counties of Massachusetts through 6 AM Thursday..
..A Winter Weather Advisory is now in effect for Northern Connecticut, Southern New Hampshire and Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Worcester, and Northern Middlesex Counties of Massachusetts from 2 PM this afternoon through 7 AM Thursday Morning for a mixture of snow, freezing rain, and rain with potential snow accumulations of 1-4″ with one-tenth of an inch of ice expected..
..A Coastal Flood Advisory is now in effect for South Coastal Massachusetts and Rhode Island from 11 AM to 2 PM Wednesday..
..A Coastal Flood Advisory is now in effect for East Coastal Massachusetts from 3 PM-8 PM Wednesday..
..SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Taunton are likely some time later Wednesday Morning through early Thursday Morning..

A strong nor’easter/coastal storm is organizing and will impact the region today through Thursday Morning. Models appear to be in better agreement on this system and this has resulted in additional advisory issuances for the region. An update on the impacts are outlined in this coordination message by section:

Strong to Damaging Wind Threat:
Computer models continue to show a strong wind field with this system and indicate winds of advisory level reaching further inland across Southern New England. It also still appears that South Coastal locations will experience the strongest winds followed by East Coastal Massachusetts, portion of interior Southeast Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Northeast Connecticut. A High Wind Warning is now in effect through 1 AM Thursday Morning for Cape Cod and the Islands with a High Wind Warning in effect for South Coastal Rhode Island including Block Island and South Coastal Massachusetts from 10 AM Wednesday to 1 AM Thursday. In the High Wind Warning area sustained winds of 25-40 MPH with gusts up to 60 MPH are likely. This will bring down scattered trees and wires resulting in scattered power outages.

A Wind Advisory remains in effect for Windham County Connecticut, the remainder of Rhode Island and Eastern Norfolk, Northern Bristol, Plymouth, Suffolk and Southeast Middlesex Counties of Masachusetts through 6 AM Thursday and has been expanded to include Hartford and Tolland counties of Connecticut, Worcester, Western Essex, Western Norfolk and Northern Middlesex Counties for sustained winds of 15-30 MPH with gusts to 45-50 MPH likely. These winds will bring down isolated to scattered trees and wires resulting in isolated to scattered power outages.

Rainfall:
Heavy rainfall of 1-3″ remains possible. The axis of heaviest rainfall appears to be across portions of Eastern Masachusetts and Rhode Island with southeast locations potentially having the heaviest rainfall. This could result in urban and poor drainage flooding. Currently, the threat for river/stream flooding is low.

Wet Snowfall Potential:
Snow and ice amounts have increased a bit more for western portions of the region since the last update. A Winter Weather Advisory is now in effect for Northern Connecticut, Southern New Hampshire and Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Worcester, and Northern Middlesex Counties of Massachusetts from 2 PM this afternoon through 7 AM Thursday Morning for a mixture of snow, freezing rain, and rain with potential snow accumulations of 1-4″ with one-tenth of an inch of ice expected. If enough wet snow and ice accumulates with the system or more wet snow and ice occurs than currently expected, this could cause isolated to scattered pockets of tree and wire damage and scattered power outages. This will be monitored closely throughout this storm. In areas outside of the advisory area from the I-495 to I-95 corridor, there could be some brief mixing with wet snow, sleet or freezing rain but little to no accumulation is expected. East and south of the I-95 corridor, no frozen precipitation is expected currently.

Coastal Flooding:
Minor coastal flooding with the possibility of areas of low-end moderate coastal flooding are possible during the Wednesday Afternoon high tide cycle. East Coastal Massachusetts remains at most risk for minor to low-end moderate coastal flooding but the south coast of Massachusetts and Rhode Island particularly areas hard hit by Hurricane Sandy, may also see some minor coastal flooding. Coastal Flood Advisories are now in effect for South Coastal Massachusetts and Rhode Island from 11 AM to 2 PM Wednesday and for East Coastal Massachusetts from 3 PM-8 PM Wednesday.

SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Taunton are likely by late Wednesday Morning lasting through early Thursday Morning. This will be the last complete coordination message on this storm as we move into operations mode. A shortened coordination message will be issued if time allows and Ops at NWS Taunton are initiated. Below is the NWS Taunton High Wind Warning/Wind Advisory Statement, Coastal Flood Advisory Statement, Winter Weather Advisory Statement and Hazardous Weather Outlook:

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

NWS Taunton Winter Weather Advisory Statement:
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.wwus41.KBOX.html

NWS Taunton Coastal Flood Advisory Statement:
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.whus41.KBOX.html

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

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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Hello to all..

..Strong Nor’easter will affect the region Wednesday into Thursday Morning with strong to damaging winds, minor to locally moderate coastal flooding, heavy rainfall and even some light snowfall in some locations..
..A High Wind Warning is now in effect from 6 AM Wednesday to 4 AM Thursday Morning for Cape Cod and the Islands with a High Wind Warning in effect for South Coastal Rhode Island including Block Island and South Coastal Massachusetts from 2 PM Wednesday to 4 AM Thursday..
..A Wind Advisory is now in effect for Windham County Connecticut, the remainder of Rhode Island and Eastern Norfolk, Northern Bristol, Plymouth, Suffolk and Southeast Middlesex Counties of Masachusetts from 6 AM Wednesday to 6 AM Thursday..
..SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Taunton are likely some time later Wednesday Morning through early Thursday Morning..

A strong nor’easter/coastal storm is organizing and will impact the region on Wednesday and will last into Thursday Afternoon. Despite the close time range, weather models are a little more divergent than normal at this time range on the impacts of this system. An update on the impacts are outlined in this coordination message by section:

Strong to Damaging Wind Threat:
Computer models continue to show a strong wind field with this system. There is some question as to how much of the winds will mix down to the surface and it currently appears that South Coastal locations will experience the strongest winds followed by East Coastal Massachusetts, portion of interior Southeast Massachusetts, Rhode Island and NortheasT Connecticut. A High Wind Warning is now in effect from 6 AM Wednesday to 4 AM Thursday Morning for Cape Cod and the Islands with a High Wind Warning in effect for South Coastal Rhode Island including Block Island and South Coastal Massachusetts from 2 PM Wednesday to 4 AM Thursday. In the High Wind Warning area sustained winds of 25-40 MPH with gusts up to 60 MPH are likely. This will bring down scattered trees and wires resulting in scattered power outages. A Wind Advisory is now in effect for Windham County Connecticut, the remainder of Rhode Island and Eastern Norfolk, Northern Bristol, Plymouth, Suffolk and Southeast Middlesex Counties of Masachusetts from 6 AM Wednesday to 6 AM Thursday for sustained winds of 20-30 MPH with gusts to 50 MPH likely. These winds will bring down isolated to scattered trees and wires resulting in isolated to scattered power outages.

Rainfall:
Heavy rainfall of 1-3″ remains possible. The axis of heaviest rainfall will depend on the track of the system but current model trends indicate that portions of Eastern Masachusetts and Rhode Island, particularly southeastern locations could potentially have the heaviest rainfall. This could result in urban and poor drainage flooding. Currently, the threat for river/stream flooding is low.

Wet Snowfall Potential:
The potential for light accumulations of wet snow has changed since the last update. There is potential for some light wet snow accumulations across much of Southern New Hampshire, Western and Central Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut particularly overnight Wednesday Night into Thursday Morning. Preciptation totals will be less in the extreme western locations but will be a bit heavier in the central interior. Overall, snow totals are expected to be as little as a coating to possibly as much as 2-3 inches of wet snow. If enough wet snow accumulates with the system or more wet snow occurs than currently expected, this could cause isolated to scattered pockets of tree and wire damage and scattered power outages. This will be monitored closely and snowfall total ranges will be fine tuned with the next coordination message update.

Coastal Flooding:
Minor coastal flooding will be possible at the time of high tide across East Coastal Massachusetts for the Thursday Morning high tide with the possibility of pockets of moderate coastal flooding. The only notable change here is that confidence has increased that east coastal locations will be the areas primarly impacted by coastal flooding. This will continue to be monitored in future computer model runs.

SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Taunton are likely by late Wednesday Wednesday lasting through early Thursday Morning. Another coordination message will be posted by 830 AM Wednesday. Below is the NWS Taunton High Wind Warning/Wind Advisory Statement and Hazardous Weather Outlook:

NWS Taunton High Wind Warning/Wind 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

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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Hello to all..

..Strong Nor’easter to bring heavy rainfall, strong to damaging winds, and minor coastal flooding to much of Southern New England and there is even the threat of wet snowfall to portions of the far interior of Southern New England Wednesday into Thursday Afternoon..
..A High Wind Watch is now in effect for all of Rhode Island, Essex, Suffolk, Southeast Middlesex, Norfolk, Bristol, Plymouth, Barnstable, Dukes and Nantucket counties of Massachusetts from Wednesday Morning through late Wednesday Night for sustained winds of 25-35 MPH with gusts to 60 MPH possible..
..SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Taunton are likely Wednesday possibly extending into Thursday Morning..

A strong nor’easter/coastal storm will start to organize on Tuesday and begin impacting the region on Wednesday and will last into Thursday Afternoon. There are several impacts that will be outlined in this coordination message and updated going forward:

Strong to Damaging Wind Threat:
Computer models show a strong wind field with this system. There is some question as to how much of the winds will mix down to the surface but its quite likely that winds of 25-35 MPH with gusts to 60 MPH and possibly higher gusts will occur across portions of Eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. This will be dependent upon how well the strongest winds will mix down to the surface. A High Wind Watch is now in effect for all of Rhode Island, Essex, Suffolk, Southeast Middlesex, Norfolk, Bristol, Plymouth, Barnstable, Dukes and Nantucket counites of Massachusetts from Wednesday Morning through late Wednesday Night for sustained winds of 25-35 MPH with gusts to 60 MPH possible. Across areas outside of the High Wind Watch area, there is the potential for Wind Advisory criteria winds with sustained winds of 20-30 MPH with gusts of 45-50 MPH possible. These winds will be sufficient to cause isolated to scattered pockets of tree and wire damage and scattered power outages.

Rainfall:
Heavy rainfall of 1-3″ is possible. The axis of heaviest rainfall will depend on the track of the system but current model trends indicate that portions of Eastern Masachusetts and Rhode Island could potentially have the heaviest rainfall. This could result in urban and poor drainage flooding. Currently, the threat for river/stream flooding is low.

Wet Snowfall Potential:
Wet snow could occur across portions of Southwest New Hampshire and Northwest Massachusetts. Light to moderate snowfall amounts are possible. A track a bit further offshore could let the rain/snow line drift a bit more eastward. If enough wet snow accumulates with the system, this could cause isolated to scattered pockets of tree and wire damage and scattered power outages. Snow accumulations and the areas affected with wet snowfall, if any, will be better defined in future forecasts.

Coastal Flooding:
Minor coastal flooding will be possible at the time of high tide across East Coastal Massachusetts for the Thursday Morning high tide with the possibility of pockets of moderate coastal flooding. The threat looks confined to the East Coast of Massachusetts but a track closer to the coast could cause more of a risk of minor coastal flooding and beach erosion to portions of South Coastal Massachusetts. This will be montiored in future computer model runs.

SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Taunton are likely Wednesday lasting through early Thursday Morning. Another coordination message will be posted by 830 AM Tuesday Morning. Below is the NWS Taunton High Wind Watch Statement, Marine Weather Statement and Hazardous Weather Outlook:

NWS Taunton High Wind Watch Statement:
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.wwus71.KBOX.html

NWS Taunton Marine Weather Statement:
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.fzus71.KBOX.html

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

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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Hello to all..

During Hurricane Sandy, the Taunton Gazette did a story on NWS Taunton operations during Hurricane Sandy. As part of the story, WX1BOX Amateur Radio Operators were mentioned in the story complete with a photo of Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES) SKYWARN Coordinator, Rob Macedo-KD1CY and Assistant ARES SKYWARN Coordinator, Carl Aveni-N1FY. A link to that story is posted below:

http://www.tauntongazette.com/bigstorm/x1292885439/National-Weather-Service-works-overtime-in-Taunton-office-to-keep-public-informed?zc_p=0&img=3

Thanks to Barry Kennedy-N1EZH for bringing this to our attention. Also, thanks to all Amateur Radio Operators and SKYWARN Spotters who supported efforts during Hurricane Sandy’s impact on Southern New England.

73,Rob-KD1CY.

ARES SKYWARN Coordinator for NWS Taunton Massachusetts

 

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Hello to all..

..Hurricane Sandy made landfall as expected in South-Central New Jersey Monday. Her impacts on Southern New England were significant with several hundred thousand people without power and storm surge levels along the south coast of Rhode Island in particular but also on South coastal Massachusetts near the impact of Hurricane Bob in 1991..
..Damage pictures and video from around the region and in particular of the coastline of South Coastal Rhode Island as well as South and East Coastal Massachusetts would be very helpful if its safe to take pictures and video. They can be sent as a reply to the rmacedo@rcn.com email address or sent to pics@nsradio.org email address with credit given to the spotter for gathering the pictures and video..
..It is noted that the New Jersey, New York City, Long Island New York region, and South Coastal Connecticut have been particularly hard hit by Sandy’s storm surge and high winds with significant infrastructure damage noted. To date, there have been no requests for an ARESMAT (Amateur Radio Emergency Services Mutual Aid Team) to the region and no self deployments should occur. This continues to be monitored..
..Indirectly related to the circulation of ‘post tropical cyclone Sandy’, a line of strong to severe thunderstorms developed off of the Southeast Massachusetts coast on Tuesday Evening October 30th. These strong to severe thunderstorms resulted in a microburst in the Wareham/Onset area as well as wind damage, large hail and flash flooding across portions of Eastern Massachusetts. The Local Storm Report for this event and the Public Information Statement on the Onset/Wareham Microburst are posted via the links below..
..Also posted below is an updated listing of storm reports from the National Weather Service Taunton Local Storm Report and Public Information Statement as well as a ‘near complete’ report listing generated early this morning on the Southern New England impact of Hurricane Sandy..
..Another post-coordination message may be posted this evening or this could be the last post-coordination message posted on the impact of Hurricane Sandy depending on what other data is received..

NWS Taunton Local Storm Report:
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/lsr_10_29_12.txt
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/10_30_12_LSR_Sandy.txt

NWS Taunton Public Information Statement:
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/pns_10_29_12.txt
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/pns_10_30_12_sandy.txt

Near Complete Listing of Reports from SKYWARN Spotter/Amateur Radio/Social Media:
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/hurricane_sandy_reports_10_29_12.txt

NWS Taunton Local Storm Report – Tuesday October 30th, 2012 Line of Severe Thunderstorms:
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/lsr_10_31_12_svr_tstorms_10_30.txt

NWS Taunton Public Information Statement – Tuesday October 30th, 2012 Wareham/Onset Microburst:
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/pns_10_31_12_wareham_microburst.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

Read more

Hello to all..

..Hurricane Sandy made landfall as expected in South-Central New Jersey Monday. Her impacts on Southern New England were significant with several hundred thousand people without power and storm surge levels along the south coast of Rhode Island in particular but also on South coastal Massachusetts near the impact of Hurricane Bob in 1991..
..Damage pictures and video from around the region and in particular of the coastline of South Coastal Rhode Island as well as South and East Coastal Massachusetts would be very helpful if its safe to take pictures and video. They can be sent as a reply to the rmacedo@rcn.com email address or sent to pics@nsradio.org email address with credit given to the spotter for gathering the pictures and video..
..It is noted that the New Jersey, New York City, Long Island New York region, and South Coastal Connecticut have been particularly hard hit by Sandy’s storm surge and high winds with significant infrastructure damage noted. There would seem to be a possibility of communications Mutual Aid Team (MAT)/ARESMAT requirements for these areas, particularly New Jersey and the New York City/Long Island area but none are known right now. Seek advice from local ARES/EMCOMM leadership on any potential for Communications Mutual Aid team requirements for these areas if they develop and as storm surge waters recede..
..Below are the current listing of storm reports from the National Weather Service Taunton Local Storm Report and Public Information Statement as well as a ‘near complete’ report listing generated early this morning on the Southern New England impact of Hurricane Sandy..

NWS Taunton Local Storm Report:
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/lsr_10_29_12.txt

NWS Taunton Public Information Statement:
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/pns_10_29_12.txt

Near Complete Listing of Reports from SKYWARN Spotter/Amateur Radio/Social Media:
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/hurricane_sandy_reports_10_29_12.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

Read more

Hello to all..

..Hurricane Sandy taking aim on the US Mid-Atlantic and Northeast US Coast. Preparedness measures in Southern New England need to be completed by late Sunday Night to worse case Monday Morning. We need to continue to emphasize the fact that you should not focus on the track of the storm center to New Jersey or Sandy’s status as a tropical or post-tropical system as this will be a large and severe storm system with severe weather and damaging to hurricane force wind conditions occurring several hundred miles from the storm center and a track at or north of Cape May New Jersey means major to significant impact for Southern New England. Model trends remain between Cape May New Jersey and Long Island New York..
..A Coastal Flood Warning remains in effect from Monday Morning through Tuesday Afternoon for East Coastal and South Coastal Massachusetts and South Coastal Rhode Island for several high tide cycles of coastal flooding. The worst tide for coastal flooding on the south coast of Masaschusetts and Rhode Island will be the Monday Evening high tide where the coastal flood episode could be as bad if not worse than Hurricane Bob. The Monday Morning high tide on the south coast will also need monitoring. Across East Coastal Massachusetts, the Monday midday high tide will be comparable or worse than the Partiots Storm of 2007..
..A High Wind Warning is now in effect for the entire NWS Taunton Coverage Area and now includes Southern New Hampshire from 6 AM Monday Morning to 6 AM Tuesday Night..
..A Flood Watch remains in effect for Cheshire County New Hampshire, all of Northern Connecticut, and Franklin, Hampshire, Hampden, Worcester and Northern Middlesex Counties of Massachusetts from Monday Morning through Tuesday Afternoon..
..SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Taunton will now commence at 4 AM ET Monday and lasting through Tuesday Afternoon..
..For Situational awareness/disaster intelligence purposes, we request that wind damage, storm surge and flood pictures be sent to the email addres pics@nsradio.org or reply to the rmacedo@rcn.com email address. Credit will be given to the spotter and pictures sent to the media, emergency management, and the National Hurricane Center in Miami Florida..
..ARES/RACES/EMCOMM groups should closely monitor the progress of Hurricane Sandy and seek advice from local leadership. Eastern Massachusetts ARES was placed on stand-by as of 830 PM Friday Evening 10/26/12 until further notice looking for availability of Amateur Radio resources for possible deployment. New Hampshire ARES reports that they are at a level-2 activation meaning that a potential for a communications emergency exists. Connecticut ARES reports that they have raised their activation level to a level-2 standby effective at 0800 EDT Sunday October 28th, 2012 and Western Massachusetts ARES has been placed on standby..
..To underscore the potential severity of this system, the coordinators at the National Hurricane Center Amateur Radio Station, WX4NHC, Julio Ripoll-WD4R and John McHugh-K4AG have coordinated with our team and have declared that they will be active for the entire duration of Sandy’s impact to our region regardless of whether the system remains classified as a tropical system over our region. WX4NHC plans to activate at 9 AM ET Monday Morning for the duration of this event..

Hurricane Sandy is continuing to move northeastward and has a lower central pressure which is indicating strengthening. This motion will continue but eventually turn back to the North and Northwest as Sandy is blocked by high pressure over the Greenland area. Sandy’s wind field remains 520 miles wide. That wind field could expand even further with time. This is why a track of the storm into New Jersey will still mean significant/major impacts to Southern New England. The wind field is so wide, it will cover much of the Mid-Atlantic and the South-Central portions of New York and New England. For these reasons, we urge preparedness measures for the potential of extended power outages. At the coast, several cycles of storm surge flooding will likely cause significant issues along coastal shore roads and possibly to structures along the water. For the heavy rainfall threat, this will be worst over Western New England.

The following is a model analysis and breakdown of the various severe weather threats:

Weather Model Anaylsis:
There have been no significant changes in the model runs. Weather Models appear to be locking in on a solution that will track the system off our coastline by approximately 150 miles with a gradual bend back to the west with landfall somewhere along the Central New Jersey coastline. Most reliable model guidance brings this powerful, large storm system north of Cape May New Jersey which is the point that has been defined as bringing significant impact to Southern New England. Therefore, a track to New Jersey still means a significant impact to Southern New England because of the very large wind field.

Wind Threat:
A High Wind Warning is now in effect for the entire NWS Taunton Coverage Area including Southern New Hampshire from 6 AM Monday Morning to 6 AM Tuesday Morning. Widespread Damaging winds are expected meaning the potential for widespread tree and wire damage and extended power outages. Minor structural damage is possible. Sustained winds of 35-45 MPH with gusts to 70 MPH and the potential for hurricane force wind gusts are possible, especially across portions of Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Eastern Massachusetts. Across the remainder of the NWS Taunton Coverage area, sustained winds of 25-35 MPH with gusts to 65 MPH and possibly a few higher wind gusts especially in higher elevations of the interior. It is noted valley interior locations could have somewhat reduced winds.

Coastal Flood Threat:
Several high tide cycles of coastal flooding are likely across East and South Coastal Massachusetts and South Coastal Rhode Island and a Coastal Flood Warning is now in effect for these areas for these areas from Monday Morning through Tuesday Afternoon. Storm surge flooding along the south coast of Massachusetts and Rhode Island will likely be most significant around the Monday Evening high tide though minor to moderate coastal flooding is likely on the Monday Morning high tide. Across the east coast of Massachusetts, the worst of the coastal flooding will occur during the midday Monday high tide cycle for East Coastal Massachusetts. Storm surge of 3-5 feet is possible with isolated higher storm surge in Narragasett Bay and Buzzards Bay where major coastal flooding is possible.

The worst tide for coastal flooding on the south coast of Masaschusetts and Rhode Island will be the Monday Evening high tide where the coastal flood episode could be as bad if not worse than Hurricane Bob. The Monday Morning high tide on the south coast will also need monitoring. Across East Coastal Massachusetts, the Monday midday high tide will be comparable or worse than the Partiots Storm of 2007.

River/Stream/Urban Flood Threat:
The highest rainfall totals of 1.5-3″ with isolated 3-5″ amounts will occur across Southwest New Hampshire, Western and Central Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut. A Flood Watch is in effect for these areas for rivers, streams and urban areas from Monday Morning through Tuesday Afternoon. Across the remainder of the NWS Taunton coverage area, rain will be more showery and squally in nature meaning brief urban flood issues but less of a threat for river and stream flooding and 1-2″ of rainfall with isolated higher amounts are possible in the remainder of the NWS Taunton coverage area.

To underscore the potential severity of this system, the coordinators at the National Hurricane Center Amateur Radio Station, WX4NHC, Julio Ripoll-WD4R and John McHugh-K4AG have coordinated with our team and have declared that they will be active for the entire duration of Sandy’s impact to our region regardless of whether the system remains classified as a tropical system over our region. The VoIP Hurricane Net and Hurricane Watch Net will also be active. WX4NHC, the Amateur Radio station at the National Hurricane Center, plans to start operations at 9 AM Monday Morning currently. The links for the Amateur Radio Station at the National Hurricane Center and the hurricane nets appear below:

WX4NHC – Amateur Radio Station at the National Hurricane Center:
http://www.wx4nhc.org

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

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

Amateur Radio and Non-Amateur Radio SKYWARN Spotters should continue to keep high situational awareness regarding the track and intensity of Hurricane Sandy. People should complete their preparedness measures by late Sunday Night or worse case Monday Morning. NWS Taunton has posted a new Public Information Statement on Safety and Preparedness steps for Hurricane Sandy. That information can be seen via the link below:

http://beta.wx1box.org/local/pns_10_25_12_hurricane_sandy.txt

SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Taunton will commence at 4 AM ET Monday and lasting through Tuesday Afternoon. ARES/RACES/EMCOMM groups should closely monitor the progress of Hurricane Sandy and seek advice from local leadership. Eastern Massachusetts ARES was placed on stand-by as of 830 PM Friday Evening 10/26/12 until further notice looking for availability of Amateur Radio resources for possible deployment. New Hampshire ARES reports that they are at a level-2 activation meaning that a potential for a communications emergency exists. Connecticut ARES reports that they have raised their activation level to a level-2 standby effective at 0800 EDT Sunday October 28th, 2012 and Western Massachusetts ARES has been placed on standby.

For Situational awareness/disaster intelligence purposes, we request that wind damage, storm surge and flood pictures be sent to the email addres pics@nsradio.org or reply to the rmacedo@rcn.com email address. Credit will be given to the spotter and pictures sent to the media, emergency management, and the National Hurricane Center in Miami Florida.

Please complete your preparations by late Sunday Night or worse case Modnay Morning and keep your situational awareness high for Hurricane Sandy. The following is the NWS Taunton Flood Watch Statement, High Wind Warning Statement, Coastal Flood Warning Statement, Marine Weather Statement, Area Forecast Discussion and Hazardous Weather Outlook along with the National Hurricane Center Tropical Advisory pacakage:

NWS Taunton Flood Watch Statement:
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.wgus61.KBOX.html

NWS Taunton High Wind Warning Statement:
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.wwus71.KBOX.html

NWS Taunton Coastal Flood Warning Statement:
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.whus41.KBOX.html

NWS Taunton Marine Weather Statement:
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.fzus71.KBOX.html

NWS Taunton Area Forecast Discussion:
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.fxus61.KBOX.html

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

National Hurricane Center – Miami Florida Information:

Hurricane Sandy Public Advisory Information:
http://kamala.cod.edu/TPC/latest.wtnt33.KNHC.html

Hurricane Sandy Technical Discussion Information:
http://kamala.cod.edu/TPC/latest.wtnt43.KNHC.html

Hurricane Sandy Forecast/Advisory Information:
http://kamala.cod.edu/TPC/latest.wtnt23.KNHC.html

Hurricane Sandy Wind Speed Probabilities:
http://kamala.cod.edu/TPC/latest.font13.KNHC.html

This is the last coordination message on Hurricane Sandy. A special reporting criteria message was sent out earlier this morning as well.

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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