SKYWARN NEWS WIRE
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GENERAL INTEREST

2011 WISCONSIN TORNADO & SEVERE WEATHER AWARENESS WEEK
Governor Walker has proclaimed April 11-15, 2011 as Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week in Wisconsin.  On April 14, 2008, a statewide tornado drill is planned.  The National Weather Service will issue mock tornado watches and warnings.  If actual severe weather occurs anywhere in the state on April 14, the tornado drill will be postponed until Friday, April 15 with the watch/warnings issued at the same times.  Below are the scheduled times for the mock watches/warnings.

1:00 pm - MOCK TORNADO WATCH FOR ALL OF WISCONSIN.

1:10-1:15 pm - National Weather Service Green Bay issues mock tornado warning for Brown, Calumet, Door, Florence, Forest, Kewaunee, Langlade, Lincoln, Manitowoc, Marathon, Marinette, Menominee, Oconto, Oneida,
Outagamie, Portage, Shawano, Vilas, Waupaca, Waushara, Winnebago and Wood Counties.

1:20-1:25 pm - National Weather Service Milwaukee issues mock tornado warning for Columbia, Dane, Dodge, Fond du Lac, Green, Green Lake, Iowa, Jefferson, Kenosha, Lafayette, Marquette, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Rock, Sauk, Sheboygan, Walworth, Washington and Waukesha Counties.

1:30-1:35 pm - National Weather Service La Crosse issues mock tornado warning for Adams, Buffalo, Clark, Crawford, Grant, Jackson, Juneau, La Crosse, Monroe, Richland, Taylor, Trempealeau and Vernon Counties.

1:40-1:45 pm - National Weather Service Minneapolis/Chanhassen issues mock tornado warning for Barron, Chippewa, Dunn, Eau Claire, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Rusk and St. Croix Counties.

1:50-1:55 pm - National Weather Service Duluth issues mock tornado warning for Ashland, Bayfield, Burnett, Douglas, Iron, Price, Sawyer and Washburn Counties.

2:00 pm - END OF MOCK TORNADO WATCH/WARNING DRILL
 

WISCONSIN FREEWAY BACK-UP ASSESSMENT
Wisconsin's Department of Military Affairs has released its assessment on the Interstate 39/90 back-up between Madison and the Illinois border during the severe February 5-7, 2008 winter storm. This event required Governor Doyle to declare a state of emergency. This is an exceptionally well detailed assessment on how effective (or ineffective) various Wisconsin agencies performed to the traffic and public safety issues during near blizzard like conditions.  While lengthy (164 pages, 3.14 MB) there are segments of interest for local first-responders, law enforcement, fire departments, emergency response personnel, plow and wrecker operators, state troopers, media, the National Guard, and Wisconsin weather watchers alike. http://emergencymanagement.wi.gov/docview.asp?docid=13282&locid=18

JANUARY TORNADOES
A rare tornado out break hit southeast Wisconsin, Northern Illinois, Missouri, and Oklahoma on January 7th.The strongest was rated EF-3 for southeast Wisconsin. Link here for Wisconsin storm and others states. Aerial damage photos from the tornadoes linked to a Google Map are also on display courtesy of http://www.aerialimages-photo.com/Wisconsin-tornado/map.htm     (Jan. 19, 08)

SPOTTERS GET NEW REFERENCE POINTS
Spotters in south central and southeast Wisconsin report their location based on their distance and direction from a city center or geographic landmark. These new points will now include airports, institutional landmarks, and state parks. Spotters served by the Milwaukee-Sullivan NWS office should link to the Milwaukee Skywarn webpage http://www.mke-skywarn.org/cities.htm and review these new points.

HIGH VISIBILITY GARMENTS FOR SPOTTERS-CHASERS-MEDIA?
On November 24th, 2008 Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) regulation 23 CFR 634 goes into effect. It requires the wearing of high visibility garments on all federally funded highways. This is a compliance issue for public safety, the towing and recovery, road construction and maintenance industries. Its impact on spotters, chasers, and media spotters have yet to be determined.  (1/6/08)

CROSSING POLICE LINES (Wisconsin Radio & TV Engineers Note)
The Wisconsin Broadcasters Association and the Wisconsin Department of Justice, division of Criminal Investigations
are providing state-issued Broadcast Emergency Personal ID cards to radio and TV engineers. The cards will aid broadcast engineers in passing thru police lines to access broadcast transmitters to keep their stations on the air to broadcast emergency information during a disaster. This is in response to recommendations following the Hurricane Katrina disaster when engineers had problems reaching their transmitter sites. This program is not for reporters, but only radio and TV engineers. http://www.wi-broadcasters.org/emergency/broadcasterid/ 
(MASA Capsule Update June 2007)

FROM COUNTY TO STORM BASED WEATHER WARNINGS
By Skip Voros, Executive Director, Milwaukee Area Skywarn Association

The National Weather Service currently issues and disseminates warnings for severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, and flash floods using full county or parish boundaries. In order to improve the accuracy of warnings for these hazards, the NWS implemented Storm-Based Warnings. Although entire county warnings are still possible with some storms, beginning in 2007 the warned area will be in the shape of a multi-sided box (polygon) indicating the greatest threat area regardless of the geopolitical boundaries. Thus areas not affected by the storm's path do not get warned. Pictures and overview at: http://www.weather.gov/sbwarnings/
-MORE-
During active severe weather events the polygon warning areas are now displayed on internet radar for tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, flash flooding, special marine events, and extreme wind warnings in hurricane prone areas. Some TV channels are also displaying the polygon warned areas. On-line at: http://www.srh.noaa.gov/ridge/index_lite.htm  and http://www.srh.noaa.gov/ridge/index_lite.htm
-MORE-
In partnership with the private sector Storm-Based Warnings will promote improved graphical warning displays, support a wider warning distribution through cell phone alerts, pagers, and web enabled Personal Data Assistants (PDA’s) etc. Audio and text warning formats for NOAA radio, E-mail, and TV screen crawls will include more specific geographic or landmark wording.




ON-LINE RESOURCES:

RIVER WATER LEVELS
Historic flash flooding occurred in southeast Minnesota (17 inches) and western Wisconsin (11 inches) on August 18-19th. At least 7 were killed and 12 counties now under disaster declarations. Local sheriffs used NOAA All Hazards’ Weather Radio to issue emergency evacuations orders.  Is there a river in your area? Find out its level and trend with this zoom down map link at http://www.weather.gov/ahps/index.php


DRIVER AND SPOTTER SAFETY: Turn Around Don’t Drown (TADD)
Many people believe their 3,000 pound car or min-van is too heavy to float with 1 or 2 feet of flood water. But why then does a 97,000 ton Aircraft carrier float? Vehicles, including ships, float because of buoyancy. Most cars can be swept away with 18-24 inches of fast moving water, and trucks or SUVs do not fare much better. For a simple explanation and graphic on buoyancy see: http://tadd.weather.gov/Buoyancy.shtml
For the math & science wiz kid a PDF version at: http://tadd.weather.gov/images/WaterPhysics.pdf
And for the know-it-all, a PowerPoint version at: http://tadd.weather.gov/images/WaterPhysics.ppt


BASIC STORM SPOTTER MANUAL (Beginner Level)
This entry level PDF document is suited for the basic weather watcher or future weather spotter who wants to expand their knowledge but without getting overly complicated.
20-25 pages. http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/brochures/basicspot.pdf


ADVANCED STORM SPOTTER Manual
This misleading title, also a PDF document, expands on the basic materials and then introduces additional concepts and visuals that the beginner needs to understand without becoming overly technical. http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/brochures/adv_spotters.pdf.  (25-30 pages)


DOPPLER RADAR TRAINING
By Rick Swierczynski, Vice President & Associate Director, MASA Inc.

Weather surveillance radar (RAdio Detection And Ranging) is used by virtually all weather sensitive responders. However, with the exception of knowing that the bright red colors often mean strong or severe storms, most users do not fully comprehend weather service radar imagery. Is your favorite radar image showing rain, hail, snow, smoke plumes, lake breezes, migrating bird flocks, wheat chaff from a farm field, damaging winds, or images that infer a rotating storm (often a precursor to funnels and tornadoes).

On-line at http://www.crh.noaa.gov/pub/wcm/Radar_training.ppt  (PowerPoint, 126 slides, 30 MB) it covers how radar works, basic and severe storm imagery, and a quiz to test what you have learned. Recommended audiences include: designated weather watchers, emergency managers, police and fire, marine, spotter, water management, agriculture, forestry, aviation, and public works personnel. Some material and graphics will be difficult for the newcomer. For additional Doppler radar training also see: http://www.crh.noaa.gov/pah/science/science.php



10 MORE REASONS FOR WEATHER SPOTTERS
By Peggy K., Secretary, Milwaukee Area Skywarn Association

Because the Warren County Iowa community of Cumming does not have tornado sirens or an emergency management plan according to a story by Des Moines television station WHO.

Because current Doppler radar technology cannot determine the exact size of hail. Rare and verified 5.5 inch stones fell in Wisconsin’s Wood County on June 7th causing damage to roofs, cars, and crops.

Because communication lines go down. On June 27th a large part of Oswego county New York lost cell, landline, cable TV, and 9-1-1 center contact when a fiber cable was damaged. 20-thousand people were without communications for many hours.

Because spotters only call 9-1-1 to make a report. During a July 16th tornado warning for Jefferson County in southeast Iowa, the 9-1-1 center answered almost 100 calls in a 45 minute period. Questions included: “Is the tornado siren being tested?  Was there a real tornado?  Where was it?  Is it safe to leave the shelter?” This prevented dispatchers from handling other real emergencies. Well prepared spotters and the public always have safety plans for their home or work. And the practice KEEP UP not CATCH UP.

Because many trained spotters are ham radio operators with backup power and direct radio contact with the weather service. A July 28th a telephone outage at the Northern Indiana weather office prevented potential reports from being passed. Any reports had to be relayed thru local law enforcement.

Because spotters understand you don’t call 9-1-1 unless its an emergency where you need police, fire, or emergency medical attention. During a August 6th tornado warning for Rock County in southern Wisconsin, the 9-1-1 center was bombarded with calls. “OK, the tornado alarm….OK, Does that mean it's  just a tornado warning or what? …..I need to know where we're supposed to go….there's a tornado warning going on…….Yeah, we've got a tornado warning in Rock County, out east…..Now, is that Janesville? I was wondering, my TV is out and everything.....is the tornado warning done?   KEEP UP not CATCH UP!

Because tornadoes have occurred in all 50 states. On August 9th several shorted lived 6:30 AM twisters tore thru Brooklyn, New York. That city has not seen a tornado since the beginning of record keeping. In Bethel, Alaska (400 miles west-southwest of Anchorage), a funnel cloud was seen on August 20th.

Because many spotters are ham radio operators, and unlike cell phones, the ham radio channels are not affected outages or overloads. The historic flooding on August 19th in southeast Minnesota prompted this Civil Emergency Message on NOAA Radio:

URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
CIVIL EMERGENCY MESSAGE - HOUSTON COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
RELAYED BY NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE LA CROSSE WI
1100 AM CDT SUN AUG 19 2007

THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE IS TRANSMITTED AT THE REQUEST OF THE HOUSTON COUNTY
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT. THE SHERIFFS DEPARTMENT REQUESTS THAT CELL PHONE
TRAFFIC BE KEPT TO EMERGENCY PERSONNEL ONLY. RESPONDERS COULD EXPERIENCE
COMMUNICATION PROBLEMS OTHERWISE.

(During the Minneapolis Bridge collapse a similar request was made by emergency responders.)

Because weakening storms and simultaneous computer glitches can mean major property damage. As was the case on August 23rd in the Chicago area when a decaying storm suddenly intensified to produce an 80-100 MPH microburst and the city sirens did not sound during a tornado warning.

Because the August 29th siren test in Franklin County, Ohio, discovered 37 dead sirens out 143. This according to the county’s Emergency Management director and the Columbus Dispatch.






WISCONSIN RELATE

Southeast Wisconsin Spotters Get Google Maps
Southeast Wisconsin spotter training requires spotters to reference their location from the geographical center of their city or the nearest city/village within their county. To make this a simple process the Milwaukee Area Skywarn Association has now added a Google map link for each of the 20 counties served by the Sullivan NWS office. The Google maps provide seamless zooming down to street level for each city center. Storm spotters are encouraged to plot these locations (distance & direction) for their home, work, and frequent driving stop locations. City Centers and Spotter Reporting Criteria at:
http://www.mke-skywarn.org/cities.htm


Jumbo Weather Radio Coverage Map
NOAA All Hazard Weather Radio is still the best kept secret in the world or weather data information. These radio channels provide local forecast and warning information 24-7. And now they also broadcast certain non-weather emergency messages (9-1-1 outages, chemical spills, evacuation orders, etc).

URGENT - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED - CIVIL EMERGENCY MESSAGE
HOUSTON COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
RELAYED BY NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE LA CROSSE WI
408 PM CDT SUN AUG 19 2007

THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE IS TRANSMITTED AT THE REQUEST OF THE HOUSTON COUNTY
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT.

THE MAYOR FROM THE CITY OF HOUSTON HAS CALLED FOR A MANDATORY EVACUATION OF
THE CITY. RESIDENTS EVACUATING SHOULD TAKE HIGHWAY 76 TO CALEDONIA. IF PEOPLE CANNOT
DRIVE GO TO THE NORTH END OF THE CITY BLOCK BY 5 PM AND BUS TRANSPORTATION WILL
BE PROVIDED FOR YOU.

See our Wisconsin jumbo weather radio coverage map and the list of non-weather emergency messages at our updated weather radio page at:
http://www.mke-skywarn.org/wxradio.htm



THE SKYWARN "WISH LIST"
Milwaukee Area Skywarn Association is seeking local, community, and professional support to better serve our supporters’ and the severe weather community. Visit our "wish list" page about donating items you no longer use or make a small five dollar donation. High priorities include 2-way radio equipment and associated antenna space on a tall building, radio-TV-cell tower in or near Milwaukee County. This system will be used relay severe weather warnings and related information to the benefit of emergency responders, government officials, needy agencies, and the public, but without the repetitive nature heard from on the weather radio. Milwaukee Skywarn is nonprofit and IRS 501c3 tax exempt. Visit our wish list at http://www.mke-skywarn.org/support.htm   or send replies in confidence to:
masa@execpc.com


 

  SPOTTER DO'S and DON'TS
By Rusty Kapela, NWS Milwaukee/Sullivan

Do...attend spotter classes as much as possible.
Do...surf the web for additional information on spotting, severe weather, etc. (including Storm Prediction Center)
Do...have a watch, pencil, note pad, cell phone, and colored Quick Spotter Reference Guide with you when spotting
Do...make an effort to provide an accurate report - the time, location, condition (what you experienced/saw), and location
Do...reference your severe weather report location to the cultural/political center of the nearest city/village, to the nearest 1/10 mile and one of the 16 compass points (stationary spotters)...such as...1.5 NNE Madison
Do...provide in your report what direction you are looking at while viewing a rotating wall cloud, funnel cloud, or tornado, since you can't accurately determine, in the heat of the battle, how far away the wall cloud/funnel cloud/tornado is from your position
Do...spot with a partner, especially if you are mobile - two heads are better than one in this business!
Do...place the safety of you and your family first, your report is second priority
Do...take a deep breath, try to remain calm, and get the job done
Do...utilize communication channels that have been set up for you or your group, and follow proper format/procedures
Do...make sure the National Weather Service receives your report via 911, or our 800 number, or ham frequencies, or E-Spotter
Do...be willing to freely share some of your severe weather pictures with the NWS for educational purposes, on-line stories (it's in the public domain)
Do...feel good about what you're doing as a spotter - you are just as important as any other spotter!

Don't...assume you know everything there is to know about spotting - keep an open mind - you'll learn something new every year
Don't...make it difficult for emergency response people (emergency management, law enforcement, fire fighters, Red Cross, etc.) to do their job - don't get in the way
Don't...just take pictures and video of a wall cloud or tornado and forget to relay your spotter report
Don't...look at spotting as a game or procedure that will make you look more important to your peers - keep a level head and just do your best
Don't...look down at or ridicule another spotter for making a mistake - you may make the next mistake - we all have - no one is perfect
Don't...get upset at the National Weather Service if you don't see your severe weather report appear on-line as a Local Storm Report (LSR) or in a Public Information Statement (PNS), or in some "Top News of the Day" article on the NWS's web page - we get hundreds of reports from the 20 counties we service.
Don't...assume that you have a tornado just because you see something that looks like a funnel cloud - you must see some indication of ground-based, rotational effects (rotating debris/dirt) underneath or very close to the funnel cloud in order to classify it as a tornado - and there may be very little of any funnel cloud
Don't...get caught up in the game of trying to be the first person to call-in a tornado report - spotting is a game of being 100% correct...it's not a game of being the first.
Don't...call-in or relay a report if you're not sure what you're looking at - you must be 100% sure of what you're looking at - accuracy is the highest priority, after your safety - We'd rather have no report rather than a false report.
Don't...forget to give yourself a pat on the back - for your volunteer, public safety efforts
 

   ON-LINE SPOTTER TRAINING
By Rick Swierczynski, MASA V-P
Associate Director Milwaukee Area Skywarn Assoc.
The 2007 storm spotter training programs presented to the public and emergency responders by the Milwaukee-Sullivan National Weather Service have been added to the Milwaukee Area Skywarn Association "Storm Spotter" webpage. The 'Basic' program should be viewed by all beginners and trained spotters, while the 'Advanced' program is for those who have completed the basic program and are seeking a more in-depth training. These Power Point programs are excellent training or refresher materials, but they are large files. Expect 3-4 minutes of download time even with high speed connections. http://www.mke-skywarn.org/storm_spotters.html
 

NIGHTMARES FOR THE EMERGENCY RESPONDER: