| What
is Skywarn? The SKYWARN program
is a partnership between the National Weather
Service (NWS) and the community. It was formed in
the early 1970's after major tornado outbreaks
ravaged many areas, with its chief aim being to
reduce the threat to our communities from severe
weather.
The key element of the program is a network of
volunteer non-NWS personnel ("storm
spotters") who relay reports of severe
weather to the NWS. Even with today's new
technology at our disposal, only one instrument
can detect severe weather phenomena directly with
absolute certainty, the human eye. A large
network of spotters can be a great benefit to the
NWS warning program. The basis for, and/or
verification of, many severe weather warnings,
issued by the NWS, may be directly attributed to
SKYWARN storm spotters. Their reports are
considered highly credible by NWS personnel, and
are regarded highly. They assist the NWS in
performing our top mission, which is to prepare
and distribute warnings and forecasts of
impending severe weather. SKYWARN Storm Spotters
help to provide the citizens of their community
with potentially life-saving information. We
realize that members of this elite group are
volunteering their time and effort to provide
this invaluable service. Their efforts are
greatly appreciated.
Many NWS spotters are also amateur radio
operators. This dual role can be helpful,
especially during a major storm such as a
hurricane, when phone and power lines are down
and amateur radio may become the primary means of
communications.
While there are no specific requirements, it is
preferred that Skywarn volunteers are reachable
in the event that something suspicious is
happening in the skies in their area. It must
also be stressed that we are looking for reliable
and objective reports. When wind speed or hail
size is exaggerated, for example, it can do more
harm than good.
If you would like to become an Horry County
Skywarn Spotter, please contact Bob Hawkins, KI4HEE Assistant Skywarn
Coordinator for the Grand Strand area.
Local
Skywarn Nets
Skywarn nets
are initiated any time the National Weather
Service issues a severe weather alert. The nets
are conducted on the following repeaters:
- Primary - Myrtle Beach
146.655 MHz (-) (PL Tone 123 Hz)
- Secondary - Conway
147.090 MHz (+) (PL Tone 123 Hz)
ALL amateurs licensed for
these frequencies are encouraged to participate.
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