East Tennessee SKYWARN

Frequently Asked Questions regarding SKYWARN Weather Nets

What can I report?
What constitutes severe weather?
What do I NOT report?
Why do you not take lightning reports
Why should I not report "marble size" hail?
What constitutes a SKYWARN net?
What requirements are needed to become a member?
Is East Tennessee SKYWARN an official club or group?
Who does East Tennessee SKYWARN report to?
Who can call a SKYWARN net?
Where does East Tennessee SKYWARN hold their weather nets?
Does East Tennessee SKYWARN have scheduled drills for practice?
What kind of training is needed to be a spotter?
Do I have to be an Amateur Radio (HAM) operator to participate?
Do I have to be an Amateur Radio (HAM) operator to get Spotter Training?
What equipment should I have in order to become a spotter?
Can I "Storm Chase"?
Why does the National Weather Service need spotter reports?
How does the National Weather Service know what we are reporting?
What about Winter Weather?
Are there other Spotter groups in this area?
How can I find out more about Spotter groups in my area?
Can I start my own group?
Is there anything else I should know?

What can I report?

Typically we are looking for the following:

Tornadoes
Funnel Clouds
Wall Clouds
Hail
High Winds
Heavy Rainfall

Also, we are looking for the following damage reports:

Hazardous conditions or road accidents not attended by emergency personnel
Power outages affecting large areas
Damage as a result of bad weather

What constitutes severe weather?

Officially, the National Weather Service's criteria for severe weather is as follows:

Tornadoes, Funnel Clouds, or Wall Clouds
Hail larger than dime size
Rain in excess of 1" per hour or greater than 2" over a 24-hour period
Wind in excess of 68 miles per hour, or MPH

HOWEVER, East Tennessee SKYWARN does take the following additional reports:

Any size hail falling in the area
Wind in excess of 30 miles, or MPH

What do I NOT report?

While we enjoy the participation we get from the many amateurs who have checked in over the many years we have operated East Tennessee SKYWARN, it is important to understand that we are providing Emergency Communications and vital weather information to the National Weather Service in situations where literally seconds count. Therefore, in order to guarantee that the correct information gets facilitated properly, please refrain from reporting the following:

Lightning reports
Information that is "hearsay" or unconfirmed
Information that is not current or older than 15 minutes (unless requested)
Information that has been reported on other services or off of Television (unless requested)

Why do you not take lightning reports?

There is some misunderstandings as to why East Tennessee SKYWARN (and any weather net in general) does not take lightning reports. For one, lightning is a sudden and unpredictable event. We cannot guess or assume where and when lightning will strike. We cannot issue "Lightning Watches" or warnings because it's quite simply impossible to determine where the next bolt of lightning will strike. Plain and simple, the National Weather Service cannot use these reports, and neither can we.

While we do not want to hear reports of "heavy lightning" or how many "strokes per minute" you are counting, WE DO WANT TO HEAR REPORTS OF DAMAGE AS A RESULT OF LIGHTNING. While we are not able to predict where lightning will hit, we do want to know if it hits a rooftop and sets a house on fire, or if it knocks out a transformer, or if it causes a tree to land in the road. We CAN take reports of damage as a result of lightning, but we cannot do anything about how often the lightning is lighting up the sky.

Also, the National Weather Service is monitoring the lightning via the National Lightning Detection Network. This is a series of monitoring stations set up across the country that can triangulate and detect when and where lightning has made a ground strike seconds after it happens. So the National Weather Service does know where the lightning is at.

This is not a decision we make. It is a decision that the National Weather Service makes. We appreciate everyone's cooperation and understanding regarding this issue.

Why should I not report "marble size" hail?

There are two reasons why "marble size" hail is not useful to East Tennessee SKYWARN:

Marbles come in various sizes. A "marble" to one person may be the size of a quarter, while to another the size of a marble could be smaller than a dime.

Also, the National Weather Service's official designation of a "marble" is 1/2 inch in diameter. The criteria for severe is dime size, which is 3/4 inches in diameter. So someone reporting "marble-sized hail" may perceive hail the size of a quarter, while officially, the National Weather Service would perceive it as smaller than a dime.

Also, "Pinball Sized Hail" has been reported as well. This falls in the "Marble" category as well. While most people would agree that Pinballs are pretty large in size, they are still officially labeled in the "Marble" category, which is non-severe. Please try to give a size that matches a consistent measurement. For example:

Pea Size (1/4 inch)
Dime Size (3/4 inch)
Quarter Size (1 inch)
Golf Ball Size (1 3/4 inch)
Tennis Ball Size (2 1/2 inch)
Baseball Size (2 3/4 inch)
Softball Size (4 inch)

What constitutes a SKYWARN net?

It depends on who is controlling the SKYWARN net. Some will wait until weather warnings are activated before starting a net, and others will start a net well before so that the repeater or frequency that they are on is available for use when the bad weather ensues.

The basic criteria are flexible and are subject to the discretion of the Net Control Station, or NCS:

Are there any weather warnings currently activated in the area?
Is the National Weather Service on station?
Are weather/damage reports coming in from spotters?

We try not to jump the gun and call a weather net over isolated or scattered thunderstorms. However, large-scale events can warrant a SKYWARN net, whether or not the National Weather Service has a station on the air.

What requirements are needed to become a member?

For Amateur Radio, all you need is a valid FCC License to transmit on the amateur bands. We currently do not require a membership or "spotter number" or any training to report any weather or damage you may encounter.

We do request that you take spotter training, which is FREE and can be scheduled at your convenience. Spotter Training Classes are offered throughout the year at various times and locations across East Tennessee. If you have taken the Spotter Training class, we do ask that you attend at least once a year to keep up to date on new information or to get reacquainted with how to spot severe weather in the area.

Is East Tennessee SKYWARN a club or group?

NO. We are not affiliated with any emergency service (other than the Amateur Radio Emergency Service, or ARES) or club organization. This was determined by those who call these nets for several reasons. Among those is the fact that severe weather in East Tennessee affects many counties, jurisdictions, and locations that clubs or organizations have no control over. East Tennessee SKYWARN serves several counties in the National Weather Service's County Warning Area, or CWA. We have access to several wide-area repeaters who's owners or trustees have graciously permitted us to use in times of emergencies. While we abide by the requests of the repeater owners and trustees, we do not have any official sanctioning body presiding over us. We feel this is the best method so that there is no feelings of favoring one group over another, or harboring of any ill-will towards one another.

Basically we have eliminated the possibility of politics and control tactics to be enabled. We welcome all amateurs to check into our weather nets, and do not want to be placed into a position where we are made to feel obligated to a particular entity or group.

We feel this is the best course of action at this time. We have no plans to become an incorporated group or an exclusive organization for members only. We intend to use SKYWARN for its intended purpose: to serve the Amateur Radio Community and to serve the National Weather Service.

Who does East Tennessee SKYWARN report to?

East Tennessee SKYWARN reports to the National Weather Service and to Emergency Management Agencies across the CWA. We report primarily to the National Weather Service office in Morristown, Tennessee. However, on occasion, liaison stations check in from area Emergency Services and we report to them with whatever information that they request.

Who can call a SKYWARN net?

Technically, ANYONE with an FCC license to transmit on amateur frequencies can call a weather net.

We are always asking for volunteers to help us with weather nets. We do request that those who wish to become a Net Control Station, or NCS, have the following (NOTE: These are NOT requirements, but rather a means of preparation for calling one of these nets):

A base station with alternate/backup power.
Radios that can transmit on other bands (such as HF or 70 cm).
Computer with internet access or access to weather radar via television.
Police Scanner.
NOAA Weather Radio
Previous experience as a NCS with either weather nets or otherwise.
Ability to "multitask", as you will be handling reports from amateur operators, writing down or typing information, viewing radar, monitoring NOAA weather radio, and communicating with the National Weather Service at the same time.

Don't be intimidated by this list. Sometimes an NCS is controlling a net from their car while driving to work, or with a handheld radio while in the basement of their house. Under "normal circumstances" and "perfect conditions" these items will be readily available, however, none of us has yet to encounter perfect conditions!

Sometimes an NCS will have to abandon station because they are threatened by the weather in their area, or their equipment malfunctions. We may request someone to step into the role of NCS temporarily or permanently for the duration of the event because of mitigating circumstances. All we ask is that you do your best. We can't ask you to be perfect. We aren't.

Where does East Tennessee SKYWARN hold their weather nets?

Currently, East Tennessee SKYWARN uses the 146.940 WB4GBI repeater, located south of Knoxville, Tennessee. We chose this repeater primarily for its coverage, its ability to maintain operation in case of power failure, and it's simplicity, with no "bells and whistles" to interfere with the operation of the net.

In the event of a failure on 146.940, we have also used the following repeaters for our operations:

147.300/224.500/444.575 W4BBB
146.625 WB4GBI
146.850 WA4KJH

Usually we will announce an alternate frequency in case of a failure on the primary frequency.

Does East Tennessee SKYWARN have scheduled drills for practice?

Not at this time. Because we are not an incorporated club or affiliated with an organization, we do not hold scheduled drills or practice sessions.

However, area Emergency Service groups and clubs will hold an occasional drill or Simulated Emergency Test, or SETs. These are conducted at various times throughout the year. We recommend you check with your county's Emergency Service or Amateur Radio Club to see if/when they have one planned.

What kind of training is needed to be a spotter?

While there is no absolute requirement to be a spotter, we do recommend that you take Spotter Training. The National Weather Service conducts Basic and Advanced Spotter classes FREE OF CHARGE at various times throughout the year. Typically these classes are conducted for Basic Spotter Training, as the Advanced classes are more for spotters in parts of the United States where more Advanced Spotter training is utilized. However both Basic and Advanced Spotter Training is available for those interested. You DO NOT HAVE TO BE AN AMATEUR RADIO OPERATOR in order to attend a Spotter Training Session. They are available for all who are interested, but most times space is limited and you will need to reserve your name in advance.

For additional information on SKYWARN including times and locations of storm spotter training sessions, please e-mail Howard Waldron (Warning Coordination Meteorologist) or phone (423) 586-8706, Monday-Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM.

Do I have to be an Amateur Radio (HAM) operator to participate?

You do NOT have to be a HAM to take the Spotter Training. You DO have to be a HAM to participate in a SKYWARN net on an Amateur Radio frequency. You do NOT have to be a HAM to report your information to the National Weather Service in Morristown, Tennessee.

SKYWARN is not restricted to Amateur Radio. In many parts of the country, SKYWARN nets are being done on Citizen's Band and Family Radio Service (FRS) frequencies. As long as there is a reasonable means of communication to the National Weather Service office and/or to local Emergency Management, then SKYWARN can be conducted, theoretically, on any radio frequency that is available.

This web site also offers online spotter reporting so that those who cannot transmit because they are unable to access the frequency we utilize for the nets or because they are not licensed Amateur Radio operators can participate and submit their report.

We do encourage anyone to get their Amateur Radio license and become a HAM operator. It is not as hard as you might think, and you do not even need to learn the Morse Code to become a HAM operator! To find out more contact your local radio club or you may contact us here at East Tennessee SKYWARN to find out more information. Click on the "Email" option in the toolbar to the left of this window to contact a member or East Tennessee SKYWARN.

Do I have to be an Amateur Radio (HAM) operator to get Spotter Training?

No you do not! ANYONE can take the Spotter Training classes and use this information to better themselves in times of severe weather. The service is FREE OF CHARGE and scheduled several times throughout the year.

For additional information on SKYWARN storm spotter training sessions, please e-mail Howard Waldron (Warning Coordination Meteorologist) or phone (423) 586-8706, Monday-Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM.

What equipment should I have in order to become a spotter?

There are several ways to prepare for severe weather and to prepare for any emergency.

Besides typical emergency supplies (flashlight, batteries, weather radio, food and water, etc.) you should have a radio (obviously) capable of receiving and transmitting (if you are licensed) on the 2-meter amateur radio band. An alternate means of power besides electricity is also strongly recommended. Many times power can be knocked out during severe weather events and an alternative means of power should be readied.

A weather radio is also recommended so that you can monitor the National Weather Service broadcast in your area. Prices and features range depending on brand and model. Check with your local electronics store to find out what radio(s) they have to monitor NOAA weather radio with.

A good knowledge of the weather and how to identify severe weather is also handy. This can be obtained by attending a spotter training session. These sessions are FREE OF CHARGE and are held throughout the year.

For additional information on SKYWARN storm spotter training sessions, please e-mail Howard Waldron (Warning Coordination Meteorologist) or phone (423) 586-8706, Monday-Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM.

Can I "Storm Chase"?

You can do whatever you want. However, WE DO NOT RECOMMEND STORM CHASING!!!!!!!

Storm Chasing is dangerous, and is even more dangerous in East Tennessee. In other parts of the country where tornadoes and severe weather occur, the driving conditions are far different than in East Tennessee. In parts of the Midwest many of the roads and highways are either North/South or East/West, with few curves and hills and mountains to obstruct view.

In East Tennessee, the many mountains, valleys, and ridges can obstruct the view of an impending storm in the area. You could end up in the "danger zone" unintentionally and you may not have an alternate means of escape via a side road or otherwise if you are not familiar with the roads in the area you are in.

As one who has done it in the past, I can vouch for the dangers of "Storm Chasing" and I heartily oppose anyone doing it, no matter what their experience or skill level is.

EAST TENNESSEE SKYWARN DOES NOT ENDORSE, NOR WILL WE ASK STATIONS TO CHASE STORMS. ANY STATION WHO CHOOSES TO CHASE STORMS DOES SO STRICTLY AT THEIR OWN RISK!!!!!!!!!!!!

If you are asked to "Chase" a storm by an NCS of East Tennessee SKYWARN, or you hear of such a request, please report it to the National Weather Service office by calling (423) 586-3771 anytime and to the Webmaster as soon as possible.

Why does the National Weather Service need spotter reports?

While the National Weather Service has the latest technology in the form of Doppler Radar, they need trained spotters in order to confirm that what is being shown on radar is what is indeed happening on the ground in the affected area. Doppler radar can detect what's known as a "hook echo" which is a hook-shaped reading on the radar to indicate rotation in a certain cell, or Cumulonimbus Cloud.

Click here to see what a "hook echo" looks like. This was taken by Doppler Radar in May of 2002 from an F5 Tornado that tore through Maryland.

But what the Doppler radar cannot do is determine whether or not that rotation is on the ground as a tornado, or if it is a funnel cloud, or even a false echo. Trained spotters in the affected area can confirm or deny what the radar is showing. That is why East Tennessee SKYWARN is so valuable to the National Weather Service.

How does the National Weather Service know what we are reporting?

Usually an amateur radio operator is manning a station at the National Weather Service office in Morristown, Tennessee. There are several operators who are appointed by the National Weather Service office as having clearance to occupy this station. Whenever a severe weather event is going on, these operators will operate from the National Weather Service office using the callsign WX4MRX.

WX4MRX is an easy callsign for HAM operators to remember. The prefix "WX" is short for "Weather" in ham radio terminology. The number "4" is the area of the United States the station originates from. Amateur operators in the Southeastern United States are typically issued callsigns with the number "4" in them. "MRX" is the 3-letter National Weather Service designation for the Morristown Weather Service office.

Sometimes an amateur volunteer is not able to make it to the Weather Service office for the severe weather event or they may have not arrived at the Weather Service office to begin operation. Typically the NCS for East Tennessee SKYWARN will call the Weather Service office via telephone to report any severe events as needed until the Amateur Station arrives.

There are amateur radio operators who work at the Weather Service office. However they are trying to forecast the weather and need volunteers to man the amateur radio stations while they do their job of forecasting where the weather is going to affect the area they serve next. Occasionally one of the meteorologists will get on the air to request a weather observation from a specific area. However communication typically goes through the amateur radio volunteer at the amateur station.

What about Winter Weather?

East Tennessee SKYWARN does call winter weather nets as needed. However, a typical SKYWARN net involves short to medium duration weather events such as severe thunderstorms. Since snowstorms can last several hours or even days, constant weather reporting is not as typical or often critical as with a severe thunderstorm. Usually these nets will consist of hourly updates on road conditions, snowfall amounts, and weather hazards and any specific requests from the National Weather Service.

Are there other Spotter groups in this area?

Most areas have their own group usually localized within the county or city they serve. East Tennessee SKYWARN reaches several counties and jurisdictions, so we serve a larger group or we serve areas which may not have localized SKYWARN nets activated. Please check with your county's amateur radio Emergency Coordinator for more information on SKYWARN in your area.

How can I find out more about Spotter groups in my area?

Typically each county has an amateur radio Emergency Coordinator, or EC, who is responsible for the Emergency preparedness of amateur radio in that particular county. This includes weather nets and spotter groups as well.

For more information on who your county's EC is, please visit the TNARRL.ORG web site and find out more information on SKYWARN in your area.

Can I start my own group?

We at East Tennessee SKYWARN encourage localized weather nets in your area so that your area's information is passed on to those who would use it locally. East Tennessee SKYWARN can be used for general coverage weather information and local or county-specific SKYWARN nets can be used to facilitate traffic specific to that area only. However, we ask that you check with your county's EC to ensure that there is not another group in your area already operating SKYWARN for severe weather. If they are, find out who they are and ask how you can help.

If there is not a formal SKYWARN net in existence, get with your EC and find out how to get one activated in your county or local area. We also recommend you talk with area repeater owners to get permission to use their repeater for such nets. While most will gladly allow it, there may be some who would rather not have potentially high traffic on their repeater. It is usually best to ask permission rather than assume it is there for emergency use when needed.

Is there anything else I should know?

We ask that those who participate please do the following:

Keep your transmissions short and to the point. Do not hold the mic button down with nothing to say. This could delay other emergency traffic.
Do not "check in" unless requested to do so.
Do not give "fair weather" reports.
Do not attempt to talk directly to the National Weather Service or call other stations on the frequency unless given permission to do so. All traffic is handled by the Net Control Station. East Tennessee SKYWARN nets are DIRECTED NETS, which means that all traffic MUST BE HANDLED BY THE NET CONTROL. Failure to follow directions can cause delays in passing of emergency traffic.
Please understand that the Net Control Station and the National Weather Service office have many responsibilities and many tasks that they are doing simultaneously. There may be times when the NCS or NWS liaison get "short" with some stations for not following directions. Please do not take this as a personal attack. Sometimes we are under duress due to circumstances involving the weather and we are trying to maintain order out of the chaos. This is not an "excuse" to be short with amateurs. We realize the intent of the amateur community to want to help as much as possible, and we appreciate it with each and every single station who checks in to our nets. However, there are times when it may occur due to some circumstance or another. We try to maintain as much composure and integrity as possible. However, it's happened before, and will most assuredly happen again. We will do our best to be as polite and as courteous as we can, however we will be more direct with amateurs if need be. Please be mindful of the directions of the NCS and NWS during SKYWARN nets to minimize conflict as much as possible.