Weather Training N5FBI

Session 1 by Tim N5FBI will use the following pictures and test outline:

1.) What are we looking for?

  • Tornadoes, Funnel Clouds, and Wall Clouds
  • Hail – at least ½ inch in diameter
  • Strong Winds – 50 mph or greater
  • Flooding or heavy rain – an inch or more per hour
  • Any damage as a result of winds/hail, etc – Trees, power lines, structural damage

           

2.) Report Techniques

Use Who, What, Where, When

  • Who           Identify WHO you are and if you are a trained storm spotter
  • What                   WHAT you are seeing and WHAT happened
  • Where        Location, be specific and give cross street reference
  • When         WHEN did the event take place. Estimate the time of the occurrence especially if the report is delayed

3.) Hail Sizes

  • Pea                       ¼ inch
  • Penny                  ¾ inch
  • Quarter                1 Inch
  • Half Dollar           1-1/4 inch
  • Golf Ball               1-3/4 inch
  • Tennis Ball           2-1/2 inch
  • Baseball               2-3/4 inch
  • Softball                4 inch
  • Grapefruit            4-1/2 inch

Note: Severe thunderstorms produce 1 inch or greater hail. Report the size of the largest hailstone you encounter

4). Wind Speed

  • 25-31 mph           Large branches in motion
  • 32-38 mph           Whole trees in motion
  • 39-54 mph         Twigs break off, wind impedes walking
  • 55-72 mph Damage to chimneys and TV antennas, large branches broken, some trees uprooted
  • 73-112 mph        Removes shingles, windows broken, manufactured homes overturned, trees uprooted

Multiple Ways to Reach the NWS

Phone                            866-763-4466

Amateur Radio             WX4PTC     146.82, or the PeachState intertie

Facebook                      https://www.facebook.com/nwsatlanta/

Twitter                          https://twitter.com/nwsatlanta/@NWSATLANTA

Local Law Enforcement

Local Emergency Management

Internet                         www.weather.gov or mobile.weather.gov

In all cases be sure to identify yourself as a trained spotter if you are a trained spotter.