By Robert Alan Griffiths, NE3I, EPA Public Information Coordinator
Lou Ruh, WX3I, is the Skywarn Pennsylvania Regional Coordinator. Skywarn is program of the National Weather Service that provides severe weather identification and guidance training to the general public. Trained Skywarn “Spotters” are then in a position to assist the National Weather Service (and thereby their respective communities) with on the ground reports of threatening weather conditions as such conditions occur. Lou has been a volunteer with the National Weather Service Mount Holly, NJ office for over 15 years.
In his role as Regional Coordinator, Lou provides training programs to interested groups. His informative presentations typically last about one and a half to two hours and explain how Skywarn Spotters “provide critical ground truth.” On Saturday April 12th, Lou gave Basic Skywarn Training to Montgomery County ARES RACES at the MontCo EOC in Eagleville. (See attached photo(s). Earlier this year, Lou presented Advanced Skywarn Training to the Mid-Atlantic ARC and to the RF Hill ARC at their regular meetings.
In addition to providing training, Lou also performs post severe weather Damage Surveys and Assessments for the National Weather Service. On Friday April 4th for example, Lou evaluated the damage in the Media, PA area caused by Severe Thunder Storms and Straight Line Winds that had been clocked at 95-105 MPH.
Groups interested in a Skywarn presentation for their organization may contact Lou at (484-238-0331) or wx3i09@gmail.com. More information about Skywarn and the National Weather Service can be found at Weather.gov/phi.
