Reply to: w3gwm
Date: December 15, 2020
Subject : Pending Winter Storm
It looks like we are going to get our first significant Winter Storm in
over two years tomorrow into Thursday. If nothing else, here’s something
for us to think about besides Covid-19.
In Eastern Pennsylvania, we supply Skywarn Reports to three National
Weather Service Offices; Philadelphia/Mount Holly, State College and
Binghamton.
We may have snowfall amounts of anywhere from an inch or two in the
southern counties to 24 inches or more in some areas. I hope you are
already Skywarn trained and are prepared to provide "ground truth"
information for the NWS.
Please check with your counties ARES Emergency Coordinator or Skywarn
Coordinator for information on frequencies, repeaters used for Skywarn
and times for Skywarn Nets in your area. Inform your EC of your
availability.
If it becomes necessary, we will collect observations on HF from all
areas and report to the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency. If you
would like to be notified in the event of activation of a Section-wide
HF net, please send me an email with a good phone number and email
address to contact you.
The EPAEPTN will be activated anytime due to a potential emergency. Just
check 3918 KHz for net activity.
If our section encounters a significant impact from this system we will
activate HF emergency communications by activating the Eastern
Pennsylvania Emergency Phone and Traffic Net on 3918 KHz. Please follow
established Skywarn Procedures and report your observations via your
local VHF/UHF nets which will relay information to the appropriate
National Weather Service office.
If possible, report observations to your county Skywarn Coordinator
either by your local Skywarn Net or direct contact. As a Skywarn Trained
Spotter you are also authorized to contact the appropriate office of the
National Weather Service by phone.
Snow is forecast to begin during the late morning hours in the southern
areas and during the afternoon as the storm moves north.
When snow begins in your area, report this to the NWS. Also remember to
report snowfall in excess of 2-3 inches per hour, high winds, drifting
snow, snow accumulation and icy roads.
Since it’s been a few years since we have anticipated a strong winter
storm, now is probably a good time to review reporting procedures and
information on Winter Storm Responses for our area. I will include links
to the National Weather Service Regional Offices for further
information.
If you have not taken advantage of any of the Skywarn Training sessions,
this is a good time to add this training to your resume. On line Skywarn
Training is available at:
https://www.weather.gov/bgm/outreachSKYWARNtraining
When you complete this course, report to your local NWS Storm Forecaster
that you have taken on line Skywarn Training.
Here are links for the regional NWS Offices:
Binghamton, NY – https://www.weather.gov/bgm
Philadelphia/Mount Holly, NJ – https://www.weather.gov/phi/
State College – https://www.weather.gov/ctp/
NWS Briefing for:
Southeastern Pennsylvania –
https://www.weather.gov/media/phi/current_briefing.pdf
South Central Pennsylvania – https://www.weather.gov/ctp/weatherstory
Northeast Pennsylvania – https://www.weather.gov/bgm/weatherstory
Take time today to charge batteries and check your equipment today.
Especially double check your antennas as high winds are part of the
forecast.
I expect to begin monitoring 3918 KHz around noon. In northeast
Pennsylvania, I will be monitoring 147.210 MHz (+600) tone pl 77 Hz. I
will also monitor the NEPA Talkgroup (Brandmeister 31424) on DMR.
Contact me on the air or by phone if you need any help.
Whatever occurs, use this time before the storm to prepare. As you
prepare, don’t forget to have food and water to last a couple of days if
you get snowed in. Take care of your needs at home BEFORE Ham Radio
activities.
The EPAEPTN meets daily (including holidays) at 5 PM EST (2100Z) on 3918
KHz. All amateurs are welcome. Don’t worry if you have never handled
traffic. This net specializes in training and we will be very happy to
have you join us.
Most important, it’s been several years since we have had a significant
winter storm. Many people will have never driven in snow before and
others will have forgotten that snow-covered roads are slippery. If you
must venture out make sure you have a winter storm kit in your car and
watch out for the other guy. Reduce speed on snow covered roadways.
Stay safe and be careful!
73
George Miller W3GWM
ARRL Eastern Penna. Section Manager
Phone: (570) 250-1007