Check into the Bucks
County SKYWARN net every Thursday
evening operating
on 147.300 ( pl 131.8) at
2030 hrs. (8:30 PM)
Listen for
the SKYWARN Information Net, every Thursday
evening at 2100 hrs. (9:00pm) on the WA3BXW's B.E.A.R.S.
repeater system (147.300+)(pl 131.8). This Net is for SKYWARN
Coordinators and Net Controllers to check in and pass the latest
traffic from the NWS, SKYWARN Tech Committee, and the 34 counties
serviced by Mount Holly NWS. Spotters are encouraged to check
in for information involving SKYWARN.
What is SKYWARN? 
It’s a National Weather Service (NWS) program of
trained volunteer
severe weather spotters. Formed in the early 1970’s it has
been invaluable in providing information to the NWS in time to
get the appropriate warnings issued. SKYWARN is
a program that saves lives and property through observations and
reports from trained volunteers.
With all the modern technology at their
disposal the NWS can only determine the potential for severe weather
and what is happening above ground level. They must still rely
on the public, law enforcement personnel, and trained weather spotters
for information as to what is really happening on the ground. Accurate
and reliable info from the general public is often difficult to
get. That’s why the NWS has found that having trained weather
spotters increases the quality of the information they receive.
Also with the Federal Government cutting back on their budget and
manpower the NWS must rely more on us to be their eyes in the field.
Severe weather can cause major civil
disasters as proven time and time again with heavy snowfall, massive
flooding, and of course Hurricane and Tornado damage. Evidence
of this is broadcast on the news locally and through out the country.
The NWS may also utilize SKYWARN to maintain close coordination
with the Red Cross and Emergency Management through Amateur Radio
Operators. SKYWARN is formally acknowledged and encouraged in a
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the ARRL and the NWS. This agreement states that
the ARRL will encourage its local volunteers operating as ARES
to provide spotters as requested by the NWS during times of severe
weather.
In this area of the country we receive
our weather forecast and warnings from the Mount Holly, NJ office of the NWS.
Mount Holly is responsible for 34 Counties in NJ, DE, MD, and PA.
They have a close working relationship with the Weather Channel
and a lot of what you see on TV is provided by the NWS.
Becoming a NWS Weather Spotter
is a great opportunity for Hams that want to become involved
with Public Service. SKYWARN is ideal for people who usually
do not have time, or the means of getting active in other Public
Service programs. From the comfort of your home, at work, or
driving somewhere, you can check into a SKYWARN NET and describe
what you see! This is a very easy and effective way of helping
our communities, and showing others what being a HAM is all about.
-Buff
The Bucks County SKYWARN Net activates as
needed on the
Bears 147.300 + PL:131.8 repeater.
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