GYX SKYWARN Strategy Meeting 2016 Operations Review Refine SKYWARN activation procedures Enhancements to WX1GYX station Forms & log sheets SKYWARN Network Getting the word out

2016 Storm Highlights July 18th - Line of severe thunderstorms moved across Northern New Hampshire and into Northern Maine, leaving more than 2,000 people without power. Confirmed tornado in Aroostook County – Video from Krista Beaupre, in Perham. Tornado video September 11th – Early morning thunderstorms caused damage to trees and power outages from Windham to Old Orchard Beach.

Operations Manual Discuss roles and if any changes are needed Discuss ways of streamlining the activation process (see handout) Improve our coordination with ARES

SKYWARN Activation SKYWARN is Activated by NWS SKYWARN Amateur Radio Coordinator SKYWARN Net Control Operators and Ham Radio Spotters Regional Coordinators and Net Control Operators SKYWARN Spotter Coordinator Public Announcements for Spotter Reports

Hazardous Weather Outlook For SKYWARN amateur radio spotters, net controls, and coordinators, it is our responsibility to monitor the Hazardous Weather Outlook (published by the NWS) for requests of the potential need for spotter activity. This product alerts us of the nature of hazardous weather expected, the counties that will be effected, and the severity of the weather event.

Other types of notifications

Station Updates (2014-2015) Organizational supplies Headphones VHF/UHF Scanner Key, base, and slip pad Mousepad UTC / Local Time clocks Radio Quick Reference Guides

Station Updates (2016) Signalink USB interfaces for both VHF and HF Connect Systems CS801 DMR transceiver (VHF)

Severe Weather Report Form To better improve the flow of information, we’ve developed a simple report form that can be filled out and handed off to a forecaster or specified recipient during an activation.

Updated Log Sheet The new log sheet solves many of the logistical problems we found with the old one. It fits on a standard 8 ½ X 11 sheet of paper. It is only a log sheet Handing in Severe Weather Reports no longer means handing in part of your log, or becoming separated with your working list of call signs (who may need to be reached again for further reports)

Primary Frequencies 146.880 KQ1L Link System (Primary) 147.045 K1MV, NWS Gray, ME (Alternate) 146.655 W1NH, Mt. Washington, NH (Alternate) 146.985 W1JY, Gilford, NH (Alternate) 146.595 SIMPLEX DMR – TS2 Talk Group 8 Region North Echolink – New England Conference Node #9123 (Primary) WX Talk #7203 (Secondary) HF – 3965 kHz +/- LSB (Primary Night) 3860 kHz +/- LSB (Alternate Night) 7277 kHz +/- LSB (Primary Day)

GYX SKYWARN Amateur Radio Network Confirm accuracy of frequencies & relay methods Discuss how to create a culture of awareness & organic reporting Set into motion

Frequency Updates The Frequencies programmed in the FT8900 at WX1GYX are in the process of being updated. Discuss changes, omissions, missed repeaters A copy of this will be at the operating position for reference, included in the manual, and will be made available as an excel document, when finalized.

SKYWARN Spotter Training Scripts - Using scripts will help hams who aren’t familiar with SKYWARN reporting criteria to learn what information we need. Opportunity – There is a lack of understanding of what information is useful and what isn’t – this is where SKYWARN Spotter training and refresher courses are vital. We can help identify what areas are in need of training and bring them to Mike’s attention.

Methods of Contact Email: gyx.skywarn@noaa.gov NWS Public Reporting Number: Gray: 1-877-633-6772

Next Steps Continue to get the word out. The more involved, the better! Discuss possibility of setting up a table at the hamfest, hosting a discussion, and creating a handout. Continue to develop local and regional subnets and work towards creating a more organic SKYWARN that is aware of and anticipates the potential of hazardous weather. Encourage more SKYWARN Spotter Training in areas that are underserved. Continue to improve workflow and evolve in ways that best achieve the goals of NWS Gray and the SKYWARN mission. Don’t take things too seriously and remember to enjoy what we do.