#mSpotter Twitter-spotting for the Memphis metro

What is #mSpotter? Storm spotting via social mediaStorm spotting via social media A direct line to NWS-MemphisA direct line to NWS-Memphis A public service to the communityA public service to the community A way to participate directly in the NWS missionA way to participate directly in the NWS mission Harnessing the power of social media for the good of allHarnessing the power of social media for the good of all MemphisWeather.net has partnered with NWS-Memphis to immediately relay severe and winter weather reports sent via Twitter from the Memphis metro

Who can be an #mSpotter? Anyone with:Anyone with: –a Twitter account –a smartphone with camera and GPS (strongly encouraged) –a desire to serve others and aid in the process of protecting people and property –a little weather nerd living inside them!

Why participate? Assist the NWS in issuing severe weather warnings, thereby helping to improve the warning processAssist the NWS in issuing severe weather warnings, thereby helping to improve the warning process Verify what radar can’t see – what’s occurring on the groundVerify what radar can’t see – what’s occurring on the ground Contribute to public safety and the NWS mission of “protection of life and property”Contribute to public safety and the NWS mission of “protection of life and property”

What to report Tornado / funnel cloudTornado / funnel cloud ½” hail or larger (use coin or ball sizes)½” hail or larger (use coin or ball sizes) 50 mph wind or higher (measured)50 mph wind or higher (measured) Structural damageStructural damage Trees or power lines downTrees or power lines down Measured heavy rain and/or floodingMeasured heavy rain and/or flooding Winter precipitationWinter precipitation

What to include in your reports Brief description of what you seeBrief description of what you see Specific location (or geo-tagged tweet)Specific location (or geo-tagged tweet) Pictures are very helpful!Pictures are very helpful! Time (if not at time of tweet)Time (if not at time of tweet) #mSpotter hashtag#mSpotter hashtag

Maintaining the integrity of #mSpotter This program only works if the hashtag is used for it’s original intent and purposeThis program only works if the hashtag is used for it’s original intent and purpose Cluttered timeline becomes hard to manage and increases chance of vital info not being seenCluttered timeline becomes hard to manage and increases chance of vital info not being seen If RT’ing reports, REMOVE #mSpotter tagIf RT’ing reports, REMOVE #mSpotter tag #mSpotter is NOT #memstorm#mSpotter is NOT #memstorm

THOU SHALT NOT Risk the safety of you or anyone with you for the sake of a pictureRisk the safety of you or anyone with you for the sake of a picture Storm chaseStorm chase Exaggerate the report – integrity matters!Exaggerate the report – integrity matters! Abuse the hashtagAbuse the hashtag Expect to get paidExpect to get paid

How it works During severe or winter weather events, personnel from MemphisWeather.net will monitor the #mSpotter hashtagDuring severe or winter weather events, personnel from MemphisWeather.net will monitor the #mSpotter hashtag Using NWSChat, MWN will relay the report in it’s entirety (incl. pics) to the NWSUsing NWSChat, MWN will relay the report in it’s entirety (incl. pics) to the NWS MWN will filter duplicate posts as necessaryMWN will filter duplicate posts as necessary MWN may reply to your tweet for further information (please reply to our inquiries)MWN may reply to your tweet for further information (please reply to our inquiries)