Weather Net 4/9/99 Killer Storms

[Michael Nie]

First of all, thanks to everyone that helped out on the net early this
morning after we were all so rudely awakened.  As you know, there were
many
reports of damage and tornadoes.  We now know that there was a confirmed
tornado touchdown.  Double and triple thanks go out to Bob Kaegi KB8TPC,
and
Steve Lewis N8TFD for assuming net control duties during for this event
and
keeping some semblance of order on the net.

We were activated around 4:00am, when the first of the severe weather
entered our area of responsibility from the west.  At this relatively
early
stage, we understand as many as 8 people may have been killed as the
result
of this storm.  Part of this is, no doubt, because of the early hour the
storm struck.  Official determination by the NWS classifies this as an F-4
tornado, confirming what some of the TV meteorologists were estimating
earlier today.  A tornado warning was out for Hamilton County for quite
some
time before the storms wreaked havoc on the east side of the county.
Without the diligence of spotters and the hard work of the Wilmington
Office
of the National Weather Service, the toll could have been much worse.

To the best of my knowledge, the first warning for Ripley County was
issued
on radar information.  Shortly thereafter, we received reports via amateur
radio that a tornado had touched down in southern Ripley County.  The
warning was then amended to include this observation.

About the time the major storm hit near Blue Ash, we received multiple
reports of MEASURED winds above 55 MPH.  We did not receive any reports of
tornado sightings in the Blue Ash area.  This is not unexpected.  First,
power loss prevents the use of many radios.  Secondly, spotters were
diving
for cover, which is exactly what they should be doing.  Remember: In
situations like this, YOUR SAFETY COMES FIRST.

Then, we started getting reports of heavy damage near Blue Ash.  Bruce
Goldstein, KC8IYS, normally an early riser, was in the area.  (NOTE: We do
not advocate leaving the safety of a building to go out searching for
storms. Bruce was unfortunate enough to be there anyway.)  Large sections
of
chain link fence were blown down.  Think about it, with minimal surface
area, it take a very strong wind or a lot of blowing debris to take out
large sections of chain link fence.  Then we heard reports of overturned
cars and trucks.  Massive power outages took out all traffic control
lights
and made seeing anything difficult.  Downed power lines made it even more
hazardous.  Then the reports of structural damage continued flowing in
from
hams and public safety officials, revealing that this was a genuine
disaster.

Throughout the net, it seemed wind was the major problem.  We received no
reports of hail that is so common with violent tornadoes.  We received a
few
reports of heavy rain, but it didn't last long enough to cause any
flooding.
Even though we do not use it as a reporting criteria, it was interesting
to
find that lightning was not extremely frequent, no more than any average
storm.

When the severe weather moved out of the area, the weather net was
deactivated.  Some of our people were almost immediately activated for
other
functions i.e.. Red Cross and EMA.  But, that is another story.  Suffice
it
to say, the ham radio operators have been finding much to do during this
tragic event.

Again thanks for all the help.  But, like all things, there is usually
room
for improvement.  This was the first serious activation of 1999.  Some of
the reports were excellent, but others were far from meeting any of our
criteria.  From listening to the net, I think a refresher in the reporting
criteria is in order.  Please adhere to these criteria STRICTLY, unless
instructed otherwise by net control.

1. Winds of 50 MPH or greater, measured.  If you must estimate, we need
reports of damaged buildings or damage to healthy substantial trees and
the
like.  It is very difficult to estimate wind speeds accurately, so if you
can't measure it, only report damage, not guestimated speed.

2. Rain 1" per hour or greater, measured.  Again, it is hard to quantify
rain without a gauge.

3. Flooding.  Any stream out of its banks or more than a foot of water in
the street (where it doesn't usually flood.)

4. Any tornado, wall cloud, or funnel cloud.

5. Hail 1/2" or larger.

6. Any significant structural damage or multiple trees down caused by
weather.

All of the above are for things you observe first hand.  We cannot accept
reports of things heard from scanners, TV, or the Internet.  The ONLY
permissible relays are from other hams who cannot reach the repeater
directly.  Please do not report power outages, unless caused by the above
criteria and you saw the cause first hand.  We cannot do anything about
them.

Also, please do not take up net time by asking for weather reports.  We
collect information and pass it on to NWS.  Many times NOAA weather radio
and/or local media have more information than we do.  They use our reports
and add a bunch more information that we don't have.  We don't have time
to
listen to it the NOAA broadcast.  We have only what has been reported
directly to us.  You can get that same information on the net just by
listening.

Please do not report lightning, no matter how frequent.  It is not used as
a
warning criteria by NWS.  In short, all thunderstorms contain lightning,
and
are therefore dangerous.  Precautions should be taken for lightning safety
if ANY lightning is present.

We all tend to get excited during severe WX.  We all have to work hard at
maintaining proper discipline on the radio, but we must refrain from
making
reports that do not meet the above criteria.

Since it is so early in the year, we're sure to have more activations.
After we all get accustomed to severe weather again, hopefully we'll see
more order on the nets.

Thanks again for all the qualified reports.  All in all, we had a really
rough net for so early in the season.  Given the circumstances, we'll give
the net a B-.  Let's make the next one an A+.  Caution: The grading curve
gets tougher later in the year.

Mike Nie
Public Information Officer
Weather Amateur Radio Network


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