[warn-news] SkyWARN wrap-up meeting - 2009

[Steve Lewis]

***Thanks to KD8ILV for taking notes!!!

Statistics for 2009 so far:
37 Flash Flood Warnings (22 confirmed)
461 Severe Thunderstorm Warnings
105 Tornado Warnings (9 confirmed, Pike Co. tornado produced significant 
damage)

The radar at ILN took a lightning strike during the severe weather on 
9/8.  It was down approximately 25 hours.  They were able to use 
alternate radars to navigate the rest of the event.  Hardware has been 
replaced, but needs more "burn-in" time before radar can get final 
adjustments/calibration.

Skywarn special event is probably December 5, 2009 (7pm on 12/4 till 
659pm on 12/5) -- nothing on the official hamradio.noaa.gov website yet.

Winter Weather awareness week will be November 15-21 in Ohio.

***Hail Size Criteria Update***

Effective January 1, 2010 -- the hail size criteria for severe 
thunderstorm warnings will be 1".  SkyWARN nets will continue to request 
reports of 1/2" and 3/4" hail so that they have the most data available, 
as this standard might be adjusted again (to 3/4"?)  Reports of 
significant depths of small hail are still requested.

An Advanced Spotter class will be scheduled in metro Cincinnati next 
spring, with invites extended to West Union group 
(Brown/Adams/Pike/Scioto/Bracken/Mason/Lewis counties).  Specific 
details pending.

Thanks again to KD8ILV for documenting these important items.

-73- de N8TFD/Steve