Skywarn for the 1st half of 2007 has been full of action with numerous spotter deployments.  The Olmsted County amateur radio spotter call-out process works something like this:

• The Olmsted County Homeland Security and EOC is opened at the recommendation of Lacrosse [WI] NWS.
• An amateur radio net control station operator (NCS) is paged and starts enroute to the EOC and makes announcements of the impending event on the 146.82 and 147.255 repeaters.
• Once at the EOC, the NCS begins taking ham availability check-ins on the 147.255.  Meanwhile the EOC staff  begins polling fire and ambulance spotters.
• If and when the storm appears to be turning severe, formal net check-ins begin with specific current location of each spotter, car make and color (in case we gotta to go look'n for 'em),  available weather instruments on board, and any radio limitations (such as using a HT).
• Depending on NWS real-time prediction and EOC radar monitoring, individual spotters are assigned to  predetermined "star locations" or a specific grid coordinate on the EOC county map, which each spotter carries.
• Spotters deploy to their designated location, find a safe off-the-road location to park, preferably with 2 or 3 escape routes, then wait for the action.
• After the storm passes, or quite often dissipates, spotters are directed to return home.
• Spotters check out from the net when they are inside Rochester city limits. After all spotters return, the net is closed down.
  

The 2007 severe weather pattern seems markedly different from year's past.  Rather than 100 mile long slow moving storm fronts of the past; this year has shown many small, fast developing, fast moving cells that form over 1 or 2 NWS radar passes, travel 20-30 miles then dissipate, a profile of the deadly Rogers, MN, tornado of late 2006.  The good news is only 2-3 spotters are needed for observation of any cell, but it calls for fast action in deployment.

How does one become a certified Skywarn spotter?  First, each spotter must take a 2-3 hour NWS Skywarn training class. Classes are given in late March, are free to the public, and you learn about the life of a supercell and specific reportable conditions of interest to the NWS.  All spotters are required to refresh every other year.  Next, you need a radio, preferably a 50 watt mobile (HT's can be used, but your assignment range will be very limited).  Lastly, you need an Olmsted County Skywarn map and a copy of your driver's license and vehicle insurance card on file at the EOC.  Contact Steve WØSTV for your map and he can collect your license/insurance copies. 

Once the above is complete; you are ready to roll, however, you first need a storm.  NWS radio (162.475MHz in Rochester) gives severe weather outlooks each morning several times each hour.  They will tell whether or not spotter deployment is anticipated for up to 2 days ahead.

Have fun and stay safe!

Story and photos by KCØGND with input from WØSTV