GYX SKYWARN Strategy Meeting
Review and approve Operations Manual
Discuss SKYWARN activation procedures & how best to
alert spotters, coordinators & net controls
Updates to WX1GYX station
Updated forms & log sheets
SKYWARN Network
Getting the word out
Operations Manual
Complete Organizational Structure section and
build a Contact List
Discuss roles and if any changes are needed
Fine tune how and when to activate, as well as
the process of alerting those who need to know
the soonest
• Email list (for Net Control Operators & Coordinators)
• Phone Tree
(for Net Control Operators & Coordinators)
• Other methods such as social media
SKYWARN Activation
SKYWARN Net
Control Operators
and Ham Radio
Spotters
SKYWARN Amateur
Radio Coordinator
SKYWARN is
Activated by NWS
SKYWARN Spotter
Coordinator
Regional
Coordinators and
Net Control
Operators
Public
Announcements for
Spotter Reports
Station Updates
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Organizational supplies
Headphones
VHF/UHF Scanner
Key, base, and slip pad
Mousepad
UTC / Local Time clocks
Radio Quick Reference Guides
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.
WX1GYX SKYWARN© Severe Weather Report Form
Reporting Station Call Sign: ________________________
Time of Occurrence: __________________
Report Source: (Circle One): PERSONAL OBSERVATION, MEDIA, SCANNER, OTHER: _______________
Location of Reported Event: ______________________________________________________________
Report Description:
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Signature / Callsign: ______________________________
Updated Log Sheet
1
WX1GYX SKYWARN© Logsheet
Date
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)
Time
Freq / Mode
Station
Name
Spotter ID
Location / Report
GYX SKYWARN
Amateur Radio Network
Confirm accuracy of frequencies &
relay methods
Discuss how to create a culture of
awareness & organic reporting
Set into motion
Updated Frequency List
The Frequencies programmed in the FT8900
at WX1GYX has been 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.
Next Steps
• Setup a SKYWARN Chat as discussed at the Nashua meeting
• Work on improving direct VHF communications with Southern and Southwestern NH
• Continue to get the word out. The more involved, the better!
• Develop local and regional subnets and work towards creating a more organic
SKYWARN that is aware of and anticipates the potential of hazardous weather.
• Continue to improve workflow and evolve in ways that best achieve the goals of
NWS Gray and the SKYWARN mission.