Photos: FEMA Trailers for Sale!
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Forbes says that the Federal Emergency Management Agency is auctioning off 20,000 trailers used by victims of Hurricane Katrina and other recent major disasters. The photos of the trailers, stored at an Arkansas airport, are mind-boggling:
Some of about 20,000 mobile homes and travel trailers owned by the Federal Emergency Management Agency sit at the Hope Municipal Airport near Hope, Ark., Friday, March 2, 2007. A year and a half after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, FEMA is auctioning off at fire-sale prices thousands of trailers used by storm victims, raising fears among mobile-home dealers that the government will flood the market and depress prices. (AP Photo/Danny Johnston)
Apparently there are 40,000 other trailers in storage nationwide. The sale of large numbers of FEMA trailers could hurt the economy by lowering mobile home prices, some say. And it kind of makes you wonder how many they want to get rid of before they might need them again?
Forbes also says:
Some critics of the Federal Emergency Management Agency said the sale of emblematic of the way FEMA botched its handling of Katrina: FEMA ordered more trailers than it needed, it let many of them sit out in the open, exposed to the elements, and now, some fear, it is about to double-cross the trailer dealers.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Warren Skywarn Coordinators Meeting
Some updates from the Skywarn Coordinators Meeting yesterday and I wanted to bring you all up to speed on some of the things discussed:
Snow reports
We have always been told in training (and the existing reportingparameters) that for our area we are to report when we get 4" of snow,and then the total snowfall. Going forward, There will benotifications sent out as to exactly what they will be looking for asin snow start times, periodic measurements and storm totals.
Lightning Damage reports
Lightning has never been a reportable event, however now they arelooking for reports of lightning damage. This will require morescanner listening than weather spotting. Remember, an alarm systemactiviation, or a report of a possible house struck won't bereportable, however a confirmed structure fire due to lightning (orsomething similar) would be. Anyone injured by lightning should bereported as well. You should wait until the emergency units arrive onscene to confirm the damage/injury before making a report.
Inactive Spotters
The skywarn advisory commitee will be releasing criteria as to whatkeeps a spotter active. This is to weed out the high number ofinactive spotters that are on the roster. This is supposed to becompleted by summer.
Storm Based Warnings
Effective 10/1/07, the NWS will be moving from County Based Warningsto Storm Based Warnings. What this means is instead of putting anentire county under a Severe storm warning, only the actual affectedarea's will be put under a warning now. Although this won't affectRadio & text warnings, the graphics you see on the Web/TV will nowshow the exact warning area.
Getting Non-Amateur radio licensed spotters involvedWe are looking for more ways to get spotters who are not hamsinvolved. One of them is to work on articles for the Mt. HollySkywarn News Letter: http://www.erh.noaa.gov/phi/skywarn/newsletter.html
If you have any other ideas, you can contact Joe Miketta(joseph.miketta@noaa.gov) or Larry Nierenberg(Larry.Nierenberg@noaa.gov). We are also in the process of revamping the Warren County RACES/ARESwebsite and we do have a skywarn link on there (www.wc2em.net:8080). If anyone would like to work on that portion of the site please let meknow.
Finally, I am looking to come up with a way to add automatic skywarnactivation paging to the paging system. I will send out more infowhen I get closer to making it work.
Snow reports
We have always been told in training (and the existing reportingparameters) that for our area we are to report when we get 4" of snow,and then the total snowfall. Going forward, There will benotifications sent out as to exactly what they will be looking for asin snow start times, periodic measurements and storm totals.
Lightning Damage reports
Lightning has never been a reportable event, however now they arelooking for reports of lightning damage. This will require morescanner listening than weather spotting. Remember, an alarm systemactiviation, or a report of a possible house struck won't bereportable, however a confirmed structure fire due to lightning (orsomething similar) would be. Anyone injured by lightning should bereported as well. You should wait until the emergency units arrive onscene to confirm the damage/injury before making a report.
Inactive Spotters
The skywarn advisory commitee will be releasing criteria as to whatkeeps a spotter active. This is to weed out the high number ofinactive spotters that are on the roster. This is supposed to becompleted by summer.
Storm Based Warnings
Effective 10/1/07, the NWS will be moving from County Based Warningsto Storm Based Warnings. What this means is instead of putting anentire county under a Severe storm warning, only the actual affectedarea's will be put under a warning now. Although this won't affectRadio & text warnings, the graphics you see on the Web/TV will nowshow the exact warning area.
Getting Non-Amateur radio licensed spotters involvedWe are looking for more ways to get spotters who are not hamsinvolved. One of them is to work on articles for the Mt. HollySkywarn News Letter: http://www.erh.noaa.gov/phi/skywarn/newsletter.html
If you have any other ideas, you can contact Joe Miketta(joseph.miketta@noaa.gov) or Larry Nierenberg(Larry.Nierenberg@noaa.gov). We are also in the process of revamping the Warren County RACES/ARESwebsite and we do have a skywarn link on there (www.wc2em.net:8080). If anyone would like to work on that portion of the site please let meknow.
Finally, I am looking to come up with a way to add automatic skywarnactivation paging to the paging system. I will send out more infowhen I get closer to making it work.
Tornado Safety Information
Public Information Statement
1116 am EDT Mon Mar 12 2007 ...Public information statement...
This is the first of a five part series on severe weather safetywhich will run each day during Pennsylvania's weather awarenessweek. Weather awareness week runs from March 11th through March17th.
...Tornadoes...the most violent storms on Earth... In an average year...nearly 1000 tornadoes are reported nationwidewith 80 deaths and over 1500 injuries. Worldwide... the UnitedStates ranks number one in the highest occurrence of these powerfulstorms. The most violent tornadoes are capable of tremendousdestruction as wind speeds can exceed 250 mph. Despite tornadoesof this magnitude occurring extremely infrequently in thisarea...it is important to know tornado safety precautionsregardless. Even a weak tornado can cause a substantial amount ofdamage!
The fujita scale which runs from F0 to F5 is used to rate tornadostrength. The weakest tornado is ranked as an F0 and has estimatedwind speeds less than 72 mph. F5 is the strongest ranking reservedfor tornadoes with wind speeds greater than 260 mph. Again...mosttornadoes in eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and theEastern Shore of Maryland are on the weaker side. However...a fewstrong tornadoes have occurred in the region. An F3 tornado rippedthrough the town of Lyons in central Berks County Pennsylvania onmay 31 1998. Half the town was destroyed... but because residentsreceived ample warning...and because they took appropriateaction...no deaths or serious injuries occurred from this event.Less than one percent of tornadoes in eastern Pennsylvania reachan intensity of F4 or higher. The only F5 tornado in recordedPennsylvania history occurred on may 31 1985. No F5 tornadoes haveever been recorded in New Jersey, Delaware or the Eastern Shore ofMaryland's history.
As of February 2007, an upgrade has been made to the currentfujita scale. The enhanced fujita scale is meant to further refinethe tornado wind-force classifications begun using the fujitascale. The use of this new scale should allow for more accurateand uniform tornado strength estimates by investigators.
The most recent occurrence of a tornado in Pennsylvania happenedon August 29, 2006 as an F1 tornado touched down in the hindenburgarea of New Garden township in Chester County, Pennsylvania. Thepath of the tornado was 2.0 miles long with the maximum path widthof 150 miles. Maximum winds were estimated to be around 100 mph.Numerous trees and power lines were reported down but no injurieswere reported. Six homes reported minor damage. Three roofs weredamaged and doors were ripped off of a mushroom house at theguizzetti mushroom farm. Total property and crop damage estimateswere around 100,000 dollars.
The most recent occurrence of a tornado in New Jersey occurred onJune 2, 2006 as an F0 tornado moved through East Greenwichtownship, New Jersey. The path of this tornado was three-quartersof a mile long and mainly 100 yards wide, with a maximum width of250 yards. Numerous trees and wires were reported down with 3homes reporting major damage and another 20 homes reporting minordamage. Maximum wind speeds were estimated to be 65 mph. Totaldamage estimates were around 100,000 dollars.
The most recent occurrence of a tornado in Delaware occurred onSeptember 28, 2004 as an F2 tornado moved through northern NewCastle County. Maximum wind speeds were estimated at around 130mph. Damages estimates were around one million dollars. The pathlength was 5.0 miles long and 150 yards wide. Significant damagewas reported to planes and hangars at the New Castle CountyAirport in Wilmington. Five injuries were reported along the pathof this tornado. A self-storage facility reported major damage.Several other buildings reported minor damage. Trees and wireswere also reported down around the area.
On September 23, 2003, a series of F1 tornadoes raced throughcentral New Jersey as a strong cold front passed during the earlymorning hours. This system also produced a tornado in MontgomeryCounty. The following storm reports are from the ncdc storm eventarchive:
An F1 tornado touched down in Hunterdon County in Delawaretownship. It touched down just south of County Route 523 insergeantville and moved northeast and lifted near County Route 579east of Sand Brook. One house suffered significant damage. Severalhouses suffered minor damage. Two barns blew off their foundation.Numerous trees were snapped or uprooted.
An F1 tornado touched down in Florence township and uprooted about100 tress along its path. Some of the trees fell on and damagedhomes. Wind damage in the County due to the tornado and the lineof severe thunderstorms was estimated at $2.1 million dollars. Themaximum wind speeds were estimated at 85 mph. The tornado remainedon the ground for about 1.75 miles and lifted in the Roeblingsection of the township.
An F1 tornado touched down in the eastern part of Trenton aroundHillcrest and traveled northeast passing through the southern partof Ewing township and into the southwestern part of Lawrencetownship before it lifted around the slackwood area. The worstwind damage and the strongest part of the tornado occurred justwest of the Lawrence/Ewing township border. A car dealership lostits roof. Numerous trees and power lines were blown down andseveral telephone poles were snapped. The tornado remained on theground for about three miles and its path width was about 100yards.
An F1 tornado touched down along the Lower Merion township side ofthe Narberth borough/Lower Merion township line in MontgomeryCounty, Pennsylvania and traveled east passing through Narberthborough. Damage estimates throughout the County was one milliondollars. The maximum wind speeds were estimated around 75 mph. Afew thousand home and businesses lost power. Trees fell on onehome in narbrook park and on the Septa r5 train as it was leavingthe station. No injuries were reported. The tornado remained onthe ground for three-quarters of a mile long and was about 100yards wide.
Rutgers University students clearly remember a tornado event onOctober 27th 2003 when a weak tornado (f0 on the fujita scale)briefly touched down along the Raritan river... just off theCampus of Rutgers University. It touched down just east ofnorthbound US Route 1 and proceeded east along the Raritan riverwhere people sighted it looking west from the New Jersey Turnpike.
Clearly...although occurring infrequently...tornadoes are possiblein the Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland areas. Thefollowing safety tips should be followed if ever a tornadoapproaches your area.
-When at home...stay away from windows...doors...and outsidewalls. Go to a basement or interior part of the house on thelowest floor. Cover your head with something sturdy for addedprotection.
-If caught outside...lie flat on low ground and shield your headwith your arms. Watch out for possible flooding in low lyingareas.
-If in a car or truck...do not try to outrun a tornado. Leave yourvehicle and take cover in a sturdy building. If no building isavailable...leave your vehicle for lower ground and cover yourhead.
-Mobile homes offer little protection. If threatening weatherapproaches...seek sturdier shelter. If no substantial shelter isnearby...lie flat in a ditch or on low ground.
-When in a public building...move to a designated shelter area.These are usually identified in schools...hospitals...and otherpublic buildings. Otherwise...go to a small interior room orhallway on the lowest floor possible. Do not take shelter ingymnasiums or auditoriums. Due to their nature, the large openexpanses offer little protection.
-Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or your local media outlets as oftenas possible for updated storm information.
Remember...a Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable fortornadoes to develop. You should continue your daily routineduring a Tornado Watch...but keep an eye on the sky. Keep abreastof current weather information for your area...and be prepared totake quick action if necessary.
A Tornado Warning means that a tornado has been sighted on theground or is indicated by Doppler radar. When a warning isissued...move to a safe shelter immediately. Also remember thattornadoes occasionally develop in areas where no SevereThunderstorm Watch or warning is in effect.
1116 am EDT Mon Mar 12 2007 ...Public information statement...
This is the first of a five part series on severe weather safetywhich will run each day during Pennsylvania's weather awarenessweek. Weather awareness week runs from March 11th through March17th.
...Tornadoes...the most violent storms on Earth... In an average year...nearly 1000 tornadoes are reported nationwidewith 80 deaths and over 1500 injuries. Worldwide... the UnitedStates ranks number one in the highest occurrence of these powerfulstorms. The most violent tornadoes are capable of tremendousdestruction as wind speeds can exceed 250 mph. Despite tornadoesof this magnitude occurring extremely infrequently in thisarea...it is important to know tornado safety precautionsregardless. Even a weak tornado can cause a substantial amount ofdamage!
The fujita scale which runs from F0 to F5 is used to rate tornadostrength. The weakest tornado is ranked as an F0 and has estimatedwind speeds less than 72 mph. F5 is the strongest ranking reservedfor tornadoes with wind speeds greater than 260 mph. Again...mosttornadoes in eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and theEastern Shore of Maryland are on the weaker side. However...a fewstrong tornadoes have occurred in the region. An F3 tornado rippedthrough the town of Lyons in central Berks County Pennsylvania onmay 31 1998. Half the town was destroyed... but because residentsreceived ample warning...and because they took appropriateaction...no deaths or serious injuries occurred from this event.Less than one percent of tornadoes in eastern Pennsylvania reachan intensity of F4 or higher. The only F5 tornado in recordedPennsylvania history occurred on may 31 1985. No F5 tornadoes haveever been recorded in New Jersey, Delaware or the Eastern Shore ofMaryland's history.
As of February 2007, an upgrade has been made to the currentfujita scale. The enhanced fujita scale is meant to further refinethe tornado wind-force classifications begun using the fujitascale. The use of this new scale should allow for more accurateand uniform tornado strength estimates by investigators.
The most recent occurrence of a tornado in Pennsylvania happenedon August 29, 2006 as an F1 tornado touched down in the hindenburgarea of New Garden township in Chester County, Pennsylvania. Thepath of the tornado was 2.0 miles long with the maximum path widthof 150 miles. Maximum winds were estimated to be around 100 mph.Numerous trees and power lines were reported down but no injurieswere reported. Six homes reported minor damage. Three roofs weredamaged and doors were ripped off of a mushroom house at theguizzetti mushroom farm. Total property and crop damage estimateswere around 100,000 dollars.
The most recent occurrence of a tornado in New Jersey occurred onJune 2, 2006 as an F0 tornado moved through East Greenwichtownship, New Jersey. The path of this tornado was three-quartersof a mile long and mainly 100 yards wide, with a maximum width of250 yards. Numerous trees and wires were reported down with 3homes reporting major damage and another 20 homes reporting minordamage. Maximum wind speeds were estimated to be 65 mph. Totaldamage estimates were around 100,000 dollars.
The most recent occurrence of a tornado in Delaware occurred onSeptember 28, 2004 as an F2 tornado moved through northern NewCastle County. Maximum wind speeds were estimated at around 130mph. Damages estimates were around one million dollars. The pathlength was 5.0 miles long and 150 yards wide. Significant damagewas reported to planes and hangars at the New Castle CountyAirport in Wilmington. Five injuries were reported along the pathof this tornado. A self-storage facility reported major damage.Several other buildings reported minor damage. Trees and wireswere also reported down around the area.
On September 23, 2003, a series of F1 tornadoes raced throughcentral New Jersey as a strong cold front passed during the earlymorning hours. This system also produced a tornado in MontgomeryCounty. The following storm reports are from the ncdc storm eventarchive:
An F1 tornado touched down in Hunterdon County in Delawaretownship. It touched down just south of County Route 523 insergeantville and moved northeast and lifted near County Route 579east of Sand Brook. One house suffered significant damage. Severalhouses suffered minor damage. Two barns blew off their foundation.Numerous trees were snapped or uprooted.
An F1 tornado touched down in Florence township and uprooted about100 tress along its path. Some of the trees fell on and damagedhomes. Wind damage in the County due to the tornado and the lineof severe thunderstorms was estimated at $2.1 million dollars. Themaximum wind speeds were estimated at 85 mph. The tornado remainedon the ground for about 1.75 miles and lifted in the Roeblingsection of the township.
An F1 tornado touched down in the eastern part of Trenton aroundHillcrest and traveled northeast passing through the southern partof Ewing township and into the southwestern part of Lawrencetownship before it lifted around the slackwood area. The worstwind damage and the strongest part of the tornado occurred justwest of the Lawrence/Ewing township border. A car dealership lostits roof. Numerous trees and power lines were blown down andseveral telephone poles were snapped. The tornado remained on theground for about three miles and its path width was about 100yards.
An F1 tornado touched down along the Lower Merion township side ofthe Narberth borough/Lower Merion township line in MontgomeryCounty, Pennsylvania and traveled east passing through Narberthborough. Damage estimates throughout the County was one milliondollars. The maximum wind speeds were estimated around 75 mph. Afew thousand home and businesses lost power. Trees fell on onehome in narbrook park and on the Septa r5 train as it was leavingthe station. No injuries were reported. The tornado remained onthe ground for three-quarters of a mile long and was about 100yards wide.
Rutgers University students clearly remember a tornado event onOctober 27th 2003 when a weak tornado (f0 on the fujita scale)briefly touched down along the Raritan river... just off theCampus of Rutgers University. It touched down just east ofnorthbound US Route 1 and proceeded east along the Raritan riverwhere people sighted it looking west from the New Jersey Turnpike.
Clearly...although occurring infrequently...tornadoes are possiblein the Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland areas. Thefollowing safety tips should be followed if ever a tornadoapproaches your area.
-When at home...stay away from windows...doors...and outsidewalls. Go to a basement or interior part of the house on thelowest floor. Cover your head with something sturdy for addedprotection.
-If caught outside...lie flat on low ground and shield your headwith your arms. Watch out for possible flooding in low lyingareas.
-If in a car or truck...do not try to outrun a tornado. Leave yourvehicle and take cover in a sturdy building. If no building isavailable...leave your vehicle for lower ground and cover yourhead.
-Mobile homes offer little protection. If threatening weatherapproaches...seek sturdier shelter. If no substantial shelter isnearby...lie flat in a ditch or on low ground.
-When in a public building...move to a designated shelter area.These are usually identified in schools...hospitals...and otherpublic buildings. Otherwise...go to a small interior room orhallway on the lowest floor possible. Do not take shelter ingymnasiums or auditoriums. Due to their nature, the large openexpanses offer little protection.
-Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or your local media outlets as oftenas possible for updated storm information.
Remember...a Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable fortornadoes to develop. You should continue your daily routineduring a Tornado Watch...but keep an eye on the sky. Keep abreastof current weather information for your area...and be prepared totake quick action if necessary.
A Tornado Warning means that a tornado has been sighted on theground or is indicated by Doppler radar. When a warning isissued...move to a safe shelter immediately. Also remember thattornadoes occasionally develop in areas where no SevereThunderstorm Watch or warning is in effect.
Thursday, March 8, 2007
Upper air stations that will be upgraded this year to new equipment
TECHNICAL IMPLEMENTATION NOTICE 07-16
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HEADQUARTERS WASHINGTON DC
152 PM EST WED MAR 7 2007
TO: FAMILY OF SERVICES /FOS/ SUBSCRIBERS...NOAA WEATHER
WIRE SERVICE /NWWS/ SUBSCRIBERS...EMERGENCY MANAGERS
WEATHER INFORMATION NETWORK /EMWIN/ SUBSCRIBERS...
NOAAPORT SUBSCRIBERS...OTHER NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
/NWS/ CUSTOMERS AND PARTNERS...NWS EMPLOYEES
FROM: JIM O’SULLIVAN
ACTING CHIEF... OBSERVING SERVICES DIVISION
OFFICE OF CLIMATE, WATER, AND WEATHER SERVICES
SUBJECT: FY 2007 SCHEDULE OF RADIOSONDE REPLACEMENT SYSTEM
/RRS/ IMPLEMENTATION WITH TERMINATION OF OPERATIONS OF
RADIOTHEODOLITE TRACKING /ART/ AND RADIO DIRECTION
FINDING RADIOSONDES
THIS FISCAL YEAR NWS WILL TERMINATE UPPER AIR OBSERVATIONS FROM RADIO DIRECTION FINDING RADIOSONDES AND AUTOMATED RADIOTHEODOLITE TRACKING AT 13 SITES LISTED BELOW ON OR ABOUT THE DATES INDICATED.
SID STATION NAME OUTAGE DATE
72210 TAMPA BAY FL 12 MAR 2007
72426 WILMINGTON OH 26 MAR 2007
72202 MIAMI FL 23 APR 2007
72327 NASHVILLE TN 07 MAY 2007
74389 TUCSON AZ 22 MAY 2007
72582 ELKO NV 04 JUN 2007
72694 SALEM OR 18 JUN 2007
SID STATION NAME OUTAGE DATE
72768 GLASGOW MT 02 JUL 2007
74560 LINCOLN IL 16 JUL 2007
72440 SPRINGFIELD MO 30 JUL 2007
72634 GAYLORD MI 13 AUG 2007
72562 NORTH PLATTE NE 28 AUG 2007
72558 VALLEY NE 08 SEP 2007
NWS UPPER AIR OBSERVATIONS WILL RESUME APPROXIMATELY 2 WEEKS LATER. NWS WILL USE THE RRS WITH GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM /GPS/ RADIOSONDES. EACH OF THESE SITES WILL BE OUT OF SERVICE FOR UP TO 2 WEEKS. WHEN RESTORED PARTS OF THE UPPER AIR CODED MESSAGES WILL BE SIGNIFICANTLY LONGER.
NWS HAS COORDINATED WITH ITS PARTNERS ON THE LONGER LENGTH OF THESE MESSAGES.
THE FORMAT OF THE MESSAGES WILL BE THE SAME WMO FORMAT FOR CODED UPPER AIR MESSAGES IN USE WITH THE MICROART LEGACY SYSTEM. THE NUMBER OF LEVELS IN THE CODED MESSAGES WILL BE TWO TO THREE TIMES GREATER FOR THE TTBB AND TTDD. AS A RESULT TWO CATEGORIES OF AWIPS TEXT PRODUCTS WILL INCREASE IN SIZE: SGL AND ABV. THE NUMBER OF LEVELS IN THE TTAA...TTCC...PPBB AND PPDD PARTS WILL BE RELATIVELY UNCHANGED. THESE CHANGES REFLECT UPDATED CODING PRACTICES AND HIGHER RESOLUTION LEVEL SELECTION CRITERIA. THE MAXIMUM SIZE LIMITS OF THE PARTS OF THE CODED MESSAGES ARE AS
FOLLOWS:
TTAA: 15 LEVELS
TTCC: 10 LEVELS
TTBB: 135 LEVELS
TTDD: 40 LEVELS
PPBB: 40 LEVELS
PPDD: 40 LEVELS
IN ADDITION THE 31313 MESSAGE INDICATOR ASSOCIATED WITH VARIOUS PARTS OF THE MESSAGE WILL BE INCLUDED WITH EACH PART OF THE THERMODYNAMIC MESSAGE PARTS. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE MESSAGE REQUIREMENTS...REFERENCE WMO 306...MANUAL ON CODES...
INTERNATIONAL CODES...VOLUME 1.1 PART A-ALPHANUMERIC CODES...
AND WMO 306...MANUAL ON CODES...REGIONAL CODES AND NATIONAL CODING PRACTICES...VOLUME II. USERS CAN FIND INFORMATION ON THE LEVELS SELECTION CRITERIA USED IN NWS CODING SOFTWARE ONLINE AT /USE LOWERCASE LETTERS/:
HTTP://WWW.UA.NWS.NOAA.GOV
IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS OR FEEDBACK...PLEASE CONTACT:
DOMINIC BOSCO
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE / OPS11
1325 EAST WEST HIGHWAY
SILVER SPRING MARYLAND 20910
PHONE: 301-713-1841 EXT. 123
E-MAIL: DOMINIC.BOSCO@NOAA.GOV
THIS AND OTHER NWS TECHNICAL IMPLEMENTATION NOTICES ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE AT /USE LOWER CASE LETTERS/:
HTTP://WWW.NWS.NOAA.GOV/OM/NOTIF.HTM
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HEADQUARTERS WASHINGTON DC
152 PM EST WED MAR 7 2007
TO: FAMILY OF SERVICES /FOS/ SUBSCRIBERS...NOAA WEATHER
WIRE SERVICE /NWWS/ SUBSCRIBERS...EMERGENCY MANAGERS
WEATHER INFORMATION NETWORK /EMWIN/ SUBSCRIBERS...
NOAAPORT SUBSCRIBERS...OTHER NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
/NWS/ CUSTOMERS AND PARTNERS...NWS EMPLOYEES
FROM: JIM O’SULLIVAN
ACTING CHIEF... OBSERVING SERVICES DIVISION
OFFICE OF CLIMATE, WATER, AND WEATHER SERVICES
SUBJECT: FY 2007 SCHEDULE OF RADIOSONDE REPLACEMENT SYSTEM
/RRS/ IMPLEMENTATION WITH TERMINATION OF OPERATIONS OF
RADIOTHEODOLITE TRACKING /ART/ AND RADIO DIRECTION
FINDING RADIOSONDES
THIS FISCAL YEAR NWS WILL TERMINATE UPPER AIR OBSERVATIONS FROM RADIO DIRECTION FINDING RADIOSONDES AND AUTOMATED RADIOTHEODOLITE TRACKING AT 13 SITES LISTED BELOW ON OR ABOUT THE DATES INDICATED.
SID STATION NAME OUTAGE DATE
72210 TAMPA BAY FL 12 MAR 2007
72426 WILMINGTON OH 26 MAR 2007
72202 MIAMI FL 23 APR 2007
72327 NASHVILLE TN 07 MAY 2007
74389 TUCSON AZ 22 MAY 2007
72582 ELKO NV 04 JUN 2007
72694 SALEM OR 18 JUN 2007
SID STATION NAME OUTAGE DATE
72768 GLASGOW MT 02 JUL 2007
74560 LINCOLN IL 16 JUL 2007
72440 SPRINGFIELD MO 30 JUL 2007
72634 GAYLORD MI 13 AUG 2007
72562 NORTH PLATTE NE 28 AUG 2007
72558 VALLEY NE 08 SEP 2007
NWS UPPER AIR OBSERVATIONS WILL RESUME APPROXIMATELY 2 WEEKS LATER. NWS WILL USE THE RRS WITH GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM /GPS/ RADIOSONDES. EACH OF THESE SITES WILL BE OUT OF SERVICE FOR UP TO 2 WEEKS. WHEN RESTORED PARTS OF THE UPPER AIR CODED MESSAGES WILL BE SIGNIFICANTLY LONGER.
NWS HAS COORDINATED WITH ITS PARTNERS ON THE LONGER LENGTH OF THESE MESSAGES.
THE FORMAT OF THE MESSAGES WILL BE THE SAME WMO FORMAT FOR CODED UPPER AIR MESSAGES IN USE WITH THE MICROART LEGACY SYSTEM. THE NUMBER OF LEVELS IN THE CODED MESSAGES WILL BE TWO TO THREE TIMES GREATER FOR THE TTBB AND TTDD. AS A RESULT TWO CATEGORIES OF AWIPS TEXT PRODUCTS WILL INCREASE IN SIZE: SGL AND ABV. THE NUMBER OF LEVELS IN THE TTAA...TTCC...PPBB AND PPDD PARTS WILL BE RELATIVELY UNCHANGED. THESE CHANGES REFLECT UPDATED CODING PRACTICES AND HIGHER RESOLUTION LEVEL SELECTION CRITERIA. THE MAXIMUM SIZE LIMITS OF THE PARTS OF THE CODED MESSAGES ARE AS
FOLLOWS:
TTAA: 15 LEVELS
TTCC: 10 LEVELS
TTBB: 135 LEVELS
TTDD: 40 LEVELS
PPBB: 40 LEVELS
PPDD: 40 LEVELS
IN ADDITION THE 31313 MESSAGE INDICATOR ASSOCIATED WITH VARIOUS PARTS OF THE MESSAGE WILL BE INCLUDED WITH EACH PART OF THE THERMODYNAMIC MESSAGE PARTS. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE MESSAGE REQUIREMENTS...REFERENCE WMO 306...MANUAL ON CODES...
INTERNATIONAL CODES...VOLUME 1.1 PART A-ALPHANUMERIC CODES...
AND WMO 306...MANUAL ON CODES...REGIONAL CODES AND NATIONAL CODING PRACTICES...VOLUME II. USERS CAN FIND INFORMATION ON THE LEVELS SELECTION CRITERIA USED IN NWS CODING SOFTWARE ONLINE AT /USE LOWERCASE LETTERS/:
HTTP://WWW.UA.NWS.NOAA.GOV
IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS OR FEEDBACK...PLEASE CONTACT:
DOMINIC BOSCO
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE / OPS11
1325 EAST WEST HIGHWAY
SILVER SPRING MARYLAND 20910
PHONE: 301-713-1841 EXT. 123
E-MAIL: DOMINIC.BOSCO@NOAA.GOV
THIS AND OTHER NWS TECHNICAL IMPLEMENTATION NOTICES ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE AT /USE LOWER CASE LETTERS/:
HTTP://WWW.NWS.NOAA.GOV/OM/NOTIF.HTM
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
NEXRAD Aims to Stop Purple Haze
The NWS says in a PDF released last month that a new range-folding algorithm will soon be included in NEXRAD radar software that will significantly reduce range-folding in velocity data. Below is an example of the before and after shots. Impressive.
For non-radar-enthusiasts, PURPLE=BAD. What this breakthrough means is simply that we'll have much less missing wind data on radar maps in the future. When the radar sends out signals to detect winds, it waits to hear the signal come back. In some cases, it can't tell whether the answer back came from the original transmission or not. This data gets marked a purple color on NEXRAD displays, indicating that the radar can't determine which way the particle of precipitation is moving, or at what speed. Sometimes called "purple haze", the phenomenon can hide or obscure tornadic twisting of the winds.
They explain:
Addition of the SZ-2 (Sachidananda - Zrnic) Algorithm: Range ambiguity can occur when a returned signal may be associated with one of several pulses transmitted prior to the latest pulse. The SZ-2 Algorithm will provide a new range unfolding technique to reduce the effects of the range-velocity ambiguity that exists with Doppler weather radars and should result in fewer areas of range folded data, sometimes referred to as "purple haze." This algorithm will provide users a cleaner, more complete view of the Doppler data by correctly unfolding overlaid targets.
The American Meteorological Society defines range-folding, or range-aliasing, as follows.
A radar ordinarily computes range to targets by measuring the time interval between the transmission of a pulse and the receipt of the returned signal, assuming that the signal was associated with the pulse just transmitted. However, depending on the pulse repetition frequency, the returned signal may be associated with one of several pulses transmitted prior to the latest one.
The improvement is associated with "Build 9" of the software and will be distributed to NEXRADs across the nation during the latter half of 2007.
For non-radar-enthusiasts, PURPLE=BAD. What this breakthrough means is simply that we'll have much less missing wind data on radar maps in the future. When the radar sends out signals to detect winds, it waits to hear the signal come back. In some cases, it can't tell whether the answer back came from the original transmission or not. This data gets marked a purple color on NEXRAD displays, indicating that the radar can't determine which way the particle of precipitation is moving, or at what speed. Sometimes called "purple haze", the phenomenon can hide or obscure tornadic twisting of the winds.
They explain:
Addition of the SZ-2 (Sachidananda - Zrnic) Algorithm: Range ambiguity can occur when a returned signal may be associated with one of several pulses transmitted prior to the latest pulse. The SZ-2 Algorithm will provide a new range unfolding technique to reduce the effects of the range-velocity ambiguity that exists with Doppler weather radars and should result in fewer areas of range folded data, sometimes referred to as "purple haze." This algorithm will provide users a cleaner, more complete view of the Doppler data by correctly unfolding overlaid targets.
The American Meteorological Society defines range-folding, or range-aliasing, as follows.
A radar ordinarily computes range to targets by measuring the time interval between the transmission of a pulse and the receipt of the returned signal, assuming that the signal was associated with the pulse just transmitted. However, depending on the pulse repetition frequency, the returned signal may be associated with one of several pulses transmitted prior to the latest one.
The improvement is associated with "Build 9" of the software and will be distributed to NEXRADs across the nation during the latter half of 2007.
Monday, March 5, 2007
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
February 13-14 Storm
It's now 7:30pm Tuesday in Stewartsville. Snowing moderate with a temperature of 18.9. About 1" snow on the ground.
Bad news is some sleet is starting to mix in already!!! A nice batch of snow grains as well.
Com'on coastal - let's get goin'!!!
Dave
Bad news is some sleet is starting to mix in already!!! A nice batch of snow grains as well.
Com'on coastal - let's get goin'!!!
Dave
Friday, February 2, 2007
Report says global warming very likely man-made, to continue 'for centuries'
From USA Today on 2/2/07
PARIS (AP) — The words of warning about global warming from the top panel of international scientists Friday were purposely blunt: "warming of the climate system is unequivocal," the cause is "very likely" man-made, and "would continue for centuries."
Officially releasing a 21-page report (PDF) in Paris on the how, what and why the planet is warming — though not telling the world what to do about it — the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change gave a bleak observation of what is happening now and an even more dire prediction for the future.
"Warming of the climate system is unequivocal, as is now evident from observations of increases in global average air and ocean temperatures, widespread melting of snow and ice, and rising global mean sea level," the report said.
Rest of article: http://www.usatoday.com/weather/climate/globalwarming/2007-02-01-ipcc-report_x.htm
PARIS (AP) — The words of warning about global warming from the top panel of international scientists Friday were purposely blunt: "warming of the climate system is unequivocal," the cause is "very likely" man-made, and "would continue for centuries."
Officially releasing a 21-page report (PDF) in Paris on the how, what and why the planet is warming — though not telling the world what to do about it — the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change gave a bleak observation of what is happening now and an even more dire prediction for the future.
"Warming of the climate system is unequivocal, as is now evident from observations of increases in global average air and ocean temperatures, widespread melting of snow and ice, and rising global mean sea level," the report said.
Rest of article: http://www.usatoday.com/weather/climate/globalwarming/2007-02-01-ipcc-report_x.htm
Monday, January 29, 2007
Where we're headed with NWS Level 2 WSR-88D radar data
The NWS has recently updated their plans for Level 2 data for the coming future. Of major note:
1. The format of level 2 data will be completely changed next year. This means applications like GEMPAK, McIDAS, GRLevel2/AE, and WXP will need to have their decoders rewritten.
2. The radar will have a "super resolution" mode starting in 2008. But the NWS requires additional bandwidth to get it out to external users, and that is not currently available.
3. The San Juan, PR site will be added around April-ish of this year.
For complete details on this and other WSR-88D topics, see:
http://www.roc.noaa.gov/NWS_Level_2/Update0107_Lvl2_Final2.pdf
1. The format of level 2 data will be completely changed next year. This means applications like GEMPAK, McIDAS, GRLevel2/AE, and WXP will need to have their decoders rewritten.
2. The radar will have a "super resolution" mode starting in 2008. But the NWS requires additional bandwidth to get it out to external users, and that is not currently available.
3. The San Juan, PR site will be added around April-ish of this year.
For complete details on this and other WSR-88D topics, see:
http://www.roc.noaa.gov/NWS_Level_2/Update0107_Lvl2_Final2.pdf
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Computer Storm Worm on the loose!!
I'm intrigued and disheartened to discover this week that our fascination with the climate has finally invaded the IT space. Readers are probably familiar with the fact that while the northeastern part of the country has experienced unseasonably warm weather this winter, Colorado has had record snowfalls and the cold in California is so harsh that crops have been devastated. Meanwhile, Europe has had its fair share of strange weather as well. After a warmer-than-usual December, severe winds cancelled thousands of flights around the continent and caused power outages just before last weekend.
What does this have to do with your job, you ask? Well, in the latest bit of unwanted social engineering experimentation, hackers are taking advantage of our natural curiosity about weather disasters to spread a virus. Logically named "Storm Worm" (but more officially titled Small.damTROJAN), this virus has already infected tens of thousands of PCs worldwide, according to security experts at F-Secure. Once on your PC, Storm Worm then forwards copies of itself to contacts in your email application. Standard fare, yes, but newer variants are also using "kernel-mode rootkit techniques" to hide their activities.
To read the rest of this article, visithttp://list.windowsitpro.com/t?ctl=4786E:CAC1007D4E23A179CF2177CD5899B055
What does this have to do with your job, you ask? Well, in the latest bit of unwanted social engineering experimentation, hackers are taking advantage of our natural curiosity about weather disasters to spread a virus. Logically named "Storm Worm" (but more officially titled Small.damTROJAN), this virus has already infected tens of thousands of PCs worldwide, according to security experts at F-Secure. Once on your PC, Storm Worm then forwards copies of itself to contacts in your email application. Standard fare, yes, but newer variants are also using "kernel-mode rootkit techniques" to hide their activities.
To read the rest of this article, visithttp://list.windowsitpro.com/t?ctl=4786E:CAC1007D4E23A179CF2177CD5899B055
Friday, January 19, 2007
Crazy bad weather driving video
http://www.king5.com/sharedcontent/VideoPlayer/makeASX.php?title=www.king5.com/kiraw_011607portlandhomevid.wmv
If anyone knows where King 5 TV is please reply. Why *anyone* would again start driving their car after it came to a complete stop is totally insane.
Dave
If anyone knows where King 5 TV is please reply. Why *anyone* would again start driving their car after it came to a complete stop is totally insane.
Dave
Fri Jan 19 Snowfall
It's depressing that we need to measure our snowfall this winter in tenths of inches but it's better than nothing I suppose!
In Stewartsville I received 0.5" overnight.
Frankly I was surprise so much fell. Before going to bed and looking at the radar, I thought most of the precip would stay to our south.
Dave
In Stewartsville I received 0.5" overnight.
Frankly I was surprise so much fell. Before going to bed and looking at the radar, I thought most of the precip would stay to our south.
Dave
Welcome!
NJWO Friends,
Welcome to blogging! This NJWO blog will allow us to *each* share comments, observations, photos and anything else related to NJWO and weather.
Thanks,
Dave
Welcome to blogging! This NJWO blog will allow us to *each* share comments, observations, photos and anything else related to NJWO and weather.
Thanks,
Dave
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
