Cell phone severe weather reporting

[Gerard Jebaily]

Is there a list someone made or avilable anywhere of all the NWS stations in the plains and their phone numbers for quick referencing to call in reports? I have the NWS Numbers Overlay on Delorme Street Atlas but have never used them. Are they up to date? A list would be quicker access in my opinion. I could laminate it and put it under my sunvisor next to my hail scale.

 

[Dennis Sherrod]

Try this link. This is what I have used and printed out what I want.

http://www.stormready.noaa.gov/contact.htm

If this does not give you all of the info you need, you can contact each area for the required info.

 

[Paul Austin]

Seems like a mixed bag in my very-recent experience.

Well, it's been a little while since I had any negative experience, but in 2004 and 2005 I had cell reports of tornadoes blown off by WFO's. It may well be that another spotter's report conflicted with mine, but it was frustrating, to say the least. In all cases, I relayed location, specifics, and my SkyWarn spotter number. Hopefully, those were isolated events. I would hate to think someone could sustain serious injury or death due to an ignored report. I do think 911 is at least a good follow-up, as a report from law enforcement might not be treated lightly.

 

[al pietrycha]

Are most NWS offices using the SpotterNetwork?

The following url is to a map, showing WFOs (colored in red) that currently participate to directly receive Spotter Network reports into AWIPS. Note, though not on this map, San Angelo and Los Angeles participate too.

http://stormeyes.org/pietrycha/tmp/cwa3.gif

--Al

 

[Cameron Redwine]

As a former dispatcher at a decent sized agency, I can say that if and how quickly reports are relayed to the WFO depends on the agency you get when you dial 911. In other words, don't necessarily expect them to call the WFO right when you hang up the phone. Most agencies will relay the report fairly quickly, but keep in mind that dispatching first responders will take priority over contacting the NWS and any delay in warning during severe wx can be significant. This is especially true in smaller agencies with only two or three dispatchers working at a given time. In larger com centers, it's not such a big deal because other dispatchers can make the call to NWS while the primary LE/Fire dispatchers can roll the units.

In many states, including here in Colorado, there are direct numbers to the state/highway patrol posted on signs along the highways and interstates (*CSP here). Personally, I would suggest making note of that and using those numbers. State Patrol communications is in contact with NWS fairly consistently and they have the training and manpower to quickly relay reports to the WFO.

 

[Rob Herman]

The following url is to a map, showing WFOs (colored in red) that currently participate to directly receive Spotter Network reports into AWIPS. Note, though not on this map, San Angelo and Los Angeles participate too.

So, if we report via Spotter Network, do we need to go ahead an phone it in?

Using the phone would be faster and you would be able to answer any questions.

 

[al pietrycha]

So, if we report via Spotter Network, do we need to go ahead an phone it in?

No

Using the phone would be faster and you would be able to answer any questions.

The phone can be faster depending on if you have the NWS number handy, don’t get a busy signal, or put on hold. Normally once a Spotter Network report is sent, the report takes less than 45 seconds to arrive at the appropriate WFO. And, vs. a phone call the SN report eliminates any confusion / misinformation on what you are reporting… no middle man.

That written, you are strongly encouraged to call anytime you have potentially life threatening information. In fact, near the top of the Spotter Network report submission form, the appropriate NWS phone number is provided to you. How handy is that!?!

--Al

 

[Gerard Jebaily]

I prefer direct dialing to the WFO. They can hear the report direct from the horse's mouth. If its chaser central on a storm, I dont bother calling it in, I know there has to be someone else trying to call it in and I dont have to be the one to report it. However there are those times where I feel like im the only one.