Spotter Network explosion

[Michael O'Keeffe]

I've noticed that to Scott. We were up in Iowa a few weeks ago and a Tornado warning was issued for a storm that was cold and outflow dominant. I then got a call from the NWS asking if I was seeing anything. I told him it didn't pose a threat as there was nothing except for some very close lightning and they quickly dropped the warning. Still they were issuing warnings that day like hot cakes and two out of the three Tor-warned cells we were on were not even supercells just outflow junk.

 

[Steve Polley]

I think an online training/quiz would be a great start IMO. I have also noticed alot of reports here in my local area that were questionable at the least. Also, make a requirement that when users signup for SN, they submit their local spotter ID number that is issued from the local WFO. Just a thought.

 

[Gerard Jebaily]

Im in agreement with some sort of training requirement to be a part of SN. Going back to the whole hail reports question. I think SN should have 2 or 3 distinguishable icons for different hail sizes. Kind of like what SPC does. Hail below .75", Hail .75"-1.75", and Hail above 2" is one way.

And to solve the issue of "other" reports getting in the way, have filters or layers that can be checked to show or hide the different reports. So that the "other" reports can be filtered out from the ones that meet severe criteria. So now everybody will be happy at a few clicks of the mouse. Can this be done Tyler?

 

[Tyler Allison]

One type of non-severe report I have been making lately is gustfronts in relation to Tornado Warned storms. There were a few recent chases in NE with Tor warned supercells that were undercut buy cool outflow.

That is what the "other" category is for, right?

Yes. The reporting page currently matches the eSpotter page for integration reasons. I've been considering expanding the reporting page to take in more types of data.

 

[Tyler Allison]

Also, make a requirement that when users signup for SN, they submit their local spotter ID number that is issued from the local WFO. Just a thought.

I have no way of verifying the ID info. I would be more than happy to do so if the local WFO's would work with me to validate them. see prior posts..they are not.

 

[Tyler Allison]

Im in agreement with some sort of training requirement to be a part of SN. Going back to the whole hail reports question. I think SN should have 2 or 3 distinguishable icons for different hail sizes. Kind of like what SPC does. Hail below .75", Hail .75"-1.75", and Hail above 2" is one way.

Yes. I need to get with my graphics person and crack the whip

And to solve the issue of "other" reports getting in the way, have filters or layers that can be checked to show or hide the different reports. So that the "other" reports can be filtered out from the ones that meet severe criteria. So now everybody will be happy at a few clicks of the mouse. Can this be done Tyler?

yes..excellent idea.

 

[Scott Weberpal]

I think an online training/quiz would be a great start IMO. I have also noticed alot of reports here in my local area that were questionable at the least. Also, make a requirement that when users signup for SN, they submit their local spotter ID number that is issued from the local WFO. Just a thought.

What if the WFO doesn't issue spotter ID numbers? (such as mine)

Many veteran chasers have never been to a spotter class and are not part of a spotter group but still wish to make reports.

 

[John Erwin]

What if the WFO doesn't issue spotter ID numbers? (such as mine)

Many veteran chasers have never been to a spotter class and are not part of a spotter group but still wish to make reports.

Agreed.

I do think a questionaire designed to see if the user understands report criteria or at least causes them to read up on them prior to using the client would work well.

 

[Jim Saueressig]

What if the WFO doesn't issue spotter ID numbers? (such as mine)

I am not sure any around here do any more.

 

[Chris Allington]

I am not sure any around here do any more.

Same here, its just a presentation to my knowledge.

 

[Bob Schafer]

I think SN works quite well, the reports are acceptably accurate, there is way too much hand wringing going on in this thread, and everyone oughta just chill.

 

[Tim Shriver]

What if the WFO doesn't issue spotter ID numbers? (such as mine)

Many veteran chasers have never been to a spotter class and are not part of a spotter group but still wish to make reports.

One of the Skywarn requirments, at least via KMKX, is the spotter
must have attended a NWS spotter class within the past 2 years
in order for a storm report to be taken.

We enforce that on our nets as well..

To me its a good way for the NWS to get current contact information
on them and to insure they at least know the basics. Otherwise
we are just depending on their word as to what they know.

Tim