When Automation replaces #hamradio #Skywarn

Ham radio operators in the Skywarn service are experiencing the times are changing.

More and more Weather Forecast Offices are shuttering their ham radio operations around the Nation.

Why?

Could it be services like the Oklahoma Mesonet?  In ALL 77 counties, there are weather staions that automatically, around the clock, record and report weather conditions in the area.  Some have been struck by tornadoes.  Often they are the first indicator of crippling ice storms.

Could it be services like the Airport Surface Observation Stations?  These stations, located at various airports around the Nation record and report surface observations.  There is even a phone number to call to get the conditions at the station.  Those conditions, when there is a trigger reached, automatically send that report to the WFO.

Could it be services like Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow?  Many Skywarn volunteers are sending reports to the WFO.  

Could it be services like SpotterNetwork? Members, after certification, send reports which are automatically relayed to the appropriate WFO.  

Could it be that the WFO can get information from Twitter and Facebook? For years, the various offices get and reply to questions, comments, etc. as a method of engaging the public.  

AUXCOMMUSA teaches, promotes and uses social media in their platforms.  Many ARRL divisions and sections have a presence on the various platforms.  The Voice over Internet Skywarn net has demonstrated for years the ability to gather information across a variety of platforms for WX4NHC.

Clearly, there are a lot of sources for information for the WFO.  However, Skywarn (and Weather Ready Nation) folks still can call the WFO, send information via NWSchat, and, for the few remaining offices with ham radio on board,  Additionally, reach out to your local WFO and any you plan to drive through on vacation.  Get their phone number at weather.gov, enter your zip code, and look for the number at the bottom of the page.

Hams are communicators.  Use the channels you have available, ham radio or not.  There are a number of groups even using GMRS to reach their customers.