Storm spotting isn’t just a spring and summer activity! The National Weather Service would appreciate any reports of snow/ice/freezing rain accumulation, visibility, and other reports that would be of interest to NWS staff.

How can I transmit my winter storm reports?

Amateur radio: While Mid-Iowa Skywarn nets aren’t typically formally activated, many NWS meteorologists in Des Moines are also licensed operators and they do listen to repeater traffic on the MISA linked network during winter weather events. If you typically report via amateur radio, we prefer that you please use that method first. If you are unable to reach any staff, send your report via either of the next two methods.

Telephone: You can submit storm reports during the winter by calling NWS Des Moines at 1-800-SKYWARN. Please be prepared with your report, and your amateur radio call sign and spotter number. If you typically report via amateur radio, please attempt to reach NWS Des Moines K0DMX via amateur radio first.

eSpotter: If you are near a computer or mobile device with an internet connection, you can submit a report online via eSpotter. You will first need to set up an account with eSpotter. If you typically report via amateur radio, please attempt to reach NWS Des Moines K0DMX via amateur radio first.

Why is it important that I send my reports during the winter?

• Keeps amateur radio operators’ weather spotting and radio operation skills current year-round
• Helps travelers decide whether it’s safe to venture out
• Reports disseminated via TV, radio and internet
• Documents event for climatological record
• Aides NWS staff in forecast process
• Assists local and state officials in emergency response decisions
• Decision aid for local schools and businesses

The NWS gets little in the way of winter weather reports but they are needed and greatly appreciated. Any snowfall and icing reports are beneficial. We can’t emphasize enough how much they help.

Have you ever wanted to use amateur radio when storm spotting, but didn’t know where to start? The Des Moines Radio Amateurs’ Association (DMRAA) is offering an entry-level course where you will earn your technician amateur radio license just in time for storm season. Details:

The Des Moines Radio Amateurs’ Association is pleased to continue our partnership with the Waukee Community School District’s Community Education program, offering a Technician licensing class beginning on February 2. Classes will be held each Thursday beginning at 7 p.m., and ending on April 12 when testing will be held. You do not need to live in the Waukee school district boundaries to attend — anyone is welcome to enroll.

The class will teach the fundamentals of amateur radio and students will learn the requirements to gain the entry-level “technician” amateur radio license. Learn how you can use radio equipment for enjoyment, experimentation, and public service. Testing will be held at the end of the course.

To enroll: Visit the Waukee Community Education website, click “online registration,” and then click on “special interest.” You can register for the class by clicking the link on the right-hand side. The name of the course is “Ham Radio Basics” and the course number is W1240.

Textbook: The ARRL Ham Radio License Manual (2nd Edition). Books will be available for purchase at the first class session for $25. The DMRAA does not profit off the sale of these books.

WCSD enrollment fee: $10

Location: South Middle School, 2350 SE La Grant Parkway, Waukee.

Schedule:
Thursday evenings, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm

• Feb. 2
• Feb. 9
• Feb. 16
• Mar. 1
• Mar. 8
• Mar. 15
• Mar. 29
• Apr. 5
• Apr. 12 (last class and testing)

Questions? E-mail the DMRAA at info@dmraa.com or Ron Hobbs N0XWI at rwhobbs@aol.com.

The National Weather Service has released their spotter talk schedule on their website for 2012. Please keep in mind that some events have not yet announced a location, and dates/locations for more spotter talks may be added in the future, so keep an eye on the schedule as we move closer. Each of the 51 counties in the NWS Des Moines warning area will host at least one spotter talk.

Also note that the February 28 spotter talk is sponsored jointly by the Mid-Iowa Skywarn Association (MISA) and the Des Moines Radio Amateurs’ Association (DMRAA). Prior to the 7 p.m. spotter talk, MISA will hold its annual business meeting at 6:30 p.m. Anyone interested in learning about the MISA organization and/or providing input on the direction of MISA is welcome to join us. The annual election of president, vice president and secretary/treasurer will take place at the meeting.