[californiadisasters] SoCal Spotter & SKYWARN News

Spotter and Skywarn News

With time comes inevitable change and the time has come for a new spotter program manager. Alex Tardy, the new Warning Coordination Meteorologist (replaced the retired Ed Clark in November 2010), will assume responsibility from Miguel Miller. Miguel has been providing spotter training during the past 11 years and will be moving on to other programs while remaining as a forecaster. Much of Miguel's training material will be carried forward but new information will be added. Miguel has done a great job in the past and Alex hopes to keep this approach and expand the training further. Spotter training is critical to the success of the NWS and its warning program which aims to save lives and property while promoting the economy. Miguel and other forecasters may still substitute or provide some training and presentations in the future and are always reachable for questions. It is important that weather spotters and the NWS maintain a steady relationship and proactive approach to information sharing in real-time or even well after impact weather events.
Alex's spotter training begins on August 13th in Apple Valley.

Skywarn director Jim Courter has named Jim Campbell as a new Central Area coordinator for San Diego County, replacing Eric Hutchins. Jim has been a solid contributor to the Skywarn group and has a wealth of personal weather experience, including being in his minivan in his driveway when it was struck by lightning! More useful experience he brings as a licensed amateur ham radio operator. Even with the internet, Jim believes it makes sense for as many spotters as possible to be able to report in during big weather events, even when the internet and/or phone service may not be working. Jim will be receiving an award of recognition by the NWS in San Diego for his contributions to the Mesonet.

Jim has also greatly helped the NWS in San Diego with our growing Mesonet. He developed a computer program that converts files from a central database into the format we use here at the NWS in San Diego. His efforts have opened the door to the future, with numerous new data providers able to fill in the data gaps on our weather maps. Jim will be recognized for his outstanding efforts on Aug 8. Thanks for all your help, Jim!

Many spotters reported detailed and timely weather observations and measurements during the first monsoon event of 2011 in early July. Remember that even reports and photos that arrive one day or even four weeks after an event are helpful for verification, storm summaries and training of the weather forecasters. Thank you for taking the time to support the NWS with weather reports online or by phone! The information makes a difference in saving lives and property while supporting the NWS mission. Be safe during these active weather days.

Spotter Recognition Award for July 2011: Jo Tunnel from Big Bear City!

SKYWARN Recognition Award for July 2011: Phill Dupree from Hesperia!

Source: http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/sgx/newsletter/current-newsletter.pdf

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