SKYWARN

A GUIDE FOR REPORTING SEVERE WEATHER

Please call the National Weather Service whenever you observe the following:

• Tornadoes or funnel clouds (be very wary of look-alikes; watch for rotation)

• Wall clouds, especially if they are rotating
• Hail (Be specific with regard to size; DO NOT report MARBLE size)
• Winds (40 mph or greater; specify whether estimated or recorded)
           -- large branches downed (specify diameter of branch)
           -- Trees/power lines downed
           -- Structural damage to buildings (roof, windows, etc.)

• Rainfall

         -- 1 inch or greater in an hour (NOT a 1"/hr. rate for 10 minutes)
         -- 2 inches or greater storm total
• Flooding

         -- Streams/Rivers -- also, when nearing bankfull
         -- Coastal
         -- Street (when more than the usual poor drainage puddles)
• Winter Weather

         -- Precipitation type change (rain to sleet/freezing rain/snow, when the
             change has "taken hold")
         -- Thunder, when accompanied by snow
         -- 1/3" radial ice accretion (from twig outward; not circumference)
• New Snowfall
           -- First 2 inches; every 2-3 inches thereafter
           -- 1 inch per hour or greater
           -- If less than 2 inches total, give final total only
           -- Give final total (don't leave us hanging with a partial report)
           -- Report any snow/sleet/freezing rain if not in NWS forecast!

PROCEDURES

1) Call the NWS at the toll-free number given to you.

2) Identify yourself with your Spotter ID # and your name.

3) BRIEFLY describe WHAT was observed; and WHEN & WHERE it was observed.

4) If you cannot reach us and you consider your report to be life-threatening, call your
     local police or fire department, explain who you are, and ask that they relay the
     report to the NWS in Taunton, MA.