Radar can see a lot, but it cannot see everything. When severe weather threatens Summit County, Skywarn spotters report what is actually happening on the ground to the National Weather Service in Cleveland, and amateur radio is how those reports get through.
The K8SCS spotter net
When Skywarn is activated, Summit County operates as K8SCS:
- 146.640 (−) main repeater, PL 110.9
- 147.270 (+) backup repeater, PL 110.9
- 146.640 simplex as a last resort
You do not need a license to listen in, so tune a scanner to the net the next time storms roll in.
What to report
- Tornadoes, funnel clouds or rotating wall clouds
- Hail, with the size of the largest stones compared to coins
- Wind damage to trees, power lines or roofs
- Flooded roads and heavy rain totals
Always put your own safety first. A late report from a safe spotter is better than no spotter at all.
Live radar, NWS alerts and the net control scripts are on the Northeast Ohio Storm Spotter site, and free spotter training is available through the National Weather Service Skywarn program.
Join us on the air
W8CRC Net every Tuesday at 7:00 PM, all check-ins welcome. Club meetings the 1st & 3rd Wednesday at 7:30 PM.