WX5TUL Tulsa Skywarn Guide
SKYWARN is a program of the National Weather Service (NWS). Its mission is to collect reports of localized severe weather in the United States. These reports are used to aid forecasters in issuing and verifying severe weather watches and warnings and to improve the forecasting and warning processes and the tools used to collect meteorological data. Reports are also used by local emergency managers and public safety organizations.
Skywarn in Oklahoma consists of local groups operating amateur radio nets during inclement weather to coordinate the flow of pertinent information to/from National Weather Service Weather Forecast Offices, (WFO’s), and spotters, emergency management agencies, etc.
OkArk Skywarn more specifically assists in weather net operations for the 32 counties covered by the National Weather Service office in Tulsa. WX5TUL is the call sign of Net Control during these events.
Any licensed amateur radio operator may assist in the reporting of severe weather; however, individuals are urged to participate in yearly spotter training to hone their knowledge base and skillset.
If you are calling in a report, please provide the following information slowly and clearly:
- Your callsign, your name, your location, and…
- What did you see?
- Where did you see it?
- When did you see it?
- What was it doing?”
“Reports of a severe nature are the following and should be called in immediately.
- Hail the size of a quarter or larger. 1 inch.
- Wind speeds of 58 mph or higher, estimated or measured.
- Tornadoes or tornadic precursors including funnels and wall clouds exhibiting organized, persistent and/or sustained rotation.
- Supercellular structure
- Flooding and flash-flooding affecting roads, homes or businesses.
Frequencies utilized in our area are as follows:
- UHF Super Link System 443.850 PL 88.5 (Individual linked repeaters on this system can be utilized as well. Refer to W5IAS repeaters)
- VHF Primary 146.88 PL 88.5
- VHF Secondary 146.94 PL 88.5 (TAEMA monitors as well WT5EOC)
- TAEMA 146.835 PL 103.5 (Tulsa Area Emergency Management Agency, WT5EOC)
Click this link for a copy of the Storm Spotter Reference Card.
Click the link for a QLCS Study and guide.