Report Format
SulCom Summer Weather
Program
All reports are to be provided to Sullivan Weather using the format
above and as explained below. The
information received in the indicated order provides an efficient means of data
transfer from point to point and thus helps to eliminate errors.
All information below is required
for a report to be considered valid!!
Speak slowly, clearly and use standard phonetics where
appropriate.
Use of plain language is required. Do not use Q signals, jargon or codes.
This format is intended to be clear and concise. Do not add any extra words beyond what is
required or requested.
Click here
for an example on what a valid report’s communications exchange is intended to
look like.
Time
(of the Meteorological /
Hydrological Event)
"Time"
of the event (NOT the time of filing or creation of the report)
is to be provided in 12-hour format, like one would see on a standard
wristwatch.
Example:
"
Location
(of the Meteorological /
Hydrological Event)
"Location"
of the event (NOT the location of the observer) is to be provided
as a distance (to the closest 1/10 mile, if possible) and direction from a
known reference, followed by the county.
**IMPORTANT NOTE**
Aloft event location (Items 1
through 3 on the Criteria page) will most likely NOT be at the same location as
the observer. For aloft events, provide
the location of the observer followed by the general direction of the event
from the observer location.
Ground event location (Items 4
through 13 on the Criteria page) should be at the same location as the
observer.
See the example shown in the
“Condition” section below.
Example:
"5.2
---Click
Here for Details on Why it is Done This Way---
Beginning with the
2008 summer weather season, latitude/longitude
coordinates will be accepted in addition
to (not as a substitute for) the above if available. The met staff requires distance/direction
from a known reference as a key data field for StormData
database entries and for release of public information products. In this regard, latitude/longitude
coordinates for event location are a "nice to have", not required.
If provided, lat/long
coordinates for event location must follow these standards as set by the Served
Agency:
a. Decimal degree format must be used.
b. Accuracy
level must be five digits to the right of the decimal point.
c. Map Datum reference used must be (TBD)
d. Provide only the numeric components in
the report. The “North” component of the
latitude and the “West” component of the longitude is
implied.
e. Say all numeric elements of the
location one digit at a time with a very short pause between the latitude and
longitude components.
Example: 42.58340N 88.44346W would be said as: “four
two point five eight three four zero, eight eight
point four four three four six.”
Condition
(the Meteorological / Hydrological
Event Observed)
"Condition" is to be provided as one of the items
listed on the Criteria
Page using the routing directions indicated on that page. The
only exceptions allowed are cases when Sullivan Weather requests information
not on the Criteria Page, or requests re-routing of non-severe criteria as
needed.
Example for All Aloft Events (Items 1 through 3 on Criteria Sheet):
"Funnel Cloud, East of Location"
Example for All Other Events (Items
4 through 13 on Criteria Sheet):
"Measured ¾" Hail"
Source
(who
Observed the Meteorological / Hydrological Event)
Unless
otherwise documented, the "Source" must be provided as the call sign
of the Radio Amateur who observed the event.
Example:
"WA9QQQ"
!!
IMPORTANT NOTE !!
This program does not accept information from
unqualified, and / or secondhand sources.
---Click
Here for a Sample of a Complete Report---
Follow-up Reports
Occasionally, Sullivan Weather will require follow-up on a
report received from the field. For
example, the Sullivan Weather meteorologist staff may require more information
about a spotter's report, or may want to know the current conditions at the
location of the original observation.
The format for the follow-up report is very similar in structure to the
format used for the observed report indicated above. Please see the Followup Report Page for details and some examples.
!! IMPORTANT NOTE !!
In all
cases, Sullivan Weather will determine the need for follow-up information. It is not to be sent arbitrarily.
!! IMPORTANT NOTE !!
Regardless of the nature of the report, this program
does not accept information from unqualified, and/or secondhand sources.
Click here
for a pdf copy of this document
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for a text copy of this document