Report Format
SulCom Summer Weather Program
Remember:  Report Format = TLCS
Time, Location, Condition, Source
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:
"6:05pm"
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 West-Northwest Jefferson, Jefferson County.”
---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"
!!Exceptions – Please Read!!
!! 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
Click here for a text copy of this document
reporting_formats.doc	2/13/2008 SulCom	1 of 3