Report Format
SulCom Winter 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.
This report format applies regardless of the communication method used
unless specified otherwise.
This format is intended to be clear and concise for all
communications environments. Do not add
any extra words beyond what is required or requested.
All information below is required
for a report to be considered valid!!
In voice communication environments:
speak slowly, clearly and use standard phonetics where
appropriate
Use of plain language is required. Do not use Q signals, jargon or codes
Click here for
an example on what a valid voice 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.
Example:
"5.2
---Click
Here for Details on Why it is Done This Way---
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 WGS84
unless otherwise indicated.
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. The only exceptions allowed are cases when Sullivan Weather
requests information not on the Criteria Page.
Example:
"Whiteout Conditions"
Source
(who Observed the Meteorological /
Hydrological Event)
Unless
otherwise documented, the "Source" must be provided as the Amateur callsign of the SulCom field team
member 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.