Activation Policy

Severe Weather Activation

For a severe thunderstorm or tornado watch in any of the 18 counties covered by Central Carolina SKYWARN:

  • A SKYWARN Net Control Station will make announcements pertaining to the watch and monitor the repeater for reports of criteria severe weather.
  • CCS will be in “Stand by” mode. Stand by mode means this is not a directed net, and the repeater is free for normal amateur use.

For a severe thunderstorm or tornado warning in any one of the 18 counties covered by Central Carolina SKYWARN:

  • A SKYWARN Net Control Station will make announcements pertaining to the warning and monitor the repeater for reports of severe weather.
  • CCS may use “Stand-by” or “Active” mode. Active mode means this is a directed net, and all traffic should be directed to Net Control.

In the event of fast developing and dissipating pulse storms, the tones may remain up after the expiration of the warning until such time the NWS directs that the threat of severe weather has diminished.

Severe Weather Criteria

In the event of severe weather, the National Weather Service looks for the following types of spotter reports:

  • Hail – any size initially; then penny size, ¾” diameter and then the largest hailstone observed thereafter
  • Measured wind speeds of 50 mph or greater
  • Flooding and flash flooding where none normally occurs
  • Rotating wall clouds, funnel clouds, or tornadoes
  • Damage caused by high winds such as
    Downed limbs and trees and their approximate diameter
    Structural damage to roofs and siding
    Downed power lines and power poles

Spotter reports are always needed when severe weather is occurring. However, please note that the National Weather Service defines severe weather criteria. Please do not make non-criteria reports unless specifically requested to do by the Net Control Station.

Winter Weather Activation

When winter weather threatens the Central Carolina SKYWARN coverage area, a Net Control Station will be standing by to take initial winter weather reports. A directed net may follow at the top of the hour to take winter weather reports for the duration of the winter weather event. Please listen for announcements or check our website for scheduled nets during winter weather events.

Winter Weather Criteria

For a winter weather event, the National Weather service looks for the following criteria:

  • Precipitation type – snow, sleet, freezing rain, rain
  • Rate of precipitation – light, moderate, or heavy
  • Changeover in precipitation type
  • Snow accumulation or ice accretion
  • Temperature
  • Measured wind speed and direction
  • Sustained power outages
  • Road conditions

Virginia Enzor NC4VA
Emergency Coordinator

The Eyes and Ears of the Raleigh National Weather Service