Month: February 2003

Please proceed to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mass_races_ares_skywarn_general/files/ to view the report. You will need an Adobe Acrobat Reader.

The HSAS Terror Alert Level was lowered to Yellow “Elevated” this afternoon. You may standdown from carrying a H/H if you so desire. Please press the button below to read the press release.Joint Statement of Attorney General John Ashcroft and Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge

U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Office of the Press Secretary
February 27, 2003
For Immediate Release

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Based on a review of intelligence and an assessment of threats by the intelligence community, the Attorney General in consultation with the Homeland Security Council has made the decision to return the threat level to an elevated risk of terrorist attack, or “yellow” level.

The decision to raise the threat level on February 7 was based on specific intelligence, corroborated by multiple intelligence sources, received and analyzed by the full intelligence community at the time. Today’s decision to lower the threat level was based on a careful review of how this specific intelligence has evolved and progressed over the past three weeks, as well as counter-terrorism actions we have taken to address specific aspects of the threat situation. Among the factors we considered was the passing of the time period in or around the end of the Hajj, a Muslim religious period ending mid-February 2003.

The lowering of the threat level is not a signal to government, law enforcement or citizens that the danger of a terrorist attack is passed. Returning to the elevated level of risk is only an indication that some of the extra protective measures enacted by government and the private sector may be reduced at this time.

We emphasize that the United States and its interests are still at a significant risk of terrorist attack. Detained al Qaeda operatives have informed U.S. intelligence and law enforcement officials that al Qaeda will wait until it believes Americans are less vigilant and less prepared before it will strike again. For this reason, and for the safety and security of our nation, Americans must continue to be defiant and alert. We must always be prepared to respond to a significant risk of terrorist attacks.

The American people serve as our strongest defense against terrorism. We ask all citizens to be aware of any suspicious activity and to report it to local authorities or the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The nation’s Homeland Security Advisory System provides a national framework to inform and facilitate the decisions of federal, state and local government as well as private individuals at home and at work. The system indicates protective measures commensurate with the current threat level to be taken to reduce the nation’s vulnerability to terrorist attack.

At the elevated risk level, significant security measures will remain in place at all federal agencies. Examples of these include:

A focus on critical facilities and vulnerabilities, with security and surveillance tailored to meet specific intelligence reports and security needs.
Continued increased surveillance.
Random inspections of passenger vehicles entering parking lots and restricted parking as necessary.
Continued coordination of emergency plans with state and federal jurisdictions and private sector partners.
One hundred percent identification check of personnel entering facilities.
Screening procedures remain in place for incoming office mail and other deliverables.

We thank all federal, state and local government and law enforcement officials, representatives of the private sector, and individual citizens for your patience and resolve. Know that your efforts are making a difference. And know, as well, that through our collective efforts, we send a signal to those who would do us harm that America stands alert, united, and prepared.

Taunton Mayor Ted Strojny and Richard (Rick) Ferreira the Director of the Taunton Emergency Management Agency presented a Certificate of Appreciation “In recognition of your professional and outstanding support and dedication to the Taunton Emergency Management Agency and the City of Taunton” to the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) volunteers at the City Council meeting of February 25th. The team members were then personally thanked by all the City of Taunton Council members.

—Whitman ARC Spectrum

I’m happy to report that the Falmouth Amateur Radio Association has been officially renewed as a Special Service Club. Extraordinary clubs like FARA actively pursue all aspects of Amateur Radio: new ham development and training; public relations; emergency communications; school club support; technical advancement; operating activities; annual reports, etc.

“Through the work of its members, [the Falmouth Club] is recognized for its continued efforts on behalf of Amateur Radio and services to its community.” said ARRL Club & Educational Correspondent Marjorie Bourgoin, KB1DCO in a February 25, 2003 letter to the EMA Section Manager, K9HI, Affiliated Clubs Coordinator, N1DHW, and New England Division Director, K1KI.

More information about Special Service Clubs can be found at http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/club/#ssc_program

Frank, WQ1O, DEC for Cape Cod/Islands, is reporting that the Oakridge School, Sandwich, MA, is available for our workshop. We’ll need to start as soon as we can after 0830 as we have to be completely out by 1500. Many thanks to W1RBF, for his assistance in securing the location. Directions will be available when we get closer to the date. Contact your DEC or W1MPN, if you would like to attend.

358 AM EST TUE FEB 18 2003

WINTER STORM WARNING CONTINUES TODAY FOR S. NH
AND THE N. & FAR EASTERN PARTS OF MASSACHUSETTS..

THE WARNING INCLUDES THE MONADNOCK REGION OF S. NH
THROUGH NASHUA & DOWN TO BOSTON.BOTH ITS NO. & SO. SHORES. ALSO INCLUDED IS THE ROUTE 2 REGION OF N. MASSACHUSETTS & THE MERRIMACK VALLEY.LIGHT TO OCCASIONALLY MODERATE SNOW WILL ADD A FEW MORE INCHES OF POWDER TODAY TO THE ALREADY WIDESPREAD 1 TO 2 FOOT AMOUNTS COVERING MUCH OF THE WARNING AREA. WHILE THE SNOW WILL NOT BE AS INTENSE AS LAST NIGHT.THE WARNING INDICATES THAT IT CAN STILL COMPLICATE TRAVEL & CLEANUP EFFORTS. THIS IS IN THE WAKE OF WHAT TURNED OUT TO BE.ONE OF THE TOP 10 SNOWSTORMS IN PARTS OF S. NEW ENGLAND.

THE WARNING HAS BEEN ALLOWED TO EXPIRE IN RI.CT AND THE FAR SE PORTION OF MASSACHUSETTS. MOTORISTS WILL NEED TO USE CARE WHEN DRIVING.AS MANY ROADWAYS ARE SNOW COVERED & ICY. BE ESPECIALLY CAUTIOUS ON ANY UNTREATED SECONDARY ROADS.

Marc Stern, WA1R wrote at 4:39 pm ET:

All – Please be advised that the 40 Meter Net has closed for the night due to interference from foreign broadcasters. We may resume operations on 7.263 tomorrow if conditions warrant.

73 and thanks all, Marc, WA1R

W1MPN writes at 3:25 pm ET:

Hello to all…

Pleased be advised that working frequencies today are 3937 KHz and 7263
KHz, due to comm emergency in the Mid-Atlantic states, other traffic,
and conditions.

Michael P. Neilsen, W1MPN
EMa SEC
State EOC

W1MPN writes at 12:22 pm ET:

Hello to all…

I will be co-located with Tom, N1CPE, in the Framingham bunker. Please pass traffic intended to for me the same way Tom described in his earlier email, except use the tactical identification “Eastern Mass” and my call W1MPN.

Please use the same procedures we just practiced a couple of weeks ago.1. Each town should guard the sector RACES repeater, and pass traffic on another agreed frequency (repeater or simplex). Look on the website under “Where am I” button to find your town and RACES/ARES frequency.

2. If no one is net control, please assume those duties until not needed or relieved by a RACES net control station.

3. Coordinate your group or other relay stations on your resource nets. Please move check-ins from the RACES/ARES repeater to your resource
frequency(ies). Use the ones you used for the exercise, as they are still up on the website for you to view.

4. Assist SKYWARN in any way you can with damage reports and wind/snow exceeding guidelines. In the case of Waltham net, make use of the MMRA
network to move your traffic. They are only too happy to help us.

Thanks for your help, and 73,

Michael P. Neilsen, W1MPN
Section Emergency Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts Section
Pager: 1-800-759-8888 PIN 1155084
Admin: w1mpn (symbol for at) arrl.net
978-562-5662 Primary/Voice Mail
978-389-0558 FAX/ EFax Voice Mail

KD1CY writes:

Hello to all…

….Major Snow Storm with a Period of White-Out or Near Blizzard Conditions
for Southern New England….
….SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Taunton Expected to Start Between 11
AM-1 PM Today….
….Winter Storm Warning in effect through 7 AM Tuesday for Interior
Massachusetts and East Coastal Massachusetts from Plymouth North to
Gloucester, Northern Connecticut, North-Central Rhode Island and Northern
Connecticut….
….Winter Storm Warning in effect through Noon Tuesday for Southern New
Hampshire….
….Winter Storm Warning in effect through 11 PM Monday Night for South
Coastal Massachusetts, South Coastal Rhode Island and Cape Cod and the
Islands….
….Coastal Flood Watch Posted for the Monday Night High Tide and in
particular the Tuesday Midday High Tide….
….Wind Advisory Posted from 4 PM Monday through 4 AM Tuesday for Eastern
Massachusetts including the South Coast and Cape Cod and the Islands and
South Coastal Rhode Island…
….RACES and ARES Groups should heed advice from their leadership on
possible activation due to this storm anytime between now and midday
Tuesday….
A Major Storm which has caused significant disruptions to the Mid-Atlantic
region including the Washington DC and Philadelphia area is taking aim on
Southern New England. There has been some changes since the last forecast,
those changes are as follows:

1.) More mixing of Sleet possible into the Boston-Providence Corridor but
this will not hold snowfall amounts much in this area with 12″ or more of
snow still expected.
2.) South Coastal Rhode Island, South Coastal Massachusetts and Cape Cod
will see a changeover to rain but not until 10-12″ of snow falls in the
area.
3.) Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket will see 4-8″ of snow before a
changeover to rain.
4.) Higher Amounts of snowfall are now forecasted across Western, Central
and Northeast Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire.

The following is a breakdown of snowfall by geographic area:

Southeast Middlesex County: 15-25″ of snow
Southern New Hamphire: 16-24″ of snow
Eastern Essex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Northern Bristol, Suffolk Counties
Massachusetts including the Boston Area:
12-20″ of snow. Mix to Sleet and Freezing Rain possible before a change back
to Snow.
Eastern Kent and Southeast Providence Counties of Rhode Island:
12-20″ of snow. Mix to Sleet and Freezing Rain possible before a change back
to Snow.
Western and Central Massachusetts from Worcester County West, All of
Northern CT, Northern Providence County RI:
12-20″ of snow from Willimantic, CT to Woonsocket, RI.
15-25″ of snow for Western and Central Massachusetts and the hilly terrain
of Northern CT.
South Coastal Massachusetts and Cape Cod: 10-12″ before a changeover to
Sleet, Freezing Rain and then Rain.
Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket: 4-8″ before a changeover to sleet and
rain between 3-6 PM.

Snow has already begun along South Coastal Massachusetts and South Coastal
Rhode Island, the snow will gradually make its way through the region
falling at a light-moderare rate before heavier bands of snow up to 2-3″ per
hour begin to take hold over the region. Snow is already falling moderate in
intensity in places like Hartford, CT and across much of the New York City
area and South Coastal CT. 8″ of snow has already fallen in the New York
City Area. The progression will be slowly and steadily northeast into
Northeast Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire. With the strong winds
expected over the area, a period of whiteout or near blizzard conditions are
possible. At this time, the storm intensity is being held just below
Blizzard threshold and this needs to be monitored closely for any possible
upgrade.

Coastal Flood Threat:

The threat of coastal flooding will be most significant on the Midday
Tuesday High Tide Cycle, however, we will need reports of how the high tide
cycle for Monday Night develops as this could be a precursor for
difficulties in the high tide cycle for Midday Tuesday. It is also likely
that there will be minor coastal flooding at the time of high tide tonight
followed by a threat for moderate coastal flooding for midday Tuesday.

Wind Threat:

A Wind Advisory has been posted for portions of Eastern Massachusetts and
South Coastal Rhode Island. This means sustained winds of 31 MPH or greater
with wind gusts of 46-57 MPH possible. These winds coupled with snow could
knock down trees and power lines and cause possible power outages. These
winds could produce a period of near Blizzard conditions over parts of the
area where snow is still falling late this afternoon through Monday Morning.

SKYWARN Activation Status:

SKYWARN Activation will begin with Ops at NWS Taunton between 11 AM-1 PM and
continue through at least 11 PM tonight or Midnight Tuesday. A break in Ops
may occur at Midnight with Ops restarted Tuesday Morning through Midday to
cover heavy snowfall and strong winds in New Hampshire along with coastal
flooding at the time of the Tuesday Midday high tide.

ARES/RACES Activation Status:

Please consult with your ARES or RACES leaders on possible activation in
areas hardest hit by this major nor’easter.

This will be the last email posted on this situation. Pages will be sent
throughout the day to update this significant threat.

The following products are listed below:

1.) Winter Storm Warning Statement.
2.) Wind Advisory Statement.
3.) Coastal Flood Watch Statement
4.) Hazardous WX Outlook
5.) NWS Taunton Area Forecast Discussion

WWUS41 KBOX 171042
WSWBOX

URGENT – WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TAUNTON MA
540 AM EST MON FEB 17 2003

MAZ014-171804-
SOUTHEAST MIDDLESEX MA-
540 AM EST MON FEB 17 2003

…WINTER STORM WARNING FOR THIS AFTERNOON THROUGH TUESDAY MORNING
BOSTONS IMMEDIATE NORTHWEST SUBURBS….

HEAVY SNOW THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT WILL ACCUMULATE 15 TO 25
INCHES BEFORE CHANGING TO SLEET AND FREEZING RAIN AFTER MIDNIGHT.

PRECIPITATION MAY END AS A BIT OF SNOW TUESDAY.

HEAVY SNOW WILL ACCUMULATE ON ROADWAYS AND SIGNIFICANTLY HAMPER
TRAVEL. SOME SECONDARY ROADS MAY BE IMPASSABLE. THOSE THAT HAVE TO BE
OUT ON THE ROADS WILL NEED TO USE EXTREME CAUTION AND ALLOW PLENTY OF
EXTRA TIME.

THE HEAVY SNOWFALL COMBINED WITH BLOWING SNOW WILL RESULT IN BRIEF
WHITE-OUT CONDITIONS ACROSS THE REGION LATE TODAY AND THIS EVENING.
TRAVEL SHOULD BE AVOIDED LATE TODAY AND THIS EVENING UNTIL
CONDITIONS IMPROVE.

$$

NHZ011-012-171757-
CHESHIRE NH-HILLSBOROUGH NH-
540 AM EST MON FEB 17 2003

…WINTER STORM WARNING FOR THIS AFTERNOON THROUGH TUESDAY MORNING
FOR CHESHIRE AND HILLSBOROUGH COUNTIES OF SOUTHWEST NEW HAMPSHIRE…

SNOW WILL DEVELOP BETWEEN NOON AND 2 PM AND BECOME HEAVY AT TIMES
LATER THIS AFTERNOON…THEN CONTINUE HEAVY TIMES THROUGH TONIGHT
BEFORE DIMINISHING TUESDAY. SIXTEEN TO 24 INCHES IS FORECAST.

HEAVY SNOW WILL ACCUMULATE ON ROADWAYS AND SIGNIFICANTLY HAMPER
TRAVEL. SOME SECONDARY ROADS MAY BE IMPASSABLE TONIGHT. THOSE THAT
HAVE TO BE OUT ON THE ROADS WILL NEED TO USE EXTREME CAUTION AND
ALLOW PLENTY OF EXTRA TIME.

THE HEAVY SNOWFALL COMBINED WITH BLOWING SNOW WILL RESULT IN BRIEF
WHITE-OUT CONDITIONS ACROSS THE REGION….ESPECIALLY EARLY TONIGHT.
TRAVEL SHOULD BE AVOIDED LATE TODAY AND TONIGHT UNTIL CONDITIONS
IMPROVE.

$$

MAZ007-013-015>019-RIZ002>004-171804-
EASTERN ESSEX MA-EASTERN KENT RI-EASTERN NORFOLK MA-
EASTERN PLYMOUTH MA-NORTHERN BRISTOL MA-SOUTHEAST PROVIDENCE RI-
SUFFOLK MA-WESTERN KENT RI-WESTERN NORFOLK MA-WESTERN PLYMOUTH MA-
540 AM EST MON FEB 17 2003

…WINTER STORM WARNING LATE THIS MORNING THROUGH TUESDAY MORNING
FOR THE INTERSTATE 95 CORRIDOR OF COASTAL EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS
INTO CENTRAL RHODE ISLAND…

THIS WARNING INCLUDES THE CITIES OF BOSTON AND PROVIDENCE.

SNOW…HEAVY AT TIMES THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING WILL ACCUMULATE A
FOOT OR MORE…BEFORE MIXING WITH SLEET AND FREEZING RAIN DURING THE
NIGHT. SLEET AND FREEZING RAIN MAY END AS A BIT OF SNOW TOMORROW.

HEAVY SNOW WILL ACCUMULATE ON ROADWAYS AND SIGNIFICANTLY HAMPER
TRAVEL. SOME SECONDARY ROADS MAY BE IMPASSABLE THIS EVENING. THOSE
THAT HAVE TO BE OUT ON THE ROADS WILL NEED TO USE EXTREME CAUTION
AND ALLOW PLENTY OF EXTRA TIME. THE HEAVY SNOWFALL COMBINED WITH
BLOWING SNOW MAY RESULT IN BRIEF WHITE-OUT CONDITIONS ACROSS THE
REGION THIS EVENING. TRAVEL SHOULD BE AVOIDED UNTIL CONDITIONS
IMPROVE.

$$

CTZ002>004-MAZ002>006-008>012-RIZ001-171759-
EASTERN FRANKLIN MA-EASTERN HAMPDEN MA-EASTERN HAMPSHIRE MA-
HARTFORD CT-NORTHERN WORCESTER MA-NORTHWEST PROVIDENCE RI-
SOUTHERN WORCESTER MA-TOLLAND CT-WESTERN ESSEX MA-
WESTERN FRANKLIN MA-WESTERN HAMPDEN MA-WESTERN HAMPSHIRE MA-
WESTERN MIDDLESEX MA-WINDHAM CT-
540 AM EST MON FEB 17 2003

…WINTER STORM WARNING THROUGH EARLY TUESDAY MORNING FOR NORTH
CENTRAL AND NORTHEAST CONNECTICUT…NORTHERN RHODE ISLAND AS WELL AS
THE NORTHERN AND WESTERN PORTION OF MASSACHUSETTS…

THIS WARNING INCLUDES HARTFORD…SPRINGFIELD…WORCESTER…LOWELL
AND THE NORTHERN SUBURBS OF PROVIDENCE.

SNOW WILL DEVELOP ACROSS NORTHERN SECTIONS OF CONNECTICUT AND RHODE
ISLAND BETWEEN 7 AM AND 9 AM AND THEN REACH THE MASS TURNPIKE REGION
INCLUDING WORCESTER AND SPRINGFIELD AROUND 9 OR 10 AM AND THEN THE
ROUTE 2 REGION OF NORTHERN MASSACHUSETTS BETWEEN 10 AM AND NOON.

SNOW WILL FALL HEAVILY ABOUT 2 OR 3 HOURS AFTER IT BEGINS WITH
SNOWFALL RATES OF 1 OR 2 INCHES AN HOUR THIS AFTERNOON AND EARLY
TONIGHT. SNOW WILL DIMINISH LATE AT TONIGHT OR TUESDAY MORNING…
POSSIBLY AS MIX OF SLEET AND SNOW.

TOTAL STORM ACCUMULATIONS WILL RANGE BETWEEN 12 AND 20 INCHES FROM
WILLIMANTIC TO WOONSOCKET AND BASICALLY BETWEEN 15 AND 25 INCHES
ELSEWHERE. THE HEAVIEST SNOWFALL WILL TEND TO BE IN THE HILLY
TERRAIN…ESPECIALLY ALONG INTERSTATE 84…THE HILLS OF NORTHWEST
RHODE ISLAND AS WELL AS MUCH OF CENTRAL AND WESTERN
MASSACHUSETTS.

HEAVY SNOW WILL ACCUMULATE ON ROADWAYS AND SIGNIFICANTLY HAMPER
TRAVEL. SOME SECONDARY ROADS MAY BE IMPASSABLE THIS EVENING. THOSE
THAT HAVE TO BE OUT ON THE ROADS WILL NEED TO USE EXTREME CAUTION
AND ALLOW PLENTY OF EXTRA TIME.

THE HEAVY SNOWFALL COMBINED WITH BLOWING SNOW WILL RESULT IN BRIEF
WHITE-OUT CONDITIONS ACROSS THE REGION. TRAVEL SHOULD BE AVOIDED
UNTIL CONDITIONS IMPROVE.

$$

MAZ020>022-RIZ005>007-171805-
BARNSTABLE MA-BRISTOL RI-NEWPORT RI-SOUTHERN BRISTOL MA-
SOUTHERN PLYMOUTH MA-WASHINGTON RI-
540 AM EST MON FEB 17 2003

…WINTER STORM WARNING THROUGH EARLY TONIGHT FOR SOUTH COASTAL
SECTIONS OF MASSACHUSETTS AND RHODE ISLAND INCLUDING CAPE COD…

SNOW WILL BE HEAVY AT TIMES LATE THIS MORNING OR MORE LIKELY THIS
AFTERNOON BEFORE CHANGING TO SLEET AND THEN RAIN OR FREEZING RAIN
LATE THIS AFTERNOON OR EVENING. NEVERTHELESS…HEAVY SNOW AND
INCREASING WIND WILL MAKE TRAVEL VERY DIFFICULT THIS AFTERNOON.

AT LEAST HALF A FOOT OF SNOW IS FORECAST IN A SHORT TIME TODAY WITH
10 OR 12 INCHES POSSIBLE BY NIGHTFALL.

TONIGHT…THE FREEZING RAIN MAY CHANGE TO PLAIN RAIN AS TEMPERATURES
CONTINUE RISING.

HEAVY SNOW WILL ACCUMULATE ON ROADWAYS AND SIGNIFICANTLY HAMPER
TRAVEL. THOSE THAT HAVE TO BE OUT ON THE ROADS WILL NEED TO USE
EXTREME CAUTION AND ALLOW PLENTY OF EXTRA TIME.

INCREASING WINDS WILL CAUSE BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW…ALONG WITH
LOW VISIBILITIES. YOU MAY WANT TO CONSIDER POSTPONING TRAVEL UNTIL
CONDITIONS IMPROVE. IF YOU MUST BE OUT ON THE ROADS…ALLOW
PLENTY OF TIME TO REACH YOUR DESTINATION.

$$

MAZ023-024-171805-
DUKES MA-NANTUCKET MA-
540 AM EST MON FEB 17 2003

…WINTER STORM WARNING TODAY FOR NANTUCKET AND MARTHAS VINEYARD…

SNOW WILL BE HEAVY AT TIMES TODAY ACCUMULATING A QUICK 4 TO 8 INCHES
BEFORE CHANGING TO SLEET AND THEN RAIN BETWEEN 3 PM AND 6 PM.

THE RAIN WILL CONTINUE INTO THIS EVENING HEAVY AT TIMES AND THERE
MAY BE A THUNDERSTORM LATE AT NIGHT.

THOSE THAT HAVE TO BE OUT ON THE ROADS TODAY WILL NEED TO USE
EXTREME CAUTION AND ALLOW PLENTY OF EXTRA TIME.

IF YOU MUST BE OUT ON THE ROADS…ALLOW PLENTY OF TIME TO REACH YOUR
DESTINATION.

$$
DRAG

WWUS71 KBOX 170925
NPWBOX

URGENT – WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TAUNTON MA
418 AM EST MON FEB 17 2003

MAZ007-015-016-019>024-RIZ005>007-171718-
BARNSTABLE MA-BRISTOL RI-DUKES MA-EASTERN ESSEX MA-
EASTERN NORFOLK MA-EASTERN PLYMOUTH MA-NANTUCKET MA-NEWPORT RI-
SOUTHERN BRISTOL MA-SOUTHERN PLYMOUTH MA-SUFFOLK MA-WASHINGTON RI-
425 AM EST MON FEB 17 2003

…WIND ADVISORY FOR LATE THIS AFTERNOON THROUGH EARLY TUESDAY
MORNING…

A POWERFUL WINTER STORM WILL BRING A PERIOD OF STRONG WINDS TO
COASTAL COUNTIES OF SOUTHEAST NEW ENGLAND. SUSTAINED NORTHEAST
WINDS OF 25 TO 35 MPH WITH GUSTS TO NEAR 50 MPH WILL BE POSSIBLE
ALONG THE COAST LATER THIS AFTERNOON INTO THE PREDAWN HOURS ON
TUESDAY. IN ADDITION…THESE WINDS WILL COMBINE WITH PERIODS OF
HEAVY SNOW AND SLEET TO DRASTICALLY REDUCE VISIBILITIES TO BELOW ONE
HALF MILE AT TIMES. CONSIDERABLE DRIFTING SNOW IS LIKELY ESPECIALLY
ON THE MAINLAND.

A WIND ADVISORY IS ISSUED WHEN SUSTAINED WINDS ARE FORECAST TO BE 31
TO 39 MPH OR GUSTS WILL RANGE BETWEEN 46 AND 57 MPH. WINDS OF THESE
MAGNITUDES MAY CAUSE MINOR PROPERTY DAMAGE WITHOUT EXTRA PRECAUTIONS.
MOTORISTS IN HIGH PROFILE VEHICLES SHOULD USE CAUTION UNTIL THE WINDS
SUBSIDE.

$$

DRV

COASTAL FLOOD WATCH…CORRECTION
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TAUNTON MA
520 AM EST MON FEB 17 2003

A COASTAL FLOOD WATCH CONTINUES IN EFFECT FOR EAST COASTAL MASSACHUSETTS
THIS INCLUDES NEWBURYPORT, GLOUCESTER HARBOR, MARBLEHEAD, BOSTON HARBOR,
SCITUATE, PLYMOUTH, SANDWICH, PROVINCETOWN, CHATHAM OUTER HARBOR, NANTUCKET
HARBOR.

LOW PRESSURE DEVELOPING OFF THE CAROLINA COAST AT DAYBREAK WILL INTENSIFY AS
IT SLOWLY TRACKS NORTHEAST TO A POSITION JUST SOUTHEAST OF NANTUCKET TUESDAY
MORNING. IN ADDITION, A STRONG ARCTIC HIGH OVER NORTHERN NEW ENGLAND, WILL
COMBINE WITH THE AREA OF LOW PRESSURE TO PRODUCE GALE FORCE NORTHEAST WINDS
THIS AFTERNOON INTO TUESDAY.

THE PERSISTENT NORTHEAST WIND WILL COINCIDE WITH SPRING HIGH TIDE CYCLE, TO
PILE UP OCEAN WATERS ALONG THE EAST COAST OF MASSACHUSETTS. TIDES ARE
EXPECTED TO RUN ABOUT 1.5 TO TWO FEET ABOVE NORMAL MONDAY NIGHT INTO
TUESDAY. IN ADDITION, THE ABOVE NORMAL HIGH TIDE WILL COMBINE WITH 15 TO 20
FOOT WAVES CRASHING ONSHORE, YIELDING THE POTENTIAL FOR MODERATE COASTAL
FLOODING.

WHILE SIGNIFICANT SPLASH OVER OF OCEAN WAVES ONTO COASTAL ROADS IS LIKELY ON
THE LATE NIGHT HIGH TIDE CYCLE OVERNIGHT, THE GREATEST POTENTIAL FOR COASTAL
FLOODING WILL BE ON THE TUESDAY NOON TIDE CYCLE.

A COASTAL FLOOD WATCH MEANS THAT THE POTENTIAL EXISTS FOR FLOODING. ANYONE
WITH INTERESTS ALONG THE COAST INCLUDED IN THIS WATCH MUST MONITOR THE
LATEST FORECASTS AND BE READY TO TAKE ACTION SHOULD COASTAL FLOOD WARNINGS
BE ISSUED.

STORM TIDE FORECASTS FOR THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS ARE IN FEET MEAN
LOWER LOW WATER. TIME OF HIGH TIDE HAS BEEN ROUNDED TO THE NEAREST
HOUR.

SITE FLOOD TIME OF FORECAST
STAGE HIGH TIDE STORM TIDE

EAST COASTAL MASSACHUSETTS
NEWBURYPORT 10.5 12 PM TUE 11.4
GLOUCESTER HARBOR 11.5 12 PM TUE 11.4
MARBLEHEAD 12.8 12 PM TUE 12.6
BOSTON HARBOR 13.6 12 PM TUE 13.0
SCITUATE 12.5 12 PM TUE 12.5
PLYMOUTH 14.3 1230 PM TUE 13.8
SANDWICH 12.0 1230 PM TUE 12.5
PROVINCETOWN 12.0 1230 PM TUE 12.5
CHATHAM OUTER HARBOR 9.0 1230 PM TUE 9.5
NANTUCKET HARBOR 6.0 1 PM TUE 5.5

FLUS41 KBOX 171242
HWOBOX
CTZ002>004-MAZ002>024-NHZ011-012-RIZ001>007-181215-

HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TAUNTON MA
738 AM EST MON FEB 17 2003

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR SOUTHWEST NEW HAMPSHIRE…
MASSACHUSETTS EAST OF BERKSHIRE COUNTY…NORTHEAST CONNECTICUT AND
RHODE ISLAND.

.DAY ONE…TODAY
THE BLOCKBUSTER SNOW STORM THAT HAS BROUGHT A PART OF THE MID
ATLANTIC REGION THEIR SECOND WORST SNOWSTORM ON RECORD HAS MOVED
INTO THE REGION OF SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND SOUTH OF THE MASS TURNPIKE!

STATEMENTS ARE POSTED FOR 12 TO 26 INCH SNOWFALL OVER MOST OF THE
AREA WITH RAIN AND SLEET TRIMMING AMOUNTS TO 10 INCHES OR LESS ON
PARTS OF THE SOUTHEAST NEW ENGLAND COAST.

A WIND ADVISORY IS POSTED FOR COASTAL SOUTHEAST NEW ENGLAND. IF
WIND GUSTS OF 35 MPH COINCIDE WITH VISIBILITY “LESS” THAN 1/4 MILE
AT OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT OBSERVATION SITES…FOR 3 OR MORE HOURS LATE
TODAY THEN THIS WOULD BECOME A BLIZZARD.

A FEW POWER OUTAGES ARE POSSIBLE IN THE WIND ADVISORY REGION.

THIS STORM WHILE HUGE…IS CURRENTLY FORECAST TO REMAIN JUST SHORT
OF BLIZZARD SEVERITY. NEVERTHELESS…SNOWFALL RATES OF 2
INCHES/HOUR LATE TODAY WILL CAUSE EXTREMELY POOR CONDITIONS FOR AIR
AND GROUND TRANSPORTATION WITH MAJOR DELAYS EXPECTED IN SOUTHERN NEW
ENGLAND.

THE WORST SNOW AND WIND FROM THIS STORM SHOULD OCCUR BETWEEN 3 PM
AND MIDNIGHT!

THERE UNDOUBTEDLY WILL BE A FEW ADJUSTMENTS IN SNOW AMOUNTS BASED ON
REALITY LATER TODAY AND THE TIMING ISSUES ASSOCIATED WITH A PROBABLE
CHANGE TO SLEET OR RAIN FROM BOSTON TO PROVIDENCE SOUTHEASTWARD.

A COASTAL FLOOD WATCH IS POSTED AND THE STATEMENT OFFERS THE DETAILS
FOR TONIGHT AND TOMORROW. 15 TO 20 FOOT SEAS DRIVEN BY A PERIOD OF
60 MPH WIND GUSTS WILL CAUSE AT LEAST MINOR SPLASHOVER AT THE TIME
OF HIGH TIDE TONIGHT AND TOMORROW…PARTICULARLY OUTER CAPE COD AS
WELL AS PLYMOUTH TO NEWBURYPORT! IF MODERATE FLOODING IS
ANTICIPATED A COASTAL FLOOD WARNING WOULD BE ISSUED.

ALTHOUGH A THUNDERSTORM AND ITS ASSOCIATED LIGHTNING STRIKE RISK ARE
FORECAST WITHIN THE NEXT 24 HOURS FOR NANTUCKET AND MARTHAS
VINEYARD…LARGE HAIL AND/OR DAMAGING WINDS ARE NOT EXPECTED FROM
THE THUNDERSTORM ITSELF.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN…

THIS STORM WINDS DOWN QUICKLY BY NOON TUESDAY.

THE NEXT STORM THREAT IS NEXT WEEKEND AND IF ITS A WARM STORM…
SNOWMELT AND ICE JAM ISSUES COULD DEVELOP. THE STRENGTH AND PATH OF
THAT STORM STILL IS OPEN FOR A SOMEWHAT COLDER SCENARIO AND HEAVY
PRECIPITATION IS POSSIBLE.

.SPOTTER CALL TO ACTION STATEMENT…

AMATEUR RADIO OPERATORS AND OTHER SKYWARN SPOTTERS SHOULD MONITOR
TODAYS SITUATION AND BE PREPARED TO RELAY SNOWFALL REPORTS OF 1″/HR
TO THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE AS WELL AS AMOUNTS IN EXCESS OF 6
INCHES…DAMAGING WIND OR COASTAL FLOODING.
$$

FOR WATCH/WARNING/ADVISORY THRESHOLDS, PLEASE REFER TO THE FOLLOWING
LINK (ALL LOWER CASE):
HTTP://WWW.ERH.NOAA.GOV/ER/BOX/WARNINGCRITERIA.SHTML .

DRAG

FXUS61 KBOX 171204 AAA
AFDBOX

AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TAUNTON MA
659 AM EST MON FEB 17 2003

…”NEAR” BLIZZARD FOR PARTS OF ORH BOS AREA IN THE 22Z-06Z TIME
FRAME OF WHAT WE BLV OVERALL A MANAGEABLE BUT NASTY BLOCKBUSTER IN
ITS WORST TIME OF IMPACT WHICH IS LATER THIS AFTN AND EARLY
TONIGHT…

YOU’RE AWARE OF 2ND WORST STORM ON RER BWI W 23″
15+ PHL…8+ NYC AS OF 6 AM. BDL MDT SNOW AT 7AM!

MARINE: STRAIGHT GALE WITH ISO G 50 KT OUTER WATERS.

451 AM FCST DEFICIENCIES AS WE BLV THEM TO BE TRUE ATTM.
SE MA AND RI MAY NEED A BOOST IN SNW ACCUM BY 4″.
FOR THIS RECOMMEND CK E LI PNSOKX AMTS AND MOVE FROM THERE.

PLAYED CONSERVATIVE IN ORH COUNTY ON NO WIND ADVY.

FCST FOR THU-SAT IS PROBABLY IN SIG ERROR BUT UNCLEAR ON
NEXT STM DEVELOPMENTS. UK/GFS IMPRESSIVE BUT BE CAREFUL.
THIS STILL HAS AN ICE STM OPTION FOR INTERIOR SNE. SO WHILE
IT LOOKS VERY WARM ON GFS OP RUNS? IF THE GFS IS CORRECT
WE/VE GOT INITIAL ABSORBTION THEN SNOWMELT ISSUES. WE’LL
ADDRESS THIS ON TUE AFTN AFTER THIS BLOCKBUSTER IS NEARLY
COMPLETE.

MOC: ETA THRU 60 HRS. GFS WAFFLES BUT STILL IMPRESSIVE. ETA HAS CLEAR
CSI SIGNAL. ETA DOES WELL ON THESE. ONLY CONCERN NO CLOSED 5H
THO 5H IS DEEPENING.

WORST CONDS 21Z-06Z WHEN SFALL RATES TO 3″/HR POSSIBLE CERTAINLY
1-2″/HR. THIS BASED ON ETA THRU 06Z RUN AND LOCAL OFFICE ETA.

CFA CONTS: PRIMARY THREAT TUE MIDDAY HIGH TIDE WHEN SEAS WILL B 15-
20 FT DESPITE DEPARTING STM FORCE WIND GRAD AND TURN TO
NLY SFC WIND. SURGE WILL B ARD 1.5 TO MAYBE 2FT AT WORST.
MINOR TO POSSIBLY MDT CF UNLESS SLOWER AND LARGER SFC
PPP GRADIENT FUTURE RUNS. SEAS SHUD BE 13-15 FT AT HIGH
TIDE TNGT W MINOR SPLASOVER BUT A BIGGER PBLM TUE WITH
COMBINED 1.2 FT HIGHER ASTRO TIDE PLUS 1.5 SURGE PUTS
BOS AT PREDICTED 12.9. SEAS ON TOP OF THAT…MAYBE NOT
QUITE AS BAD AS EARLIER STMS THIS WINTER BUT A WATCH
IS WARRANTED.

WIND ADVY S COAST FOR SUSTAINED 27KT W GUST 40 KTS…LO PROB ISO G50.
WIND ADVY MQE BOS AND PYM FOR PRD SUSTAINED 27 ISO G45KT.

BLIZZARD: WE WONT SCALE UP YET IF AT ALL. NEED TO SEE M1/4 COMBINED
WITH 30 KT FOR 3 CONSEC HRS.

SWRATIOS: 10 OR 12 TO 1 I 95 SEWD.
15 TO 1 ELSEWHERE ESP W OF BL THERMAL GRAD WHICH BOX ETA
10 HAS VICINITY I95. THIS WILL ENHANCE SFALL NE MA INSIDE
I95…WHERE BEST CHC OF ISO 28-30 SOMEWHERE BTWN ORH-BVY-
LWM-AFN.

S AMTS: TIMING OF SLEET/R/ZR MIX IS CRITICAL TO AMTS. W SFALL RATES
OF 2 OR POSSIBLY 3″/HR THIS AFTN THIS FCST CUD BE LOW END
ESP PVC AREA TO BOS.

“RELATIVELY” MINOR BACKLASH TUESDAY MIDDAY FM AFN TO ORH
NEWD..

HYDRANTS WILL NEED CLEARING FOR THIS STORM. BE PREPARED TO FIVE
ASSISTANCE TO NEARBY FAMILY..FRINDS..NEIGHTBORS.

MORE STORMS IN THE PACKAGE NEXT 2 WEEKS AND STILL LOOKING AT 2/25-26
AS INTERESTING.

CLI: BLV THIS COLD PKG JUST COMPLETED WAS IN SOME PLACES COLDER THAN
THAT OF MID AND LATE JAN….ESP NE MASS AND S NH. NOTING BOS
DEPARTURE FROM CLIMO -24 ON 2/16.

.BOX…
CT…WSW THRU 12Z TUE.
MA…WSW 2>18 THRU 12Z TUE.
WSW 19>21 THRU 04Z TUE BUT S TO ICE OR RAIN ERLY TNGT.
WSW 22>23 TDY ONLY.
WIND ADVY MA 7 15 16 19 23Z TDY THRU 09Z TUE.
WIND ADVY MA 20>24 21Z TDY THRU 09Z TUE.
CFA CONTS MA 7 15 16 19 22>24 FOR TNGT AND TUE HI TIDE.
RI…WSW RI 1>4 THRU 12Z TUE
WSW 5>7 THRU 04Z TUE.
WIND ADVY RI 5>7 21Z TDY THRU 09Z TUE.
NH…WSW 11 12 17Z MON – 17Z TUE

MARINE…GALE ALL WATERS MERR RVR-MTK.

$$
DRAG

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
SEMCARES Emergency Coordinator
Pager #: (508) 354-3142
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Work Phone #: 1-800-445-2588 Ext.: 72929 (8 AM-5 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
http://users.rcn.com/rmacedo

N1CPE writes at 10:14 am ET:

Hello Everyone!

I’ve been informed that the State EOC will be activating, with amateur
radio operators in attendance beginning at 1pm. HF nets will likely be in
standby mode (7.245+ and 3.942+) as well as activation of the statewide 6m
RACES repeater (53.31).

SKYWARN will be active today with the storm. Please follow the direction of
SKYWARN net controls.

As in any potential emergency situation, please monitor the 2m repeater
assigned to your community by the State RACES plan
http://www.qsl.net/n1cpe/racesplan.pdf at all times for communications with
government and served agencies in your community.

As the State EOC is located in Framingham, we expect to monitor 146.64 for
incoming traffic, as well as RACES coordination frequencies as defined in
the State RACES plan.

Tactical identification of “State EOC” will be used by this station. The
FCC assigned callsign is WC1MA.

I will update these lists with any further information as required.

-Tom Kinahan N1CPE
Massachusetts State RACES Radio Officer

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The State EOC in Framingham, and the NWS in Taunton will commence operations by 1300 today. No word on RACES operations as yet. SKYWARN nets will be activated around mid-afternoon. ARES nets should be mobilized with stand-by net controls by late this afternoon or evening. -W1MPN, EMa SEC

As I am sure you are aware, one of the main problems that BERT is suffering from is lack of activation in any sense. Tomorrow we have the chance to change that! What do you think about establishing a “Informal” NET tomorrow/tomorrow night for storm coverage.If we could get several members to just standby and be available to pass emergency traffic or make necessary telephone calls, it may give the team the jump start it so badly needs. It may be a good idea also for the net control operators to keep a list of BARC and BERT members who are available for field deployment if needed. If the storm really hits us as predicted, telephone service as well as cell phones could be compromised. It is important for people to know that during the storm tomorrow, they can get help on 23! I would suggest 2 or three hour shifts. This would prevent burnout and get more people involved.

I would suggest a brief announcement every 15 to 30 minutes on the Boston repeaters stating that an informal net has been established.

The Boston Multiple Sclerosis Walk will be held on Sunday, April 6 from mid-morning to mid-afternoon.

We need about 20 hams to staff the checkpoint, the hazardous locations and to shadow the key people. As usual we will meet for orientation and assignment at 1000, and we should be finished by 1500. Since the schedule has returned to early April, the weather may still be cool. The present plan is to use both 2-meter and 70-cm repeaters.

Lunch is provided for all volunteers. Contact the Coordinator, Bob Salow, WA1IDA, to sign up or for more information. You can reach Bob by email at wa1ida@arrl.net or by phone at 508 650 9440.

—Boston ARC The SPARC

IN MASSACHUSETTS…THIS INCLUDES THE ENTIRE STATE…EXCEPT BERKSHIRE COUNTY. IN ADDITION…THIS WARNING INCLUDES THE ENTIRE STATE OF CONNECTICUT AND RHODE ISLAND.

A MAJOR WINTER STORM IS POISED TO IMPACT SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND BEGINNING AROUND MIDDAY MONDAY…AND CONTINUING INTO EARLY TUESDAY. THIS STORM WILL PRODUCE SIX OR MORE INCHES OF SNOW ACROSS ALL OF SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND. SOME LOCATIONS IN NORTHEAST CONNECTICUT…NORTHERN RHODE ISLAND…AND CENTRAL AND EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS MAY RECEIVE A FOOT OR MORE OF NEW SNOW BY TUESDAY MORNING. IN ADDITION…STRONG NORTHEAST WINDS WILL COMBINE WITH THE HEAVY SNOW TO PRODUCE NEAR BLIZZARD CONDITIONS LATE MONDAY AFTERNOON AND NIGHT ACROSS PORTIONS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS AND RHODE ISLAND…INCLUDING THE CITIES OF BOSTON AND PROVIDENCE.ACROSS THE SOUTH COAST OF MASSACHUSETTS AND RHODE ISLAND…INCLUDING THE CAPE AND ISLANDS…THE SNOW MAY MIX WITH SLEET AND RAIN AT TIMES MONDAY NIGHT. EVEN SO…THIS AREA MAY STILL RECEIVE AT LEAST SIX INCHES OF SNOW ACCUMULATION.

THE SNOW IS EXPECTED TO SPREAD INTO NORTHERN CONNECTICUT AND SOUTHWEST RHODE ISLAND AROUND OR SHORTLY AFTER DAYBREAK MONDAY…AND SPREAD OVER THE REST OF SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND BY AROUND MIDDAY MONDAY. THE SNOW SHOULD TAPER OFF TO FLURRIES FROM WEST TO EAST TUESDAY MORNING. THE HEAVIEST SNOW IS EXPECTED TO FALL MONDAY AFTERNOON AND NIGHT.

THIS WILL BE A DANGEROUS STORM. TRAVEL WILL LIKELY BECOME DIFFICULT DURING THE DAY ON MONDAY…AND REMAIN SO THROUGHOUT MONDAY NIGHT.
THERE MAY BE A PERIOD…MAINLY DURING MONDAY NIGHT…WHEN THE COMBINATION OF HEAVY SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW COULD REDUCE THE VISIBILITY TO NEAR ZERO AT TIMES…ESPECIALLY ACROSS NORTHERN RHODE
ISLAND AND EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS…ALONG AND NORTH OF A PLYMOUTH-TAUNTON LINE. A WINTER STORM WARNING IS ISSUED WHEN HEAVY SNOW ACCUMULATING MORE THAN 6 INCHES…OR THE COMBINATION OF HEAVY SNOW AND ICE…IS EXPECTED.

IN ADDITION…THE STRONG NORTHEAST WINDS AND STRONOMICAL HIGHER TIDES DUE TO THE FULL MOON WILL CAUSE THE TIDE TO RUN 2 TO 3 FEET ABOVE NORMAL MONDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH TUESDAY MORNING ALONG THE MASSACHUSETTS EAST COAST. WAVES OF 10 TO 15 FEET MAY APPROACH THE SHORELINE MONDAY NIGHT AND TUESDAY. AT THIS TIME…MINOR COASTAL FLOODING LOOKS TO BE POSSIBLE WITH THE LATE MONDAY MORNING HIGH TIDE AND EVEN A LITTLE MORE LIKELY WITH THE MONDAY NIGHT AND MIDDAY TUESDAY HIGH TIDES.

STAY TUNED TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO…OR YOUR FAVORITE MEDIA OUTLET… FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION ON THIS DEVELOPING WEATHER SITUATION.

Shown here are photos, courtesy K9HI, from the February 15th, 2003 Marlboro Flea Market sponsored by the Algonquin Amateur Radio Club.

N1DHW writes:

“What happened to all those club members that said a Youth Net was a great thing for the Section? Has everyone gone to sleep with the cold weather? Or are we so interested in ourselves, our own clubs, that we don’t care about these kids.

“Right now there are several regular’s that sign on each week, do a great job, and I hope have some good exposure to ham radio. But if each club were to go after just 2 young people, times 40 clubs in the section, that would be a great net.

“Think about it. How many members in YOUR club have children, or grandchildren. With a little prodding from the club leadership those kids could be on next Sunday’s net. How about having them meet at a central QTH and join in that way. Not only will it generate some interest, but allow them to meet other youngsters related to club members. Remember, this net is not only for Grade Schoolers, but Middle and High School age as well.

“In the true spirit of caring, and giving, the SEMARA club has stepped forward and offered to host a Chicken BBQ for the Youth Nets young members and their families on Saturday June 21st, at their Club site in Dartmouth.

“Drop by the CEMARC table at this weeks Marlborough Flea and tell us your ideas on how to improve participation. Ann, Kevin, and myself would welcome your help.”