Hello to all..
..COMMUNICATIONS RESTORED TO REASONABLE STRENGTH AFTER INITIAL COMMUNICATIONS
PROBLEMS IN THE WAKE OF THE MASSACHUSETTS TORNADO OUTBREAK OF JUNE 1ST 2011..
..EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS ARES STAND-BY LIFTED AS OF 11 PM FRIDAY JUNE 3RD 2011..
After the worst tornado outbreak in Massachusetts since 1995, there were
initial communications issues after tornadoes ripped through the Western
Massachusetts ARRL section. Eastern Massachusetts ARES was placed on stand-by
in case support of our neighboring section was required. Since that time,
communications have been restored to tolerable levels and we have lifted
the ARES stand-by as of 11 PM Friday June 3rd, 2011.
The National Weather Service in Taunton has posted their assessment on the
tornado outbreak that hit Massachusetts. Three Tornadoes hit the state. The
complete report on the tornadoes can be seen via the following
Public Information Statement link:
http://www.wx1box.org/local/pns_6_3_11_tor_report.txt
The complete severe weather report for all of the severe thunderstorms is
listed in the link below:
http://www.wx1box.org/local/lsr_6_1_11.txt
The following is a tornado response report from John Ruggiero-N2YHK, Western
Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator:
Just a quick note about the assistance that amateur radio provided during
and after the recent series of tornadoes that affected the area from
Westfield to Southbridge in the Western MA Section:
* SkyWarn was active and amateur radio operators assisted in gathering
severe weather reports on the Mt. Tom, Paxton and other associated
repeaters. Initial reports of a tornado striking Westfield were relayed
to NWS via amateur radio and SkyWarn.
* Tom Doyle, N1MUV, DEC Hampden / Hampshire, and his team provided
assistance to the Red Cross by staffing the Springfield Chapter and three
shelters in Springfield, Monson and Brimfield.
* Tom and his team also provided assistance to several local EOCs, as well
as support to RACES operations at the MEMA Regional HQ in Agawam.
* Charlie Dunlap, K1II, EC Hampden West, and his team provided assistance
to Southwick and surrounding communities, as well as support to RACES
operations at the MEMA Regional HQ in Agawam.
* Tim Mongeau, KB1LZF, EC Worcester, staffed the Worcester Emergency
Communications Team / MEMA Region 4 Radio Room and provided assistance in
gathering reports for SkyWarn.
* Amateur radio operators were present with NWS survey teams today.
* The ARRL has posted a news article about amateur radio’s response on
their website. See link below:
http://www.arrl.org/news/central-massachusetts-experiences-rare-tornado-area-hams-hasten-to-help
* At this time, amateur radio operations are winding down and no further
requests for assistance are pending.
Thank you all for your assistance and continued support of WMA ARES!
John, N2YHK
WMA SEC
The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) has setup storm assistance
centers for people in need of aid after the tornado outbreak. They have also
setup their 211 line for homeowners and businesses to report damage. Damage
Asessment teams from MEMA and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
will be on site starting Monday. Links to these PR releases are listed below:
Storm Assistance Centers:
http://www.wx1box.org/local/storm_assistance_centers.pdf
211 Registration News Release:
http://www.wx1box.org/local/211_Registration_News_Release.pdf
FEMA/MEMA Damage Assessment Teams Press Release:
http://www.wx1box.org/local/News_Release_IA_PA_PDAs_6-3-11.pdf
A great thank you to all the Amateur Radio SKYWARN Spotters, non-Amateur
Radio SKYWARN Spotters and Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES) members
for their support in this horrific tornadic outbreak. The efforts made by
everyone helped save lives and is greatly appreciated by the National
Weather Service, American Red Cross, Salvation Army and local, state and
federal emergency management.
Respectfully Submitted,
Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Work Phone #: 508-346-2929 (8 AM-5 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
http://ares.ema.arrl.org
http://www.wx1box.org