See this message on the web at https://ema.arrl.org/2018/03/05/ares-standby-update/
*** EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS ARES CONTINUES TO BE ON STAND-BY FOR THE SECTION DUE TO LINGERING DAMAGE FROM LAST WEEKENDS STORM AND THE POTENTIAL FOR WEDNESDAY’S STORM TO INTERFERE WITH REPAIR CREWS AND HIGHER IMPACT TO WEAKENED INFRASTRUCTURE ***
*** WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY MORNING THROUGH THURSDAY MORNING FOR NORFOLK AND SUFFOLK COUNTIES AND REGIONS NORTH FOR 6″+ OF SNOW ***
*** STRONG WINDS WITH GUSTS UP TO 50+ MPH ARE POSSIBLE WHICH COULD HAVE HIGHTENED IMPACT ON WEAKENED TREES AND INFRASTRUCTURE ***
*** SKYWARN OPS AT NWS-TAUNTON ARE LIKELY, UPDATED SKYWARN MESSAGE WILL BE POSTED LATER THIS EVENING ***
A major storm impacted the region Friday morning through Saturday. As crews continue to repair the damage from that storm another storm will impact the region on Wednesday afternoon through Thursday morning. Various shelters across the region have been closing as of Monday morning, however with the risk of increased damage from this upcoming storm it is possible more shelters and warming centers will be needed. All amateurs are asked to prepare for a significant snow fall event of 6-12″+ of heavy wet snow, especially in the northern part of the section. Trees and various infrastructure are still in a weakened state, with the possibility of heavy snow combined with moderate winds there is a higher risk for impactful damage. The location of the rain/snow line is still uncertain and will greatly affect how much snow impacts the region as well as where the maximum snow will hit.
Please notify ARES leadership of availability to deploy for any post storm support. All amateurs during the storm are asked to shelter in place and monitor their local SKYWARN repeaters to help relay damage; infrastructure issues; coastal, river, and urban flooding; snow amounts; precipitation type; and any other pertinent information. ARES members are advised to continue to maintain readiness at home and check your emergency power and antenna situation. Secure any loose objects that can blow around easily.
The ARES HF net will be running on 3.930 +/- 5 kHz QRM with calls at the top (:00) and bottom (:30) of the hour. SKYWARN will be running various nets across our section on the assigned SKYWARN repeaters.
The list of SKYWARN repeaters can be found at: http://wx1box.org/node/37
The latest SKYWARN coordination message for this storm is at: http://wx1box.org/node/4047
For the latest bulletins please visit http://wx1box.org/
In advance of the storm, please advise your local EC/DEC/ADEC (SEC/DEC listed below) of your availability to support a potential deployment anytime through the weekend. We are creating a list of availability for ARESMAT (ARES Mutual Aid Team) deployment if needed for various local EOC’s, Red Cross, Salvation Army, NWS Storm Survey Teams, and hospitals as required. Keep your situational awareness level high for any updates from ARES leadership by checking your email for updates and our ARES web site at http://ema.arrl.org/ares and monitoring local SKYWARN/ARES/RACES frequencies for any updates on this developing situation.
When sending your availability, please send the following: Name, Call-sign, License Class, Capability (HF / VHF / UHF), Availability, and any other special notes we should be aware of. Also, please let us know if you can do an ARESMAT to another part of the Eastern Massachusetts section as this will be a large area impact storm for this anticipated storm. We ask that as you contact your DEC, please send a copy of the message to blizzard@nsradio.org where multiple members of the EMA ARES Leadership will be able to access your availability.
What is ARES Stand-By mode?
ARES stand-by mode is to alert Amateurs within ARES that a mobilization is possible on a wide-scale and that some localized mobilizations are or could be taking place in isolated areas. It means to take a look at your Go-Kit and have batteries and equipment ready to go and charged up and take care of any requirements at home in case a mobilization is required and you can participate. Do NOT self-deploy. Wait for guidance from leadership for any deployment. It is an honor to be ready even if you don’t deploy for the event. Hopefully, this is just another exercise of our preparedness and capabilities. If not, the ARES leadership looks forward to working with you if any wide scale mobilization is required after the impact of this major storm to the region is fully understood.
Thanks for your continued support of Eastern Massachusetts ARES!
Respectfully Submitted,
Marek Kozubal (KB1NCG)
ARES Eastern MA Section Emergency Coordinator
SEC/ASEC:
SEC – KB1NCG – kb1ncg@arrl.net
ASEC – N1YLQ – mpleger@comcast.net
ASEC – KD1CY – kd1cy@comcast.net
DECs:
Essex County – KB1KQW – kb1kqw@nsradio.org
Middlesex County – KB1KQW – kb1kqw@nsradio.org
Metro-Boston – KB1NCG – kb1ncg@arrl.net
Norfolk County – W3EVE – w3eve@arrl.net
Bristol County – N1YLQ – mpleger@comcast.net
Plymouth County – N1YLQ – mpleger@comcast.net
Cape & Islands – WQ1O – wq1o@comcast.com