Omaha Skywarn System
The NWS office that covers the Omaha (NE) metro area has a net control position that's staffed by members of the ARES
(Amateur Radio Emergency Service). When spotter activation is required, the lead forecaster for NWS notifies the ARES
EC via pager and that sets the ball rolling for the placement of ARES personnel at the NWS, alternate net control
points (county EOC, Red Cross, media outlets), activation of the Skywarn Net and spotter placement.
Spotter reports are sent directly to the NWS via a 2m repeater system. Alternate control points are also required to
copy the reports just in case NWS would go "off the air." Additionally, to keep radio traffic to a minimum on the
primary Skywarn net (2m)and to ensure a modest degree of privacy, administrative traffic between the NWS net control
and alternate control points is handled "off frequency."
ARES/Skywarn net procedures that were established for the Omaha Metro Area have served us well for over 20 years. It
continues to evolve using voice, digital and video communications techniques.
Ken Noel, AJØA
ajØa@arrl.net
EC, Midlands ARES/Douglas County, Nebraska
