North Carolina Seeks Weather Spotters for CoCoRaHS Network
North Carolina invites amateur weather spotters to join CoCoRaHS, documenting precipitation data. Volunteers are especially needed in rural, coastal, and mountainous areas. The initiative improves severe weather forecasting and drought monitoring. CoCoRaHS started in 2007 in North Carolina and has expanded nationwide, providing crucial local data.
In North Carolina, home-based and amateur weather spotters are invited to participate in a nationwide initiative called the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail, and Snow network (CoCoRaHS). This program aims to document the size, intensity, duration, and patterns of rain, hail, and snow. Volunteer observers are particularly sought in rural, coastal, and mountainous regions of the state.
David Glenn, the state co-coordinator and National Weather Service meteorologist, emphasized the need for observers across North Carolina. Interested individuals can join by visiting the CoCoRaHS website and clicking on the “Join CoCoRaHS” emblem. Volunteers must obtain a 4-inch plastic rain gauge, available for approximately $40 plus shipping, and submit their observations via the network’s website or app.
The collected data can provide vital information for timely weather warnings. Glenn noted that CoCoRaHS observers play a significant role in aiding meteorologists with reports of significant weather events such as hail and intense rainfall. This information is crucial for managing severe thunderstorms and localized flooding.
Sean Heuser, a co-coordinator and manager of the NC ECOnet, highlighted the value of CoCoRaHS data during recent hurricanes, including Florence and Dorian. The observers assist in identifying precipitation maximums and contribute to determining drought conditions for the U.S. Drought Monitor.
The CoCoRaHS initiative started after a severe thunderstorm devastated Fort Collins, Colorado, in 1997. North Carolina joined the program in 2007, becoming the 21st state involved. By 2010, the network expanded to include all 50 states with nearly 10,000 daily observations.
Heather Aldridge, another state co-coordinator, remarked on the challenges of monitoring weather conditions in North Carolina. CoCoRaHS volunteers significantly enhance the understanding of regional precipitation patterns while providing engaging activities for participants of all ages.
In conclusion, the CoCoRaHS initiative is a vital program that encourages citizen participation in weather observation, particularly in North Carolina. Volunteers are essential for gathering data that can improve weather forecasting and drought assessments. By joining this grassroots program, individuals contribute to a comprehensive understanding of local weather patterns and help ensure community safety during severe weather events.
Original Source: islandfreepress.org
