The National Weather Service (NWS), in cooperation with the Amateur Radio Relay League and local amateur radio groups, sponsored Skywarn ™ Recognition Day for a 24 hour period from 0000 to 2400 UTC on December 6, 2008 (4 pm PST December 5th to 4 pm PST December 6th). The purpose of the event was to recognize the vital public service contribution that amateur radio operators (Hams) make to the National Weather Service. During severe weather events, Skywarn ™ volunteers assist in the gathering of critical weather information for the issuing and verification of severe weather warnings. During a major disaster with widespread communications failures, such as a flood of the Sacramento metro area, amateur radio operators would act as an important backup information link.

Skywarn ™ Recognition Day was developed in 1999 by the National Weather Service and the American Radio Relay League. It celebrates the contributions that volunteer Skywarn ™ radio operators make to the National Weather Service during severe weather events. National Weather Service invites amateur radio operators to set up equipment at their local office. During the event, Ham operators establish contact with participating National Weather Service Offices and exchange weather information. While not considered a contest, operators are encouraged to make as many contacts as they can during their shift.

Group photo on left taken on Saturday, December 6th, showing some of the daytime HAM radio operators during Skywarn ™ Recognition Day, 2008. Photo on right shows CERT Metro Fire's and Sacramento Sheriff SHARP's vehicles, which were generously loaned for the event.

This was the tenth year of Skywarn ™ Recognition Day. The Sacramento National Weather Service Forecast Office was one of over 100 offices across the country to participate. The event in Sacramento this year was a great success! Over 25 participants were involved from area amateur radio groups and the NWS. The office used the special event call sign W6S for the day. Local groups involved in the event were River City ARCS, the Metro Fire and Saramento City CERT radio teams, the Folsom CERT radio team, Sacramento SHARP, San Joaquin ARES and Yolo ARES. Loaned equipment included radios, antennas, generators, tents, chairs, tables, etc. Metro Fire CERT and Sacramento SHARP each made a major contribution by allowing use of one emergency vehicle for Skywarn ™ Recognition Day.

Approximately 125 radio contacts were made across the United States, including states such as Texas, Michigan, New York, and Virginia. The event began at 4 PM PST on Friday the 5th, and ended on Saturday at 4 PM on the 6th, with operators working through the night. Four NWS employees participated, including WCM Kathy Hoxsie(KC8CLO), Amateur Radio Focal Point and General Forecaster Chris Hintz(K6DX), General Forecaster Eric Kurth(KC0VZU) and Senior Forecaster Steve Goldstein.

Photo above shows amateur radio operators making contacts in the Sacramento Sheriff's SHARP vehicle.

Many amateur radio operators have been certified as severe weather spotters, relaying weather and damage reports to the National Weather Service. Some National Weather Service employees are also active Hams.

All photos on this page by Eric Kurth