If you were anywhere near Clearfield County on Sunday March 16th you experienced a storm front that brought with it gusty winds, rain and hail. In the hours leading up to the storm hitting Clearfield County the National Weather Service (NWS) had issued several severe weather alerts and warnings. As the storm progressed tornado watch was issued, which was quickly followed up with a tornado warning. The storm was a direct hit for a large portion of Clearfield County.

At 1 PM local time the NWS SKYWARN amateur station within the weather service’s State College office was activated under the call sign WX3CTP. NWS operators put out a call for weather reports on the 147.255 W3CPA repeater and Tim K5TEL was the first to respond. After providing an initial report, Tim remained on frequency stepping in as a net control station for what became an impromptu weather net on the W3CPA 147.255 repeater.

Stations that participated in the net were Tim K5TEL, Scott W3EOD, Mark N3TBT, Vinny KC2RZP, Steve K3SKS, Tim N3PUL, Rich N3RBJ and John N3SPW. Multiple reports were relayed to the NWS foresters who seemed to take particular interest in information about hail and the leading edge of the storm front. The NWS uses reports like these to compare to their radar images giving them a better idea of what exactly is occurring. This allows them to issue subsequent alerts, watches or warnings as the storm progresses into new areas. The storm left in its wake numerous downed power lines, uprooted trees, several buildings with damaged roofs.

Everyone who participated should be proud of the service that was provided to the NWS State College forecasting office staff, as well as the information provided to fellow amateur radio operators in our immediate area. Thank you to everyone who stayed on frequency and participated.