Hams Tackle Texas-Size Weather Emergency: EmComm Ops Play a Major Role When Tornadoes Rip Through Dallas-Forth Worth

摘要

The nation took in a collective gasp as raw video showed tornado winds hurling large truck trailers hundreds of feet through the air in Dallas, Texas. At least a dozen twisters skipped through this region of more than six-million residents in early April. There was massive destruction, but fewer than twenty injuries. No deaths. This can be attributed to daylight, an informed public, and outstanding forecasting, officials said. As you'll see, radio amateurs played a central role in saving lives—operating as ground forces in support of the National Weather Service and emergency management agencies at all levels. Jim Pope, N5JCP, of Euless, is ARRL North Texas Section Public Information Coordinator. He took good notes of amateur radio's EmComm response and shares them in this month's "Public Service" column. The orchestration was masterful. The outcome was the best that could have been hoped for.