Skywarn Net Activation – 12/27/2008

The following is a report on our Skywarn Net activation on Saturday December 27, 2008.

The Net was activated at 1:30 PM due to an approaching front from the west.  Iroquois and several surrounding counties had been under a tornado watch and a flood warning since about 3:30 AM that morning. Our spotters included 2 new mobile operators which helped out a great deal to check out reports of funnel clouds in the Gilman and Ashkum areas. Upon checking out the reports by the public, no wall clouds or funnel clouds were observed. We believe the reports were scud clouds and not funnel clouds although there were some reports of minor damage from what we believe to have been straight line winds as the front passed.

Amateur stations checking in:

KC9OQO Scott Anderson New Ham – Mobile Observer near WGFA
KC9OQM Chris Meredith New Ham - Watseka also Mobile Observer on RT. 49 & 52 areas
K9CS Carl Schroeder
KA9MZJ Roy Eades
WB9Z Jerry Rosalius
KB9JJJ Rolla Dolph
K9TA Steve Farrington
W9LIZ Chris Schroeder
W9KVR Troy Simpson
KC9HHT Mike Marcier

Contact was made with the NWS WX9LOT on the Kankakee 146.94 MHz Repeater approximately ½ hour prior to net activation and I reported to them that we were monitoring the frequency. Following the Skywarn Net activation I reported to NWS again that our net was activated.

As the front hit the area I received reports from Jerry WB9Z from Crescent City, Rolla KB9JJJ Onarga (RT.49) and Steve K9TA from Loda that the front was producing very heavy rain and very gusty winds at about 50 MPH. The heavy rain was short lived as the front was moving very quickly through the area.

After the initial front had passed several reports of downed power lines were reported from Woodland, South of Watseka, Ashkum, WGFA road and Rt 1 & 52 area. A downed power line on Rt 52 near the Beaverville slab had traffic temporarily blocked. We believe the downed lines were from a combination of weakened tree limbs from the ice storm and the gusty winds from the front passage.

Roadway flooding was noted by Chris KC9OQM at 2:45 PM just north of the Iroquois Co. Fairgrounds and the Iroquois River on Rt. 49/52. Scott KC9OQO reported at 2:50 PM that the Sugar Creek was out of its banks and over the lower road in Legion Park in Watseka and rising quickly.

We continue to monitor river levels for projected crests on Tuesday.

The Skywarn Net was discontinued at 3:35 PM.

Michael Marcier – KC9HHT – Iroquois County Skywarn Net Control
Iroquois County Amateur Radio Club

Cold Weather Announcements for 12/22/2008

A Wind Chill Advisory remains in effect until 9 am CST this morning. Bitterly cold wind chill readings will continue overnight as temperatures fall to a range of 2 degrees above to 5 degrees below zero. When combined with winds of 15 to 25 mph…wind chills of 15 to 25 degrees below zero will be common.

A Wind Chill Advisory means that very cold air and strong winds will combine to generate low wind chills. This will result in frost bite and lead to hypothermia if precautions are not taken. If you must venture outdoors…make sure you wear a hat and gloves. Keep your pets indoors.

Winter Storm Watch in effect from Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday afternoon… Today Partly cloudy early in the morning then becoming mostly sunny in the morning then becoming partly sunny in the afternoon then becoming mostly cloudy late in the afternoon. Highs 7 to 11 above. Lowest wind chill readings 10 below to 20 below zero in the morning. West winds around 10 mph until late afternoon becoming light and variable late in the afternoon.

Law enforcement and IDOT officials report improved visability, ice packed roadways, slippery conditions

Eastern Illini Electric Coop is still experiencing a large amount of major outages. Approximately 1500 people in Ashkum, Chebanse, Clifton, Cullom, and Piper City will be without power until at least Tuesday. Additional line crews from 10 neighboring coops worked 20 consecutive hours in the cold and wind. As of 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 21, there are still several thousand accounts without electricity. Eastern Illini has brought in even more additional line crews, and now has workers here from ten neighboring cooperatives to assist in the restoration efforts. We expect to have power fully restored in the next several days. If the high winds and extreme cold weather continue, though, it will slow down the restoration process. Eastern Illini encourages every member that is still without power to find other lodging for tonight. Information for emergency situations may be obtained by calling your local township or city office. Eastern Illini’s Web site, www.eiec.coop will have regular updates during the storm recovery process.

Warming centers at the Ashkum Fire Station and at the former Lang Auto Parts Store on Spaulding Street in Clifton. Shelters in Sheldon, Martinton Church of Christ as well. Manteno Community center open for warming center for residents of manteno only without power. You are asked to bring your own belongings such as blankets, chairs, warm beverages, and anything to make you comfortable.

Repeater Excersize

Below is an exercise message recevied by this station this morning, Please indicate to me via e-mail or directly to Mike KC9HHT on 147.03 if you would have the ability to respond by monitoring a base station or going mobile if requested.

Thank you all for your particapation.

–
Roy R Eades KA9MZJ
EC Ford & Iroquois Counties
ISN Net Manager
THIS IS A DRILL MESSAGE THIS IS A DRILL MESSAGE THIS
IS A DRILL MESSAGE

AT 2332Z 18 DECEMBER 2008, A 8.1 MAGNITUDE EARTHQUAKE CENTERED IN THE
TOWN OF CHARLESTON, MISSOURI OCCURRED. DESTRUCTIVE SHOCKS HAVE IMPACTED
THE STATES OF IOWA, MISSOURI, ARKANSAS, MISSISSIPPI, ALABAMA, TENNESSEE,
KENTUCKY, OHIO, INDIANA, AND ILLINOIS. MAJOR DESTRUCTION OF
INFRASTRUCTURE FOLLOWING THE VALLEYS AND PLAINS OF THE MISSISSIPPI AND
OHIO RIVERS HAS OCCURRED. A HIGH INTENSITY AFTERSHOCK OF 6.7 OCCURRED AT
2347Z IN ST LOUIS AND A 6.6 AFTERSHOCK IN MEMPHIS AT 2352Z

THIS IS A DRILL

DRILL PLAY WITHIN EACH SECTION IS ENCOURAGED WITHIN THE CONFINES OF THIS
SCENARIO.

DRILL PLAY SHOULD FOCUS ON AVAILABLE AND DEVELOPING INFORMATION AND
RESOURCES, AND NOT THE MODE THE INFORMATION WAS DELIVERED TO EACH
SECTION.

THIS DRILL TERMINATES AT 0000Z 20 DECEMBER 2008

THIS IS A DRILL MESSAGE THIS IS A DRILL MESSAGE THIS
IS A DRILL MESSAGE

===========================

ILLINOIS SECTION ARES – ACTIVATE IN RESPONSE TO THIS ARRL HQ DRILL AND
PROVIDE FOLLOWING INFORMATION TO SM, SEC AND DEC BY EMAIL:

A.) NAME OF REPORTING INDIVIDUAL / CALL / TITLE, TIME / DATE OF REPORT
(item 1)

B.) PROVIDE GROUP NAME AND COUNT OF TOTAL ARES PERSONNEL AVAILABLE IN
YOUR COUNTY OR DISTRICT. (item

C.) PROVIDE NUMBER OF SEPARATE AVAILABLE FIELD DEPLOYABLE STATIONS FOR
HF/VHF/UHF WHICH HAVE EMERGENCY POWER CAPABILITIES- INCLUDE DIGITAL
MODES. (item 9)

D.) PROVIDE NUMBER OF AVAILABLE MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS VEHICLES
(FREQUENCY INDEPENDENT) (item 10)

E.) PROVIDE AVERAGE TIME OF RESPONSE OF ARES VOLUNTEERS FOR DEPLOYMENT?
(item 11)

THIS IS A TEST OF EARTHQUAKE RESPONSE

Pat Ryan KC6VVT ARRL Illinois Section Emergency Coordinator
SEC/IL ARRL Phone: 815-442-3373
P. O. Box 24 e-mail: kc6vvt@arrl.net
Tonica, IL 61370-0024 ARES-IL URL:
http://www.qsl.net/ares-il/
Monitor 146.52/446.00 FM APRS KC6VVT-14 on 144.390 PL 100.0 Hz
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Ice Storm Affects Iroquois County

Winter Storm Warning Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until noon Friday, although snow totals have been revised downward from earlier predictions. Snow totals of 3-6 inches expected north, 1-3 inches in the city, 1 inch I-80 and south, with 1/2 inch or more of ice accumulation south of I-80. Stay with WGFARadio.com and 94.1 and Talk1360 WGFA for forecast updates, travel conditions, closing information, and more.

Schools

Benton Community School Corporation – Closed

North Newton – Closed

South Newton – Closed

St Joseph School – Closed

Beecher – Closed

Zion Lutheran Beecher School – Closed

Zion Lutheran Chebanse – Closed

Clifton Central – Unit 4 – No Power – Closed

Watseka Unit 9 – Closed

Iroquois West – Closed

St Anne High School and Grade School – Closed

Paxton Buckley Loda – Closed

St Johns Lutheran School Buckley – Closed

Milford Public Schools – High School and Grade School -

Donovan – Closed

Crescent Iroquois 249 – Closed

Momence Unit 1 Closed

Bishop Mac Catholic High School – Closed

Cissna Park Schools – Closed

Grant Park Schools – Closed

Tri-Point in Cullom – Closed – No Bus Service from Tri-Point to Pontiac

St Pauls Lutheran in Woodworth – Closed

St Patrick Academy in Momence – Closed

Manteno Schools – Closed

Calvary Pre-school – Closed

KCC – Kankakee Community College and Satellite Locations – Closed

Brice Ash Grove Closed

Herscher CUSD#2 including Bonfield, Herscher Grade/High, Limestone and Reddick are closed Friday, December 19, 2008.

Grace Baptist Acadamey in Kankakee – Closed

Thawville Community Nursery School – Closed

Christ Lutheran School in Buckley – Closed

Maternity BVM – Closed

St. George School – Closed

Sports

Central High School has cancelled for freshman boys basketball 6pm and freshman girls game at 7:15 pm.

Manteno School District 5 has CANCELLED all activities today due to the weather.

St. Anne Grade School Activities Cancelled

Manteno – All Activities Cancelled

Business/Community Events

PLEASE CALL AHEAD TO YOUR LOCATION TO FIND OUT IF IT IS CLOSED BEFORE TRAVELING

Learning Tree Daycare – Closed

Iroquois County Courthouse and Administrative Center

The Toastmaster’s club meeting scheduled for Friday at 7am at IMH has been cancelled.

The Iroquois Regional Health Center will not be open Friday, December 19th for morning exercise in the Rehab Gym due to impending weather. This is only for the exercise program from 6:00am-8:00am.

No Cardiac Rehab at IMH

IMH Clinics – Kentland Closed – No Power – if Power is restored the clinic will be open – Gilman and Milford will be open as long as there is power but may be a bit later due to travel

Ford Iroquois Public Health Department in Watseka ONLY is closed….Paxton is still open

HiPro Manufacturing Has Electricity – Employees who can report should

Iroquois Mental Health Center Closed

Chicago Steel and Tape – Reduced Operations – Do Not Report if there is any difficulty driving

Useful Prodcuts in Goodland IN – Closed

Wells Workshop at the ARC of Iroquois County – Closed

KC-CASA – IQ-SAS Sexuial Assault Services Closed

Ford Iroquois Extension Office – Closed

Kankakee Valley OBGYN – Closed

Watseka Show Bus – Very Limited Service

Chicago Tribune and Sun Times Delivery – Behind Schedule

Coils Inc. in Kentland – Closed

Northeastern IL Railway in Iroquois -

Morocco, Goodland, and Generations at Roselawn Nutrition Sites Closed Today

Vierks Tire Service in Watseka Closed

Curves

Peace Meals in Cissna Park – Cancelled

Watseka Public Library – Closed

Slip Into Style Watseka – Closed

 

Power Outages

Trees and Power Lines reported on houses in Watsea – Use Extreme Caution

Power Out North of Kentland on Rt 41

EIEC Linemen and employees are doing everything they can to get things repaired quickly, however, please be prepared to be without power for quite a while as the 4000 + miles of EIEC power lines have many snapped poles and downed lines. For more visit http://www.EIEC.coop

No Power near Earl Park – Power out on NIPSCo circuit covering north Fowler and Earl Park area at 0345 ET, and continuing. Rainfall passed 1″ at 0400 in Earl Park. Period sof moderately heavy rain continues.. Ice accumulation of .4 – .5″. though it appears that it is not building at this time. There has been thunderstorms in this area during the past hour. http://www.nipsco.com/

1/2 ” ice Bruce Sanders in Chatsworth – branches and wires down too

No Power Watseka

No Power at Iroquois Mobile Home

No Electricity East Side Sheldon – Several Limbs Down

Onarga

THE MESSY MORNING COMMUTE

A sloppy mix of snow, ice and freezing rain hit northern Illinois late Thursday, sending motorists skidding into lightpoles, sliding into ditches and spinning off highway ramps.

A National Weather Service winter storm warning ends at noon today, and the Illinois Department of Transportation reported all Chicago expressways were snow and ice-covered as of 4:30 a.m., with extended travel times.

Hundreds of schools in the metropolitan area have canceled classes today and the number was growing.

As of 6 a.m., Commonwealth Edison was reporting 14,000 customers without power, most of them in the southern part of the metropolitan area. Northern Indiana Public Service Co. reported 28,000 without power in Northwest Indiana, with Hammond and Crown Point among the hardest-hit areas.

By the time today’s storm ends, as much as 10 inches of snow will have fallen from Waukegan north to the Wisconsin line, according to the weather service. South of Waukegan, 6 inches are expected, and 2 to 4 inches along the Interstate Highway 80 corridor. South of I-80, freezing rain is forecast to mix with sleet and snow to form a half inch or more of ice.

The sleet and freezing rain, sometimes mixed with snow, will change to all snow between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m., the weather service said, and end by late morning.

The pace of traffic accidents was picking up as the morning wore on.

The Illinois State Police reported numerous crashes on area expressways since the storm hit around midnight and advised motorists to drive with caution and slow down.

The heavy snow in Northern Illinois and the ice in Central Illinois are posing a challenge for highway crews.

The Illinois Department of Transportation is responsible for plowing 43,000 lane-miles with more than 1,800 trucks. Exactly what they do depends on what the weather does, says Christine Reed, IDOT’s director of highways. She says light snow (by weight) is handled differently than heavy snow; snow with wind must be removed differently than snow without wind.

Despite the efforts of IDOT and county and city crews, roads are still dangerous during and right after a snowstorm or ice storm. State police advise drivers to be careful with accelerating and braking, and to beware of ice on bridges, off-ramps and in shady spots.

IDOT spent $85 million on snow and ice removal last winter, and is trying to spend less this winter, but Reed promises to keep roads safe.

Ice Storm Warning

An Ice Storm Warning remains in effect until noon CST /1 PM EST/ today.

A mix of rain…freezing rain…and sleet will continue early this morning before changing over to snow after 9 am. Total ice accumulations in excess of a half inch are expected by mid morning from the Kankakee and Illinois River valleys southward. Total snow accumulations of an inch or two are possible. Isolated thunderstorms are also possible with the freezing rain…which will result in rapid ice accumulation. Precipitation is expected to change to a period of snow before ending by late morning.

An Ice Storm Warning means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Significant amounts of ice accumulation will make travel dangerous or impossible. Travel is strongly discouraged. Ice accumulations and wind will likely lead to falling tree branches…snapped power lines and the possibility of extended power outages.

This could become a dangerous situation with extremely hazardous travel and power outages. Please take precautions and stay safe!

FREEZING RAIN ADVISORY

A Freezing Rain Advisory remains in effect until noon CST today.

Freezing rain has diminish across the area early this morning.
Ice accumulations have remained at less than on quarter of an inch across the area. Temperatures have climbed to near freezing and should continue to rise through the morning. However…it could still take several hours for all the ice to melt and roadways to become free of ice and snow…so motorists should remain cautious.

A Freezing Rain Advisory means that periods of freezing rain or freezing drizzle will cause travel difficulties. Be prepared for slippery roads. Slow down and use caution while driving.