by Andy McEvoy
The Fort Herkimer Amateur Radio Association, Inc (FHARA) held its monthly meeting on September 14th, 2022, at the Town of German Flatts Town Hall. The meeting was open to the public and had approximately 35 attendees.
This month’s meeting included a Special Presentation by WKTV Meteorologist Bill Kardas. The presentation focused on the Winter Weather since the season is fast approaching. Bill mentioned some notable weather from last winter, including the Ice Jam in Dolgeville and also the Snowstorm Stella.
The main Topics for discussion included Winter Storms, Lake Effect Snow, Blizzards, Proper techniques to take Snow Fall Measurements, Ice Jams, and Ice Storms.
Bill used many charts and data for past snow and ice accumulation and average totals for the United States and New York State. He explained in detail how the Lake Effect Snow impacts our area and how critical a role the direction of the wind has in making it severe or minimal.
The presentation culminated with many questions from Bill’s audience and a big round of applause from everyone. Club President Don Peterson (KD2ILO) and other members thanked Bill for his excellent presentation. Peterson said, “Bill really personalized the presentation for the area because he forecasts and reports the local weather.” In the past, the National Weather Service from Albany would come out and put on live presentations but have scaled back to just online presentations in the last two years.
The FHARA presentation can be viewed on Bill’s Facebook page as he streamed it live for his followers.
The Fort Herkimer Amateur Radio Association hopes to have Bill back in the Spring of 2023 for a Spring and Summer Weather presentation. The public is always welcome at any club meeting.
The FHARA has many Skywarn Weather Spotters that, when needed, go on alert to monitor extreme or severe weather and aid in relaying weather reports to the National Weather Service. Skywarn Coordinator Hank Crofoot (KB2VLP) keeps in close contact with the NWS and puts members on alert if and when needed.
The next FHARA meeting on October 12th will also be held at the Town of German Flatts Town Hall, 555 State Rte 5S, at 7 pm. Tentatively scheduled with final details being worked out will be an Emergency Preparedness Class, which has been well attended in the past. Stay tuned to My Little Falls for final details.
