Reporting Procedure

TELE' System of Reporting

  • T = Time of Observation
  • E = Effect (Hail, Winds, Etc.)
  • L = Location
  • E = Estimated or Measured

    • A sample report would be:

    At 4:35 pm we had pea size hail, winds of about 40 miles per hour, with moderate cloud-to-ground lightning. I am 2 miles southeast of downtown Wakeman, and observations are estimated.

    Report Limitations

    To limit reports to weather conditions of significant nature only, and to avoid the 'Sunshine' reports; only the following conditions should be reported:

  • FUNNEL CLOUD ALOFT
  • TORNADO TOUCHDOWN (including direction and estimated speed of travel, if possible)
  • WALL CLOUD / ROTATING WALL CLOUD (not Roll Cloud)
  • CLOUD ROTATION (Sustained)
  • DAMAGING WINDS (above 58 mph)
  • LARGE HAIL (1/2 inch or larger)
  • FLOODING IN PROGRESS
  • UNUSUALLY HEAVY CLOUD-TO-GROUND LIGHTNING (CG)
  • ANY DAMAGE FROM THE ABOVE

    • SPOTTER'S AIDS

    HAIL - Estimating Size

  • Pea Size = 1/4 inch
  • Dime Size = 1/2 inch
  • Nickel Size = 3/4 inch
  • Quarter Size = 1 inch
  • Golfball Size = 1-3/4 inch

    • WINDSPEED - Estimating

  • 22 -31 mph - Large branches in motion
  • 32 - 38 mph - Whole tree in motion
  • 39 - 54 mph - Twigs break off trees
  • 55 - 72 mph - Shallow trees uprooted
  • 73 - 112 mph - Scattered structural damage

    • RAINFALL - Estimating Rates

    NOTE: The NWS used to have a system to estimate rainfall. However, it is impossible to determine rainfall by the human eye. We ask that you report rainfall by the following criteria:

  • Measured rainfall - with a rainguage and stopwatch - report would be "1/2 inch of rain in 20 minutes."
  • Flooding in progress

    • GENERAL OHIO TORNADO INFORMATION

    Tornadoes usually cone from the southwest and rotate counter-clockwise. They form on the back, or trailing edge, of a thunderstorm. The best position to see a tornado is to the southwest of the storm. Most Ohio tornadoes occur from April to July between 2 PM and 10 PM but keep in mind that they may occur anytime of the year, day or night.