When the skies open up and the precipitation begins to fall, the National Weather Service relies on a system of volunteer local observers scattered across the country who report rain, hail and snowfall totals.
The volunteers are members of the Community Collaborate Rain, Hail, and Snow network — known as CoCoRaHS — which is now on the lookout for new members. There are currently about 31 participants between James City County and Williamsburg, and an additional 10 participants in York County.
“That’s pretty good coverage,” said NWS Meteorologist Dan Proch of the Historic Triangle’s participation rate. “But we’re always looking for more.”
The participants are especially helpful during large rain events as their individual measurements help NWS figure out rainfall totals across the region. Outside of CoCoRaHS, NWS has a few computer systems installed primarily in airports that track weather conditions and rainfall, however those systems are spread out. There is also a cooperative program of volunteers similar to CoCoRaHS. Proch said the paricipants in these programs fill in the gaps, which is “very helpful” to NWS’ mission.
CoCoRaHS participants should expect to go outside and check a rain gauge everyday. Information should be inputted no later than 7 a.m.
“It’s not a lot of work, but you’re definitely going to need to be there most mornings to be able to report your rainfall or lack of rainfall,” Proch said.
Weather enthusiasts of all ages are welcome to join CoCoRaHS. The startup costs are minimal, with participants needing a rain gauge — available for about $30 — and some hail pads, which can be obtained from local CoCoRaHS coordinators. After either attending an in-person training session or viewing the training slide show available on the group’s webpage, observers can then begin reporting their findings online.
Observers go out and take measurements of precipitation from as many locations as possible, which are then recorded online. That data are then displayed and organized for a range of users, from people analyzing water resources to those who are curious how much rain fell in their back yard, according to the CoCoRaHS website.
The group is sponsored by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Science Foundation and a host of universities and scientific organizations.
Read more about CoCoRaHS by visiting the program’s website here. An application for the program, which can be submitted online, is available here.
