FSS--Yay! A year's reprieve

[terzap]

http://www.grandforks.com/mld/grandforks/news/12039220.htm

I love having a FSS on the field and knowing I'm talking to local people (some of whom I have met on a facility tour) who know the local weather and whatnot from a lot more than a computer screen.

One year at a time...

terry

 

[Carol]

http://www.grandforks.com/mld/grandforks/news/12039220.htm

I love having a FSS on the field and knowing I'm talking to local people (some of whom I have met on a facility tour) who know the local weather and whatnot from a lot more than a computer screen.

One year at a time...

terry

Good for them!

When I was at Jonesboro even though there is a FSS on the field I called back to Anderson, SC, to get their take on what would be happening the day I was headed back. There's nothing like having local eyes and experience look at the skies as well as the computers and "speak your language" to you.

 

[Ed Guthrie]

http://www.grandforks.com/mld/grandforks/news/12039220.htm

I love having a FSS on the field and knowing I'm talking to local people (some of whom I have met on a facility tour) who know the local weather and whatnot from a lot more than a computer screen.

One year at a time...

terry

So does this mean that the Lockheed contract is suspended for one year? Or does this mean that the contract will begin, but Lockheed will now operate the original number of stations, thus the "savings" promised by the Lockheed contract will now become a cost increase since the Lockheed contract pricing assumed Lockheed could close those stations and consolidate operations?

Why do I feel the safe bet is the later?

My tax dollars at work.

 

[cherokeeflyboy]

Good for them!

When I was at Jonesboro even though there is a FSS on the field I called back to Anderson, SC, to get their take on what would be happening the day I was headed back. There's nothing like having local eyes and experience look at the skies as well as the computers and "speak your language" to you.

Carol,
I hate to bust your bubble however in my opinion, you did just the opposite of what I would do. First, if there is a FSS on the Field,
a face to face brief has always been better than any I got on the phone.
The specialists seem to take more of an interest when in person.
Second, tho qualified, very few take a Human observations (looking at the sky)
at least that is officially reported. The NWS is relying more on automated observations and the human ob are done by NWS personnel.
If the WX was marginal, or questionable, perhaps a call to Anderson after the visit on the field might be prudent, because yes there is something to be said for the local knowledge of wx patterns and the terrain etc.

 

[Carol]

Carol,
I hate to bust your bubble however in my opinion, you did just the opposite of what I would do. First, if there is a FSS on the Field,
a face to face brief has always been better than any I got on the phone.
The specialists seem to take more of an interest when in person.
Second, tho qualified, very few take a Human observations (looking at the sky)
at least that is officially reported. The NWS is relying more on automated observations and the human ob are done by NWS personnel.
If the WX was marginal, or questionable, perhaps a call to Anderson after the visit on the field might be prudent, because yes there is something to be said for the local knowledge of wx patterns and the terrain etc.

I should have been more thorough in my post and for that I apologize. I sometimes omit things that might leave a reader confused as to my intent and I should work on being better about that.

I had talked to FSS on the phone at Jonesboro and got about what I had just read on the computer in my hotel room. I have visited FSS stations and I agree with you that the in-person briefing is the best. I also know our guys at Anderson go outside and observe the weather in addition to what comes down on the machines. They have been onsite for a long time and most of them have an excellent knowledge of local patterns. I combined this information with what I received at JBR and over the internet to make my decisions.

 

[Lawreston]

So does this mean that the Lockheed contract is suspended for one year?

...depends on your definition of is . One would think nothing is cut in stone until the Senate acts in a decision parallel to the House. And then it would need the Bush signature.

HR