An amateur weather observer and radio ham from Mossel Bay has launched a community-based weather and disaster information service which he hopes will help authorities and the general public to be better prepared when storms hit the area.

Inset:  Weather changes will be monitored and used on a web-based Information Service to forewarn of disasters and inform holidaymakers what to expect. Some residents say that the storm which drove foam up to their doorstep at Herolds Bay was a freak high seas phenomenon which had never been experienced before. Photo: Paul Rixom.

"Sudden storms - like those in August 2007 and early September 2008 from which we’re still struggling to recover - are no longer a rare occurrence," said Johan Terblanche of SAWDIS (the South African Weather and Disaster Information Service).
"These storms are not limited to the Southern Cape Area, either - they affect various parts of South Africa and the gathering of real time weather and disaster data, photos and information is essential for monitoring climate change.
"Weather and disaster observers decided to establish SAWDIS on a voluntary and non-profit basis as a service to the country and our local communities, because we saw a need to improve the quality and quantity of surface weather observations in South Africa," he said.

Amateur radio operators needed
"The pilot project launched in October 2008 seeks to utilise the existing network of amateur radio operators (HAMS) and private weather station operators to improve the reporting of meteorological observations."

Although SAWDIS currently receives no funding or sponsorship, one of its objectives is to create a cooperative observer network that will erect automatic weather stations throughout the country.

"Information can be exchanged effectively by using the Internet and commercial and amateur radio," said Mr Terblanche.
"Not only do roleplayers help bridge the knowledge gap between less developed regions and their more affluent counterparts - they’re also an important source for promoting and improving scientific methodologies and for interpreting weather and disaster observations at grassroots level."

SAWDIS relies on the APRS RF global system which consists of a combination of networks and terrestrial and satellite links that transfer weather-related information around the world - while at the local level, SAWDIS relies on amateur radio operators (HAMS) and their aperture terminal connections to receive and share information.

"APRS helps to ensure real-time information sharing by connecting Weather Services throughout the world - but in South Africa, many areas lack the necessary infrastructure and knowledge to benefit from this information. So, using existing amateur radio networks, the internet and the media, SAWDIS hopes to keep marginalised communities better informed," said Mr Terblanche.

Improved long-range observations
The project is designed to significantly improve long-range and real time observations to enhance the capabilities of organisations like the SA Weather Services, Global Weather Services, HAMNET, Search and Rescue, Working on Fire, Aeronautical Search and Rescue, The NSRI, S.A. Maritime Net and disaster management as well as any other organisation that can use the data.

Volunteer observers needed
"There is an urgent need for members of the public to become weather and disaster observers and SAWDIS is looking for observers in any area of the country," said Mr Terblanche.

"Now is the time to render a service to your community and this beautiful country - as Margaret Mead once said -"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed. It’s the only thing that ever has."
Mossel Bay Tourism will be using Johan’s weather updates on their web site - www.visitmosselbay.co.za - has already been linked to his blog - http://saweatherobserver.blogspot.com.