![](media/image1.jpeg){width="0.95625in" height="0.95625in"} ***The
Dryline*** ![](media/image2.jpeg){width="0.9777777777777777in"
height="0.8986111111111111in"}

**Very High Fire Danger Continues for the**

**2005-2006 Winter Season**

**By Ken Schneider, Fire Weather Program Leader**

The fire danger has been abnormally high this winter due to warm, dry
and windy conditions. The unseasonably warm and dry conditions are the
result of a persistent ridge of high pressure in the upper atmosphere,
that has dominated the weather pattern across the western half of the
United States. Many windy days have occurred as strong surface troughs
of low pressure have consistently developed in the lee of the Rocky
Mountains. Fuels (i.e. native grasses, shrubs, etc.), which go dormant
every winter, are even drier than normal due to the windy conditions and
the lack of precipitation. The result is a situation where the wildfire
potential is very high, and can be particularly dangerous on windy days,
when fires can quickly burn out of control, consuming thousands of acres
and endangering homes, businesses and other structures in their paths.
The winter months (November through February) are normally dry, with
just over one-half inch of precipitation typically occurring during each
month. However, the dry spell began in October, when a rainfall deficit
of 1.08 inches was observed. November was 0.49 inches below normal,
December was 0.58 inches below normal, and January was 0.60 inches

(Continued on next page)

![](media/image3.jpeg){width="3.2958333333333334in" height="2.5in"}

**Fig. 1. Grassland fire over northwest Amarillo on January 7, 2006
(Courtesy of NWS Amarillo)**

**Very High Fire Danger Continues for the 2005-06 Winter Season
(continued)**

below normal. According to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor, much of the
Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles is experiencing a moderate drought. The
outlook from the NWS Climate Prediction Center shows little hope for
improvement, as the dry and warm weather is expected to continue for the
remainder of the winter season.

Several Red Flag fire events have occurred this winter season across all
or portions of the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles. A Red Flag event
occurs when specific critieria are met, which include relative humidity
values at or below 15 percent and 20-foot (above the ground) winds at or
above 20 mph for a period of at least 3 hours. During November, Red Flag
events occurred on the 3rd, 4th, and 26th. December resulted in only one
Red Flag event, which occurred on the 2nd day of the month. The new year
began with active wildfires in the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles. On New
Year's Day, a wildfire located just northeast of Shamrock burned nearly
3,100 acres. On January 3rd, a large wildfire occurred in Beaver County
in the eastern Oklahoma Panhandle. The largest wildfire burned
approximately 23,000 acres in Donley County on January 5th. The Amarillo
area experienced several wildfires on January 7^th^ (Fig.1). One
grassfire occurred just northeast of Amarillo, while the other two
occurred just north and northwest of Amarillo. Three wildfires were
reported north of Hereford on January 12th, along with several small
grassfires in and around the Amarillo area. It is important to note that
even if a Red Flag Warning is not issued, the potential for fire
ignition remains high due to the extended dry spell and extremely dry
fuels.

The Texas Forest Service has declared a high risk of accidental
wildfires owing to the drought conditions across much of the state. The
Texas Forest Service Director, Mr. Jim Hull, has stated that this
winter's fire season is the worst he's seen in nearly ten
years...\[and\] is urging Texans to remain on their guard against any
actions that could result in additional wildfires in the state, and
offers this advice: *if a wildfire escapes an initial attack, residents
are advised to evacuate immediately for a safe zone. Mayors and county
judges in Texas have the authority to issue mandatory evacuations*.

All counties in the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles have burn bans in
effect. These burn bans will likely stay in effect for some time, as the
outlook for the remainder of the winter season calls for above normal
fire potential.

Additional fire weather information can be found on the National Weather
Service Amarillo's Fire Weather Page located at:

<http://www.srh.noaa.gov/ama/fire_weather/>

or by contacting the Fire Weather Program Leader at:

[Ken.Schneider@noaa.gov](../Ken.Schneider@noaa.gov%20)

**2005 Weather Review**

**By John Brost,**

**Journeyman Forecaster**

The National Weather Service in Ama­rillo compiled a 2005 summary of
nota­ble weather records and events for the Texas and Oklahoma
Panhandles. 2005 was an interesting year! Although 2004 was the 9th
wettest year on record, 2005 became the 15th driest year since 1892
(when records began in Amarillo). A rare May snowstorm occurred on May
2nd, which was one of the latest measurable snowfalls on record (Fig.
2). The biggest snowstorm occurred in mid- March, when nearly a foot
fell in Ama­rillo. Widespread severe thunderstorms, six tornadoes and
flash flooding struck the area on June 11th, including the Amarillo
area. There was a total of 15 tornadoes for the year, which was below
the average of 21. The year ended slightly warmer than normal, despite
the fact that 7 months recorded cooler-than-normal temperatures (Fig.
3). 2005 went on record as the 42nd warmest year on record. In Amarillo,
there was only one day when the temperature met or surpassed 100
degrees, and there was only one day when the temperature fell below
zero.

**2005 Summary for Amarillo:**

**Highest Temperature = 102° on July 3rd**

**Lowest Temperature = (-3°) on December 7th**

**Average High Temperature = 70.5°**

**Average Low Temperature = 44.4°**

**Average Temp = 57.5° / Normal is 56.9°**

**Total Precipitation = 15.00 inches**

**Normal Yearly Precipitation is 19.71 inches**

**Total Snowfall for the Year = 22.4 inches**

**Normal Yearly Snowfall is 15.6 inches**

**For a detailed report of the 2005 weather summary, go to: [2005
weather review](http://www.srh.noaa.gov/ama/climate/2005wxreview.htm)**

![](media/image4.wmf){width="3.225in" height="3.375in"}

**Fig. 2. 2005 Precipitation and Snow vs Normal**

![](media/image5.wmf){width="3.3in" height="3.5548611111111112in"}

**Fig 3. 2005 Temperatures vs Normal**

**Winter Weather Outlook -- Weak La Niña Develops**

**By Richard Wynne, Science and Operations Officer**

Weather scientists, who watch for signs of change that could impact our
weather in the coming months, have noticed some trends. The equatorial
Pacific waters from the International Date Line to the South American
coast have been cooler than normal over the last several months. Winds
that usually blow from east to west in this area have been stronger than
normal. This increases the upwelling of cold water along the North and
South American coasts, which can affect everything from life in the
ocean to the weather. The trends have continued long enough for
scientists to conclude that we are in a weak La Niña episode.

As far as the weather pattern for the United States is concerned, high
pressure forms off the California coast and the path that Pacific
weather systems follow is deflected northward. This would tend to leave
the Southern Plains dry and warm, especially during the winter months.
So far this winter (Fig. 4 and 5), West Texas has been just that -- warm
and dry!! From September 2005 to January 2006, Amarillo received only
0.81 inches of precipitation. Normally, one would expect around 5.30
inches for the same period. In the northern U.S., cool and wet weather
will continue.

The climate computer models point to more of the same for the U.S. in
the coming months. Scientists' confidence in the computer models is high
because of how well the models have fit the recent observed weather
data. The U.S. Seasonal Drought Outlook indicates dry conditions to
persist across West Texas at least through March.

![](media/image6.jpeg){width="2.9208333333333334in" height="1.90625in"}
![](media/image7.jpeg){width="2.925in" height="1.9034722222222222in"}

**Fig. 4. Winter Temperature Outlook** **Fig. 5. Winter Precipitation
Outlook**

**Co-Op Highlights**

![](media/image8.jpeg){width="2.55in" height="1.9125in"}

**Fig. 6. Darrell Sehorn (right) receives 35-yr Service Award from José
Garcia. (Courtesy of NWS Amarillo**

**Darrell Sehorn -- Pampa, Texas**

Darrell was recognized by the National Weather Service for 35 years of
service in reporting weather observations for Pampa. José Garcia (left),
Meteorologist In Charge, presented Darrell with his award. Darrell is
also known for his service in warning Pampa residents of the June 8,
1995 tornado, which damaged parts of western Pampa.

◄

**Tommy Hudson -- Wellington, Texas** Tommy was awarded a certificate of
appreciation from the National Weather Service for his 20 years of
dedication and service as a weather observer. From left, Glen Woodall,
Observation Pro­gram Leader; José Garcia, Meteorologist In Charge;
Tabatha Tripp, Cooperative Program Leader; and John Cockrell, Senior
Forecaster were present to honor Tommy (center) on August 25, 2005. ►

![](media/image9.jpeg){width="2.423611111111111in"
height="1.8395833333333333in"}

> **Fig. 7. NWS Staff presents Tommy Hudson (center) 20-yr Service
> Award. (Courtesy of NWS Amarillo)**

**[Cooperative Weather Program Is Growing!]{.underline}**

We have two new cooperative weather observation sites near Hedley and
Pampa, TX.

![](media/image10.jpeg){width="2.459722222222222in"
height="1.8611111111111112in"}

> **Fig. 8. Hedley, TX - 2 miles east (Courtesy of NWS Amarillo)**

![](media/image11.jpeg){width="2.5104166666666665in"
height="1.8881944444444445in"}

> **Fig. 9. Pampa, Texas - 3 miles east (Courtesy of NWS Amarillo)**

**Weather 101 - How does snow form?**

**By Richard Wynne, Science and Operations Officer**

This time of year, a lot of people call to ask us how snow forms. Snow
needs cer­tain ingredients in order to form. First of all, ice-forming
nuclei must be present. The most common is kaolinite, which is a clay
particle. Ice crystals can form on these parti­cles in 3 ways. The most
common method is by a process called sublimation. Sublima­tion occurs
when water, in its gaseous phase (water vapor), deposits directly onto
the clay particle as a solid ice crystal without going through the
liquid phase. Ice crystals can form on particles in other ways. The
water droplets that make up clouds are very tiny. These tiny droplets
can actually remain in liquid form when cloud temperatures fall be­low
freezing, as what scientists call supercooled water droplets. If there
are some parti­cles floating around in the supercooled cloud, another way
ice crystals can form is if the droplets come in contact with the
particles. A third way is if the supercooled water droplets contain a
particle around which the crystal can form. Ice formation can occur
starting at cloud temperatures of just under -4˚C (25˚F) depending on
the type of parti­cles present. Research shows that by -10˚C (14˚F), half
of the clouds contain some ice crystals. At temperatures lower than
-18˚C (\~ 0˚F) nearly all clouds should contain ice crystals. Crystal
shapes depend on the temperature at which they form (Fig. 10).

![](media/image12.png){width="5.319444444444445in"
height="1.5027777777777778in"}

> **Fig. 10. Correlation between crystal shapes and temperatures in
> which they are formed. (Source: The Weather Book (USATODAY))**

Once the ice crystals start forming, they grow as water vapor encounters
ice crystals, quickly turns to liquid water, and then freezes on the ice
surfaces. Once the crystals grow large enough, they begin to fall. As
they fall, they will grow even more quickly as the ice crystals collide
with liquid water droplets, and stick to each other. Eventually, enough
of the crystals stick together where they form the familiar flakes that
we see. If the temper-atures remain low enough all the way to the
surface, the flakes will reach the ground.

Many times, a warm air layer will exist between the cold snow clouds and
the ground. If the warm layer allows the snow flakes to melt slightly
and then refreeze before they reach the ground, then we may see sleet or
perhaps ice pellets, depending on the temperature structure and the
depth of the warm layer. Sometimes the ice crystals will melt and reach
the surface as liquid, only to freeze instantly when they touch a cold
object such as a metal car roof. Then we experience freezing rain.

Reference: <http://www.crh.noaa.gov/arx/micro/micrope.php>

**Science and Technology**

**By Matthew Kramar, Science and Training Team Leader**

As skillful as current forecasts can be, advances in forecasting
techniques cannot be made without new meteorological research.  Some
scientific papers have appeared recently, based on local research, that
highlight exciting developments in severe weather forecasting in the
Southern Plains.

**The "Owl Horn" Radar Signature in Developing Southern Plains
Supercells**

*By Matthew R. Kramar, Howard B. Bluestein, Andrew L. Pazmany and John
D. Tuttle*

The National Weather Service Doppler radar is a forecaster's primary
tool in diagnosing severe thunderstorms and issuing appropriate
warnings.  Radar research conducted over countless years has yielded
many useful radar signatures that make the diagnostic work of the
warning forecaster easier: the BWER (bounded weak-echo region) depicting
a strong thunderstorm updraft; the TBSS (three-body scatter spike)
implying the presence of large hail; and the hook echo suggesting a very
strong mesocyclone and possible fu­ture tornado formation.  Matthew
Kramar, a forecaster with WFO Amarillo, re­cently published a paper on a
new signature that he and  a team from the University of Oklahoma
discovered, called the "Owl Horn" signature.  The signature, which was
ob­served in the reflectivity pattern on the rear side of developing
supercell thunderstorms, is so-named because the pattern resembles the
profile of a Great Horned Owl (Fig. 11).

![](media/image13.jpeg){width="2.466666666666667in"
height="3.1326388888888888in"}

![](media/image14.jpeg){width="2.475in" height="3.138888888888889in"}

**Fig. 11. The \"Owl Horn\" signature is seen in a low-level Plan
Position Indicator (PPI) scan as two reflectivity protrusions at the
rear side of an isolated thunderstorm with respect to its motion (top of
left image). The storm signature resembles the profile of the Great
Horned Owl, seen at right. (Photograph used in accordance with Corel
Stock Photograph licensing)**

(Continued on next page)

**The "Owl Horn" Radar Signature in Developing Southern Plains
Supercells (continued)**

The signature was determined to be an indication of a splitting
thunderstorm (although not every splitting thunderstorm produces the
signature) and is a result of highly focused low-level rotation.  This
information is of use to a warning forecaster, who can then identify the
storm as potentially stronger than storms around it and make decisions
accordingly.  In addition, every storm that produced an "Owl Horn"
signature also later produced a funnel cloud or tornado.  Although there
is only observational evidence to this effect, the signature could also
alert the warning forecaster to the possibility of tornado development
at a later time in the storm owing to the low-level rotation already in
place.  The "Owl Horn" signature was observed on storms in the Texas
Panhandle on 15 May 2003, as well as 17 and 21 June 2004, all of which
became tornadic supercells. For more information on this paper, go to:

[W:\\web_page\\dryline\\winter2006\\OwlHornFinal.pdf](../../../../../../../../W:/web_page/dryline/winter2006/OwlHornFinal.pdf)

**The Moisture Route of Palo Duro Canyon**

*By Kevin Walter, Christopher Weiss and Andrew Swift*

The Caprock is commonly thought to play a potentially significant role
in the movement of the dryline and the development of thunderstorms
owing to the elevation changes it provides.  But it has long been
speculated that the Palo Duro Canyon itself serves as a moisture
channel, allowing warm, moist air to be funneled into the Texas
Panhandle on southeasterly winds, and subsequently spread onto the
Plains as the air reaches the Caprock escarpment.

Kevin Walter, a graduate student of meteorology at Texas Tech
University, used a vehicle-mounted mobile mesonet to address this
speculation.  On two occasions when winds were expected to be from the
southeast, Kevin conducted transects of the Palo Duro Canyon by driving
across the canyon and measuring, at routine intervals, temperature,
dewpoint and wind direction and speed as he moved through.  Preliminary
evidence showed that higher quantities of moisture were found inside the
canyon than outside, which could support the original speculation that
the Palo Duro Canyon often serves as an efficient method for moisture
return to the Texas Panhandle given appropriate meteorological
conditions.  These results will no doubt have future implications in the
forecasting of dryline movement and subsequent thunderstorm formation.
For more information on this research, go to:

[W:\\web_page\\dryline\\winter2006\\WalterEtAl.pdf](../../../../../../../../W:/web_page/dryline/winter2006/WalterEtAl.pdf)

**WSR-88 Doppler Radar Upgrade Installed**

**By John Cockrell, Radar Focal Point**

In early December 2005, the latest upgrade to the Amarillo National
Weather Service radar was completed. The powerful and highly sensitive
NEXRAD (Next Generation Radar), also known as the WSR-88D (Weather
Surveillance Radar - Doppler capability, 1988 initial design year) has
been improved further, and is ready for the upcoming severe thunderstorm
season.

The new Open Radar Data Acquisition (ORDA) upgrade provides improved
quality to Base Data (reflectivity, Doppler velocity, and spectrum
width).  This means that National Weather Service meteorologists will be
able to view thunderstorm structure in greater detail due to improved
resolution in the data display.  The meteorologists will be able to
observe thunderstorm processes occurring on a smaller scale, allowing us
to detect more subtle features. The information gained from certain
nuances will offer the potential to detect severe thunderstorms and
tornadoes more readily, and perhaps to provide greater advance notice
(longer lead time) to the people of the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles
when a warning is is­sued.

Other benefits from the ORDA include improved clutter suppression,
faster processing speeds in the signal processor, a reduction of certain
types of erroneous reflectivity and velocity data (Fig. 12), a better
calibrated radar with simplified calibration procedures, and a flexible
design which is ready to accept future improvements.

![](media/image15.wmf){width="2.6756944444444444in" height="2.5375in"}

![](media/image16.wmf){width="2.6756944444444444in"
height="2.546527777777778in"}

**Fig. 12. Batch elevation reflectivity (left) with All Bin suppression
applied to the high segement. Note the ring of reduced reflectivity,
which is associated with the end of the first trip in the velocity data
(right).**

Number range CHAPTER**In [Your]{.underline} Community\...**

The National Weather Service in Amarillo has participated in numerous
outreach events since our last Dryline, is­sued in November 2005. We
would love to participate in an event **In [Your]{.underline}
Community**!! To schedule the NWS in your next community event, please
email Steve Drillette at
[[steve.drillette@noaa.gov]{.underline}](mailto:steve.drillette@noaa.gov)
or call 806-335-1121.

+---------+-----------------+------------------------------------------+
| Ongoing | Kids Weather    | NWS Meteorologists answer kids questions |
| thru    | Hour            | live on NOAA Weather Radio each Friday   |
| May     |                 | at 9 am. To sign up or for more info,    |
| 2006    | Texas Panhandle | visit <http://www.srh.noaa.gov/ama/>     |
|         | Schools         |                                          |
+---------+-----------------+------------------------------------------+
| Nov 16, | Career Day -    | NWS Amarillo participated in Career Day  |
| 2005    | Bonham M.S.     | activities at local middle school.       |
|         |                 |                                          |
|         | Amarillo, TX    |                                          |
+---------+-----------------+------------------------------------------+
| Nov 28, | Canyon Cub      | WCM Steve Drillette presented a severe   |
| 2005    | Scouts          | weather program to approximately 200 Cub |
|         |                 | Scouts.                                  |
|         | Canyon, TX      |                                          |
+---------+-----------------+------------------------------------------+
| Nov 29, | Age Diversity   | WCM Steve Drillette attended an Age      |
| 2005    | Workshop        | Diversity Workshop sponsored by Amarillo |
|         |                 | College.                                 |
|         | Amarillo, TX    |                                          |
+---------+-----------------+------------------------------------------+
| Nov 29, | Career Day -    | NWS Amarillo participated in Career Day  |
| 2005    | Coronado        | activities for first grade students at a |
|         | Elementary      | local elementary school.                 |
|         | School          |                                          |
|         |                 |                                          |
|         | Amarillo, TX    |                                          |
+---------+-----------------+------------------------------------------+
| Nov 30, | WTAMU Education | 50 students from WTAMU toured the NWS    |
| 2005    | Students        | Office in Amarillo.                      |
|         |                 |                                          |
|         | Canyon, TX      |                                          |
+---------+-----------------+------------------------------------------+
| Dec 2,  | Holiday Lights  | NWS staff and their families entered and |
| 2005    | Parade          | participated in the annual Night of      |
|         |                 | Lights Holiday parade in downtown        |
|         | Amarillo, TX    | Amarillo.                                |
+---------+-----------------+------------------------------------------+
| Dec 6,  | Winter Weather  | NWS staff went on-air to promote WWAD.   |
| 2005    | Awareness Day   | Interviews were conducted with KGNC-AM,  |
|         | (WWAD)          | KGNC-FM, & Clearchannel Radio stations   |
|         |                 | in Amarillo, KXDJ in Perryton, and KGYN  |
|         |                 | in Guymon. For more info visit           |
|         |                 |                                          |
|         |                 | <http:/                                  |
|         |                 | /www.nws.noaa.gov/om/winter/index.shtml> |
+---------+-----------------+------------------------------------------+
| Dec 8,  | Potter County   | Forecaster Jason Jordan trained members  |
| 2006    | Fire & Rescue   | of the Potter County Fire & Rescue the   |
|         |                 | basics of how to use handheld GPS        |
|         | Amarillo, TX    | equipment.                               |
+---------+-----------------+------------------------------------------+
| Dec 12, | Cub Scouts,     | A local cub scout group and parents      |
| 2005    | Amarillo, TX    | toured the NWS Amarillo office.          |
+---------+-----------------+------------------------------------------+
| Jan 9,  | Rotary Club,    | Forecaster Ed Andrade spoke to a local   |
| 2006    | Amarillo, TX    | Rotary Club on the Spring severe weather |
|         |                 | season outlook.                          |
+---------+-----------------+------------------------------------------+
| Jan 9,  | St. Vincent De  | WCM Steve Drillette spoke to 30 students |
| 2006    | Paul School     | about weather at a local Catholic        |
|         |                 | elementary school.                       |
|         | Pampa, TX       |                                          |
+---------+-----------------+------------------------------------------+
| Jan 9,  | Red Cross Open  | WCM Steve Drillette attended the         |
| 2006    | House           | Amarillo Red Cross Open House and became |
|         |                 | acquainted with the new Executive        |
|         | Amarillo, TX    | Director.                                |
+---------+-----------------+------------------------------------------+
| Jan 26, | Sleepy Hollow   | 24 5^th^ grade students toured the NWS   |
| 2006    | Elementary      | office from a local elementary school.   |
|         |                 |                                          |
|         | Amarillo, TX    |                                          |
+---------+-----------------+------------------------------------------+
| Feb 2,  | Lions Club      | MIC Jose Garcia gave a local Lions Club  |
| 2006    |                 | a presentation on NWS Operations and the |
|         | Amarillo, TX    | ongoing drought.                         |
+---------+-----------------+------------------------------------------+
| Feb 3,  | Lakeview        | 88 2^nd^ grade students from an          |
| 2006    | Elementary      | elementary school in Canyon toured the   |
|         |                 | NWS office.                              |
|         | Canyon, TX      |                                          |
+---------+-----------------+------------------------------------------+

**Upcoming Events Currently Scheduled**

+-------------+----------------------+--------------------------------+
| Mid Feb -   | Severe Storm Spotter | WCM Steve Drillette and staff  |
| April 2006  | Training Courses     | will train local storm         |
|             | Texas & Oklahoma     | spotters. To schedule a class  |
|             | Panhandles           | **In [Your]{.underline}        |
|             |                      | Community**, contact Steve at  |
|             |                      | (806) 335-1121 or              |
|             |                      | [steve.d                       |
|             |                      | rillette@noaa.gov]{.underline} |
|             |                      | Check out the current class    |
|             |                      | schedule at [Spotter Training  |
|             |                      | Schedule](htt                  |
|             |                      | p://www.srh.noaa.gov/ama/spott |
|             |                      | er_training_sched/sptrain.htm) |
+-------------+----------------------+--------------------------------+
| Feb 13 -    | Forest Hill          | NWS staff will participate in  |
| 17, 2006    | Elementary           | Career Day activities each day |
|             |                      | for a different elementary     |
|             | Amarillo, TX         | grade.                         |
+-------------+----------------------+--------------------------------+
| Feb 26 -    | Severe Weather       | Public Spotter Training at 11  |
| Mar 4 2006  | Awareness Week       | AM, March 4^th^ at Amarillo    |
|             |                      | College Business & Industry    |
|             |                      | Center on South Polk Street in |
|             |                      | Amarillo. For other events,    |
|             |                      | see [Spotter Training          |
|             |                      | Schedule](htt                  |
|             |                      | p://www.srh.noaa.gov/ama/spott |
|             |                      | er_training_sched/sptrain.htm) |
+-------------+----------------------+--------------------------------+
| Mar 24,     | Fannin Middle School | NWS staff will make a weather  |
| 2006        | 6^th^ Grade          | presentation to the 6^th^      |
|             |                      | grade at a local middle        |
|             | Amarillo, TX         | school.                        |
+-------------+----------------------+--------------------------------+
| Mar 28,     | Yarborough           | WCM Steve Drillette will speak |
| 2006        | Elementary School    | to the 4^th^ and 5^th^ graders |
|             |                      | at an elementary school in the |
|             | Eva, OK              | Oklahoma Panhandle.            |
+-------------+----------------------+--------------------------------+
| Mar 30,     | Safety Fair          | NWS personnel will staff a     |
| 2006        |                      | booth at a Safety Fair at      |
|             | Clarendon, TX        | Clarendon College.             |
+-------------+----------------------+--------------------------------+
| Mar 31,     | Fannin Middle School | NWS staff will make a weather  |
| 2006        | 8^th^ Grade          | presentation to the 8^th^      |
|             |                      | grade at a local middle        |
|             | Amarillo, TX         | school.                        |
+-------------+----------------------+--------------------------------+
| Apr 8, 2006 | Foster Parents       | WCM Steve Drillette will speak |
|             | Organization         | to a local Foster Parent       |
|             |                      | Organization on Basic Storm    |
|             | Amarillo, TX         | Spotting and Severe Weather    |
|             |                      | Safety.                        |
+-------------+----------------------+--------------------------------+
| Apr 19 -    | WTAMU Students       | WTAMU Education Majors will    |
| 20, 2006    |                      | tour the NWS Forecast Office.  |
|             | Canyon, TX           |                                |
+-------------+----------------------+--------------------------------+
| May 3, 2006 | Career Fair,         | NWS Amarillo will participate  |
|             |                      | in the Top Of Texas Career     |
|             | Canyon, TX           | Fair at West Texas A&M         |
|             |                      | University.                    |
+-------------+----------------------+--------------------------------+
| May 9, 2006 | BusinessConnection   | NWS Amarillo will staff a      |
|             | 2006                 | booth at the annual            |
|             |                      | BusinessConnection event       |
|             | Amarillo Civic       | sponsored by the Amarillo      |
|             | Center               | Chamber of Commerce.           |
|             |                      |                                |
|             | Amarillo, TX         |                                |
+-------------+----------------------+--------------------------------+

**Severe Storm Spotter Training has Begun**

**By Steve Drillette, Warning Coordination Meteorologist**

***[Attention: Emergency Managers, Local Fire and Law Enforcement
Departments, HAMS, and other Skywarn Groups]{.underline}***

Severe storm season is just around the corner! NOW is the time to
schedule your severe storm spotting training sessions.

Once again, this year's program has been improved based on input we
received from you. More graphics and video are part of this year's
program. We will conduct training beginning in mid-February and continue
through April. We strongly encourage Skywarn groups to receive train­ing
every year, but if you did not receive training last year, it is
critical that you schedule this year. If your community has not
participated in the past, but you would like to become part of the
Skywarn family, please let us know.

To reserve your spot on the calender, contact Steve Drillette at
806-335-1121 or by email at
[steve.drillette@noaa.gov](../steve.drillette@noaa.gov). Dates fill up
fast, so get your requests in quickly! Look for the Skywarn training
schedule on our website at [Spotter Training
Schedule](http://www.srh.noaa.gov/ama/spotter_training_sched/sptrain.htm).

**Farewell and Welcome**

There have been some recent staff changes at your National Weather
Service office. Last November, the office bid farewell to longtime
Journeyman Forecaster Rob Slattery. Rob had been a forecaster at
Amarillo since 1994 and was one of the first forecasters selected when
the office modernized and accepted full forecasting and warning
responsi­bilities for the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles. Rob worked as
the office's first Web­master and also served as the Aviation program
leader. Rob is now pursuing his love of aviation weather at the Center
Weather Service Unit in Memphis, TN.

To begin the year, the office welcomed our new Journeyman Forecaster,
Mike Johnson. Mike served as an Intern and Journeyman Forecaster at the
National Weather Service of­fice in Corpus Christi, TX. We are pleased to
have Mike at the Amarillo office, and he offers seasoned forecaster
experience to our excellent staff.

At the end of January, we said goodbye to Meteorologist Intern Steven
Ippoliti. Steven served at the office for about one year. He worked to
update all of our storm spotter contacts and compiled these into
software and guides that we can use easily during severe weather. Steven
was promoted to a Journeyman Forecaster position at Elko, NV.