The West Island Weather Station of Fairhaven Massachusetts is one of the most technologically advanced PWS weather stations in the world. WIWS is recognized by both national and International weather organizations and continues to achieve high rankings.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
After going through HURRICANE BOB, a little bee almost claimed a victim
By M.L.Baron, KA1WBH West Island Weather Station
CableVision of Fairhaven/Acushnet Ma had miles of cable lines downed by Hurricane Bob, that impacted the Southcoast of Massachusetts. Cable services to homes and businesses were torn off by high winds, debris and fallen trees. Cable TV crews, Utility workers and contractors flowed into the area to render assistance. The cable company was short on communications gear so I provided some of my portable radios from my weather station. As program director for Fairhaven/Acushnet public access Cable 2 , not much could be done immediately after the storm. The station was without power, however the studio van's generator provided some electricity to the building with badly needed lighting and power to some of the electronics.
I monitored cable radio traffic when all of a sudden, a frantic call for help came over one of my loaned radios. A crew working way out near the Acushnet/Freetown line was in serious trouble. Yellow jacket bees were a nuisance all over the place from fallen trees disturbing their nests and where very aggressive and agitated. Numerous workers were stung. Shortly after one crew member was stung, he had a violent reaction and fell to the ground. There was only one worker with him far out at the Freetown/Acushnet line. He made a frantic call on the 2-way radio and barely made a readable signal. He stated his partner had stopped breathing and was turning blue after being stung. The manager at the cable office was startled and said, "I don't know what to tell you!".
I took control of the frequency, and immediately called the Acushnet Police Department for an ambulance.I spoke with dispatcher Mrs Richard, and told her to get in touch with the ambulance via radio NOW and relay to me first aid to get the victim breathing immediately "or I was going to lose him". The ambulance gave instructions over their frequency and I copied the radio traffic and carefully relayed the instructions step by step to the victim's co-worker on his radio. I had to move fast because I didn't know how much power their portable radio had left. I remember the EMT's saying to get the victims head face up and neck straight so that his wind pipe would be unobstructed, and then they guided us with mouth to mouth resuscitation procedures.
The seconds it took to go through this felt like an eternity, I can only imagine what the co-worker was going through trying to save his friends life. In the meantime the ambulance was going as fast as safely possible dodging debris and fallen trees to get to the scene a dozen miles away. There was a brief moment of silence on frequency and the Acushnet EMT asked for an update, I radioed the co-worker and he appeared to be crying, and stated that his friend had started breathing again! It's amazing how a little yellow jacket could have brought down a burly 285lb man. I'll never forget the cable man giving me a hefty hand shake days afterward,he thanked me for saving his life. I advised him it was a team effort and that his co-worker who kept a cool head is the real hero.
Just to recap, it is important to note that up to 50% of hurricane casualties can occur long after the storm has passed from the hazards that are left behind.
Monday, July 27, 2009
August 19, 1991 Hurricane Bob The Earliest named hurricane to strike Southern New England:
August 19, 1991 I saw the hand of God, Hurricane Bob eye over my head at 2:58 PM, Barometer Pressure 28.48 IN, the rotating circus of clouds and beautiful blue sky, after being out on duty and experienced winds of 110MPH. I didn't know if I was coming home that day. I had a 1 yr and 3 yr old and wife hunkered down. I had a duty and do it all over again. I had the responsibility as a weather spotter and reported live to the only surviving media source left on the air and that was WNBH 1340AM. Tens of thousands listened to the unfolding drama and uncertainty that could affect them. When a peak wind gust of 110 MPH struck my van, antennas blew off my roof and knocked me off the air. Through the sea soaked windshield I was the only one left on scene at the Hurricane Barrier. WNBH kept calling for me with no response. They as well as the listening audience thought I was gone or badly injured. I stared out to the surge and wondered if this was how I was going to leave this earth. With the howling winds tearing away at my van, rocking side to side I suddenly had an epiphany-total silence and peace embraced me as I stared at the angry sea. Then thought what the hell am I doing here?I checked my radio equipment and had 1 operating radio left with intact antenna. I proceeded to program in the frequency to reach WNBH news room. I keyed up several times with no luck. I stepped outside the truck and noticed the antenna had flipped over but was able to remount outside in elements. Got back in, keyed up the mike and a miracle! MLBaron was back on the air after a 20 minute gap. The WNBH crew was leaping with joy. Now was the time to get the hell out of here. The most poignant sight aside up all the destruction as I was returning to base, I briefly stopped by a house to look back of my truck to see what was tossed around., and I saw a couple by their window with a radio waving to me and giving the "thumbs up"! Then I realized that what I was here for, to give a sense of reassurance to those listening that everything was going to be OK.
Returned to base, with studio van beat up a little bit in Hurricane Bob almost got shit canned for this gig, refused a direct order to retreat get back when weather was getting bad
1.6 Billion dollars in damage, South Coast Massachusetts devasted in Hurricane Bob
http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=124954326856&h=W4JHW&u=NXJqC&ref=mf
I'll never forget when this storm departed, the immense contrast of black sky and brilliant colors in the clouds, oranges, green, blue sky and sun breaking through after Mother Nature was on the rampage
http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=105280198247&h=v2I6y&u=l641c&ref=mf
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
westislandweather.com
taking on the big boys by storm
West Island of Fairhaven,MA is getting on the map around the world via it's own weather station located on Bluepoint Rd. along the Fir St side of the West Island State Reservation.
The West Island Weather Station website has gained international recognition and has recently been rated #1 around the world competing against Germany, Norway, Great Britain,Spain, Greece and more in automated and personal weather stations multiple times.
There are literally thousands of weather websites on the internet. Most weather web sites are listed on weather station search engines and weather web finders. The sites are ranked by the number of visitors and some can be voted on. "I'm amazed at the attention little West Island gets around the world. I've made many contacts and new friends in several countries, which is ironic for a guy who doesn't travel!" stated M.L.Baron who is the stations webmaster and operator.
One of the primary features is the station's state of the art weather programs and instrumentation of which some is designed to military specification. The computer systems that process the information from the station's tower gear is gathered and distributed via a complex configuration of computer networks..
This is where M.L.Baron's "secret weapon" plays the most important role. Mark L. Baron Jr., ML's 19 yr old son has the intense technical expertise that is required to maintain one of the most technically advanced PWS weather stations in the world. He started "opening up" computers and taking them apart when he was about 7.
"You have to keep in mind that a weather station web site this is not just another internet site that you throw together, let it out there and forget about it. Routine servicing of gear at the West Island Weather Station tower in Fairhaven,MA occurs year round, weather permitting". Baron stated. Inspection of tower structure, wiring and instrumentation keeps the SkyWarn rig fine tuned. Since 1992 the WIWS tower has been though historic and significant storms including the March 1993 "Super-Storm" (one of the most powerful winter storms along the Eastern seaboard since records were kept) along with numerous blizzards, thunder storms, hail storms and a few powerful tropical storms. The tower nicknamed "Dorothy" was erected by Peter Jarosik-KA1WBE. The tower's multi SkyCam array gives you a bird's eye view for almost 360 degrees across the horizon. The south coast of New England makes West Island one of the region's most active weather stations with constant weather action almost on a daily basis. Not a week goes by without being in a small craft advisory or a higher warning getting posted. The location makes for a favorite site to visit to see whats going on with the weather.
M.L.Baron says "I am indeed proud to be representing our country and my hometown in a unique way. As the West Island Weather Station's popular slogan says: "Weather...You Like It or Not!" applies to everyone no matter where you're from."
Subject: Letter
Date: Wed, 10 Jun 2009 08:07:51 -0400
Judy Tonnessen never took the easy way out, and The Town of Fairhaven will not forget her. She led a candle light march down Main St to a vigil at town hall in 1983. The early eighties in Fairhaven were bad years of confusion, anger, and fear. The PCB issues and it’s correlation to children’s sickness and deaths around Cushman Park brought nationwide attention. The reality hit hard when a news reporter knocked at my door in 1982 and she asked what I thought of the death of 12 year old Frankie down the street. He died of Leukemia. He lived on Main St along Cushman Park. There were other sick kids in the neighborhood too. The Cushman Park PCB theory remains inconclusive to this day. The group L.I.F.E.: Living in A Fairer Environment was spearheaded by Judith Tonnessen. This initiative was extraordinary during a volatile situation. The goal appeared to be simple,to bring about environmental awareness to the community. However, the PCB contamination in the area had one of the highest levels in the country. The hardest part was getting answers, and the questions brought about more questions. She also was the first female candidate to run for selectman in Fairhaven history. I worked closely with her and saw first hand the courage and sincere dignity of what heroes are made of. There were times when tears of frustration filled her eyes. But she never gave up. Her strong religious convictions fueled her spark. A true definition of the Shibboleth of faith. Her battles are now over. Our environment is cleaner and safer. My hometown Town of Fairhaven has more heroes in it’s inventory yet to come forward., but Judy will always be the yardstick we will measure them by. Judy made it clear that “the Town of Fairhaven” was NOT town hall, but the people who live here. Judy Tonnessen crowned Miss Fairhaven in 1963.
http://www.legacy.com/southcoasttoday/Obituaries.asp?Page=Lifestory&PersonId=128254343
MLBaron