When the weather gets rough MARG goes into the field to send storm spotter reports to StormTrak 9 and the National Weather Service

Watch the Video: Wandering Wisconsin: Merrill’s Storm Spotters

When 15 tornadoes struck Wisconsin during the April 10th outbreak most people were running away from them. 

But a brave group of volunteers was doing just the opposite to help keep us safe.  They were running towards the storms, relaying vital information to our weather team at StormTrak 9 and the National Weather Service office in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

These volunteers make up what’s known as MARG–the Merrill Amateur Radio Group. 

Using a technology-laced trailer, MARG’s group of volunteers use their interest in ham radios and weather for good use.  Sending information that weather radar systems can’t always pick up, it was a MARG volunteer who was able to confirm to the NWS (National Weather Service) that the EF3 tornado in Merrill had in fact touched down.

When communication lines are down, MARG shines.  By using their radios they’re able to work around the crisis and get the information to where it needs to go so people can be warned of what’s coming. 

Interested in helping or getting involved with the group (or the local amateur radio storm spotter group in your home county?)  Visit their website for more information: http://www.margdx.org/

And don’t forget to watch our exclusive feature on Saturday July 16th produced by Newsline 9′s Anna Carerra: “Merrill: A Community Rebuilds“.  It airs Saturday at 1:00 pm.

Posted under Natural Disasters, Nature, new media, Records, Severe Weather, Storms, Tornadoes