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Station Overview
About the Station
WX4PTC is the amateur‑radio call sign for the SKYWARN Net Control station operated at the National Weather Service (NWS) Forecast Office in Peachtree City, Georgia. The station is equipped with dual-band VHF/UHF radios and an HF transceiver to facilitate statewide SKYWARN nets during severe weather events. It utilizes three repeaters for net control operations, with its primary hub repeater on 444.600 MHz (+5 MHz offset, 77.0 Hz PL tone).
Role & Mission
WX4PTC serves as the primary liaison point between volunteer field spotters, local SKYWARN networks, and the NWS forecasting team covering northern and central Georgia. The station is staffed by volunteer ARES/SKYWARN operators upon activation by the NWS, ensuring real-time relay of critical weather reports to meteorologists for timely warnings and forecasts.
Spotter Activation
Hazardous Weather Outlook
NWS issues a Hazardous Weather Outlook (HWO) statement when severe weather is expected, providing advance notice to spotters before conditions develop.
Coordinator Notification
The NWS Warnings Coordinator contacts the WX4PTC Net Control Team to initiate the activation process once a threat is confirmed.
Severe Weather Trigger
Significant weather events — including tornadoes, large hail, damaging winds, and flash flooding — trigger formal activation of the spotter network.
Station Staffing
Volunteer ARES/SKYWARN operators staff the WX4PTC station, open the net, and begin coordinating incoming reports from field spotters across the state.
Activation Flow
- NWS issues a severe‑weather statement or warning requesting spotter activation.
- NWS Warnings Coordinator activates the WX4PTC team.
- WX4PTC operates the SKYWARN net on the linked repeater system.
- Spotters submit reports via radio on the SKYWARN linked repeater system, by phone (866‑763‑4466), or via the NWS online storm‑report form.
Net Operations
Directed Net
The SKYWARN net is a directed net — all traffic should go through net control to maintain order and ensure priority reports are handled first.
Spotter Check‑In
Spotters check‑in on the Georgia SKYWARN linked repeaters to make themselves available for report relay and net control assignments.
Priority Reports
Priority reports are relayed directly to the NWS Net Control (NCS) at WX4PTC to avoid congestion and ensure meteorologists receive critical information quickly.
Backup Methods
If radio is unavailable, reports can be submitted by phone (866‑763‑4466) or via the NWS online storm‑report form.
Photo Archive
WX4PTC Station Photos
Historical photos of the WX4PTC station, equipment, and operations at the NWS Peachtree City forecast office.