A Quiet Army Watching The Storm Clouds

Vol. IV, No. 26 - Amateur Radio Still Plays A Role During Emergencies

Photo by ZINO on Unsplash

Many a stormy night comes and while most of us are asleep, there is often a quiet network of volunteers that are fully awake—armed not with sirens or spotlights, but with handheld radios.

Across communities, amateur radio operators are actively monitoring severe weather conditions, communicating with one another, and relaying real-time information to local and regional officials. As the storms progress, these operators provided timely, ground-level weather observations—reports that can be critical when conditions shift faster than formal systems can respond.

During storm events, these operators are not only active—they are strategically positioned. Many are spread across the county, while others are stationed inside the county’s emergency dispatch center. From there, they serve as a real-time information bridge, providing updates directly to dispatchers while also transmitting reports through amateur radio networks to the National Weather Service office in Wilmington.

These volunteers are often trained storm spotters, capable of providing visual confirmation of conditions that meteorologists may only see indirectly through radar or satellite imagery. Reports of rotation, hail, wind damage, or rising water can significantly enhance the accuracy and timeliness of official warnings.

What makes the amateur radio system especially resilient is its independence from traditional infrastructure. Much of the equipment is battery-powered and does not rely on commercial power or cellular networks. When utility systems fail or digital communications are disrupted, amateur radio operators can continue to function—relaying critical, real-time information between one another and to public officials.

This is an often unseen layer of civic infrastructure. It is decentralized, volunteer-driven, and remarkably durable. When power flickers or systems go dark, these individuals continue to serve as a human relay network—bridging communication gaps at precisely the moments when clarity matters most.

Despite the rise of smartphones and internet-based communication, amateur radio continues to grow. Licensing requirements have gradually eased, lowering barriers to entry, while newer manufacturers have made equipment more affordable and accessible. At the same time, the hobby has evolved. The familiar image of an operator tapping out Morse code is giving way to a more modern reality—operators communicating through satellites, digital modes, and internet-linked systems.

Yet even as the technology advances, the core purpose remains unchanged. Amateur radio endures because of its commitment to public service—providing reliable communication when systems fail, and standing ready when storm clouds gather on the horizon.

This is what it looks like when residents stay informed. If you find value in this work, share it with a neighbor, a colleague, or anyone who cares about this community. Paid subscriptions keep it going — $5 a month.

This Month, we are doing something different! We are partnering with the Troy-Miami County Public Library by using this platform to raise funds for the Dolly Partin Imagination Library locally here in Miami County! Through the Dolly Partin Imagination Library, children from birth to Kindergarten, can get a book delivered every month to their home at no cost.

And while Dolly is a huge help, she picks out the stories and she works with the publishers, there is still a local cost to the program. Your donations through our “Buy Me A Coffee Page” will help get these youngsters on the right track to a life-long love of reading!

Thanks to John And Kim, Rachelle. Loraine S., Loraine W., and a special anonymous donor, for your recent donations to this effort. So far this month — 71 books have been purchased! Thank you!