Marion County Iowa Amateur Radio Emergency Service

03/07/2026

URGENT - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
Tornado Watch Number 19
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
815 PM CST Fri Mar 6 2026

The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

* Tornado Watch for portions of
Eastern Iowa
Extreme Northwest Illinois
East-Central Kansas
Northern Missouri

* Effective this Friday night and Saturday morning from 815 PM
until 400 AM CST.

* Primary threats include...
A few tornadoes likely with a couple intense tornadoes possible
Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 2
inches in diameter likely
Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph likely

SUMMARY...Multiple clusters of thunderstorms are increasing in
coverage this evening across parts of Iowa and Missouri. These
storms are forming in a strongly sheared environment that could
support the development of a few supercells capable of tornadoes,
hail, and damaging wind gusts.

The tornado watch area is approximately along and 60 statute miles
east and west of a line from 45 miles north of Cedar Rapids IA to 45
miles east southeast of Kansas City MO. For a complete depiction of
the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS
WOU9).

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

REMEMBER...A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for
tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch
area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for
threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements
and possible warnings.

&&

OTHER WATCH INFORMATION...CONTINUE...WW 15...WW 16...WW 17...WW
18...

AVIATION...Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail
surface and aloft to 2 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind
gusts to 60 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean
storm motion vector 24035.

06/29/2025

Great field day 2025.

06/19/2025

As we celebrate 90 years of ARES, it is essential to reflect on its history, achievements, and the role it plays in emergency management. In 1935, ARES was established to organize amateur radio operators to provide communication support during emergencies. The initiative was born out of the need for reliable communication channels when traditional systems fail. Over the decades, ARES has evolved, adapting to new technologies and the changing landscape of emergency management. The first local emergency coordinators were appointed in 1937. They were Charles H. Taylor, W4B, in the Southeast; J. Robert St. Clair, W2B, in the Northeast; and Harry L. Miller, W5A, in the Southwest.

ARES has played a crucial role in numerous disaster responses, including hurricanes, floods, and wildfires. Amateur radio operators have provided essential communication links when other systems were down, ensuring that emergency services can coordinate effectively. Over the years, ARES has focused on training its members to be prepared for emergencies. This training includes regular nets, drills, participation in emergency preparedness exercises, and collaboration with local emergency management agencies. The training ensures that operators are ready to respond quickly and efficiently when called upon.

ARES has fostered strong relationships with local communities and emergency services. By participating in public service events and providing communication support for community activities, members have built trust and recognition as valuable resources in times of need. As technology has advanced, so has ARES, with the integration of digital modes, satellite communications, and other modern technologies that have enhanced the capabilities of amateur radio operators. This evolution allows ARES to provide even more reliable and efficient communication during emergencies.

04/15/2025

2nd Wednesday of each month will be a meeting night.
4th Wednesday of each month will be the Marion County ARES Net. it will on a frequency 145.170 MHz (out) and 144.570 MHz (in) with a PL tone 114.8. Net time: 7:00 PM. Central time. A time to learn and have fun doing it. Don't be shy.

04/11/2025

NOTICE: Please Join for the Marion County Iowa ARES Net. on the 4th Wednesday of Each month. On the Pella Repeater 145.170 with a PL tone of 114.8 at 7:00 PM (Central Time) You do NOT have to be a member to join the Radio net. Learn and have fun.

03/18/2025

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Des Moines IA
422 PM CDT Mon Mar 17 2025

IAZ038-039-048>050-059>062-071>075-081>086-092>097-181100-
Grundy-Black Hawk-Story-Marshall-Tama-Dallas-Polk-Jasper-
Poweshiek-Adair-Madison-Warren-Marion-Mahaska-Adams-Union-Clarke-
Lucas-Monroe-Wapello-Taylor-Ringgold-Decatur-Wayne-Appanoose-
Davis-
422 PM CDT Mon Mar 17 2025

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of central Iowa.
DAY ONE...Tonight

Warm and breezy conditions and low humidities will produce
critical fire weather conditions into this evening. A Red Flag
Warning is in effect for the area until 8pm this evening. Please
refer to the National Weather Service website at
weather.gov/desmoines for further details.
DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday

A period of snow and blowing snow is possible Wednesday afternoon
and evening. Winds may gust to 50 mph or more. A High Wind Watch
is in effect for the area on Wednesday. Please refer to the
National Weather Service website at weather.gov/desmoines for
further details.

A strong thunderstorms with possible Wednesday with strong winds
and hail being the primary concerns.
SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotters may be needed briefly Wednesday.

US Dept of Commerce National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Weather Service Des Moines, IA 9607 NW Beaver Drive Johnston, IA 50131-1908 515-270-2614 Comments? Questions? Please Contact Us.

03/14/2025

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Des Moines IA
548 AM CDT Fri Mar 14 2025

IAZ038-039-049-050-060>062-072>075-081>086-092>097-151100-
Grundy-Black Hawk-Marshall-Tama-Polk-Jasper-Poweshiek-Madison-
Warren-Marion-Mahaska-Adams-Union-Clarke-Lucas-Monroe-Wapello-
Taylor-Ringgold-Decatur-Wayne-Appanoose-Davis-
548 AM CDT Fri Mar 14 2025

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of southern,
central, and eastern Iowa
DAY ONE...Today and tonight

South to southeast winds are expected to gust from 35 to 50 mph
this afternoon. These winds will also combine with warm
temperatures, lower humidities, and dry vegetation to result in
critical fire weather conditions. A Wind Advisory and Red Flag
Warning are both in effect. Please refer to the National
Weather Service website at weather.gov/desmoines for further
details.

An Enhanced to Moderate Risk of severe thunderstorms is in place
for this afternoon and early this evening. Damaging winds will be
the primary threat due to fast moving storms, with gusts in
excess of 70 mph possible, but large hail and a few tornadoes are
possible as well.
DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday

No hazardous weather is expected at this time.
SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotters may be needed this afternoon and early evening.

US Dept of Commerce National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Weather Service Des Moines, IA 9607 NW Beaver Drive Johnston, IA 50131-1908 515-270-2614 Comments? Questions? Please Contact Us.

03/05/2025

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Des Moines IA
927 PM CST Tue Mar 4 2025
..BLIZZARD CONDITIONS TONIGHT INTO WEDNESDAY WITH INTENSE WINDS
AND SNOW...
A strong early spring system will continue to affect Iowa tonight
into Wednesday. Snow has already started over parts of western Iowa.
The rain will quickly change to snow into central Iowa over the next
several hours. The wind will continue to intensify from the
northwest and become strong with gusts near or above 60 mph. The
combination of these winds with falling snow will cause significant
visibility reductions with a period of blizzard conditions expected.
Blowing and drifting snow with whiteout conditions, particularly in
open, rural areas, will make travel dangerous at times tonight into
at least a part of Wednesday morning. Even as the falling snow ends,
blowing snow and visibility restrictions may persist. Conditions are
expected to gradually improve later Wednesday as the winds slowly
decrease.

IAZ061-074-084-051330-
/O.CON.KDMX.BZ.W.0002.250305T0600Z-250305T2100Z/
Jasper-Marion-Lucas-
Including the cities of Pella, Chariton, Knoxville, and Newton
927 PM CST Tue Mar 4 2025
..BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 3 PM CST WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations of 2
to 3 inches. Winds gusting as high as 65 mph.

* WHERE...Jasper, Lucas, and Marion Counties.

* WHEN...Until 3 PM CST Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous
conditions could impact the Wednesday morning commute. Strong
winds could cause tree damage.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Travel should be restricted to emergencies only. If you must travel,
have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with
your vehicle.

For the latest travel conditions, check the Iowa 511 app,
www.511ia.org, or dial 511.

Reports regarding traffic incidents, winter road conditions, traffic cameras, active and planned construction, etc.

02/25/2025

Reminder: Marion County ARES meeting will Feb. 26, 2025, at 7:00PM. Meeting location is at 1202 Woodland Drive Knoxville, IA. You can park on West Larson Street. This will get you closer to the rear door of the building. (Corner of West Larson and Woodland Drive). Northwest corner of intersection Brown brick building, All interested persons in amateur radio and disaster communications is welcome to attend.

09/12/2024

08/06/2024

Plan to attend the Pella Amateur Radio Club Meeting August 18, 2024 at 1:30PM. The meeting place is at The Liberty Evangelical Free Church west of Pella on Highway 163. The Presentation will be on Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES).