Citizen Science with CoCoRaHS

Join Texas CoCoRaHS coordinator Bill Runyon (retired from National Weather Service) to learn about how it affects scientific study of rainfall patterns, drought mitigation, weather preparation and how your observations can make a difference for you, your neighbors and our entire region. Attend to enter to win a scientific rain gauge (approximately $40 value). The saying "Rain doesn't fall the same on all" really proves to be true. How often have you seen it rain in your neighborhood and a few blocks away not a drop has fallen? CoCoRaHS is now the largest provider of daily precipitation observations in the United States. The program began in Colorado in 1998 and now CoCoRaHS is in all fifty states. CoCoRaHS came about as a result of a devastating flash flood that hit Fort Collins, Colorado, in July 1997. A local severe thunderstorm dumped over a foot of rain in several hours while other portions of the city had only modest rainfall. The ensuing flood caught many by surprise and caused $200 million in damages. CoCoRaHS was born in 1998 with the intent of doing a better job of mapping and reporting intense storms. As more volunteers participated, rain, hail, and snow maps were produced for every storm showing fascinating local patterns that were of great interest to scientists and the public. Recently, drought reporting has also become an important observation within the CoCoRaHS program across the nation. In fact, drought observations from CoCoRaHS are now being included in the National Integrated Drought Information System. Brown County and surrounding counties are severely underrepresented and we need new observers and sponsors to help with this unique opportunity. Come to this program, sponsored by the Brownwood Library and Texas CoCoRaHS, at Adams Street Community Center on April 16. Participants are invited to come as early as 5:30 to talk with local organizations about the impact of rainfall and drought in fire prevention, gardening, etc. The program will start at 6:00.