The Sunshine State Welcomes CoCoRaHS!!

In October 2007, Florida became the 23rd state to join the CoCoRaHS program and we are currently have over 450 active observers and are looking for more volunteers to help with the program.

Florida CoCoRaHS March 2012 Newsletter: Click Here

What is CoCoRaHS? The Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network (or CoCoRaHS) is a grassroots, non-profit,community-based, high density precipitation network made up of volunteers from all backgrounds and ages; who take daily measurements of 'just precipitation' right in their own backyards.  Given the variable pattern of rainfall over Florida, it's important to understand just how much rain fell in an area.  How many times have you heard the rainfall report from an official gauge and thought to yourself:  "That's not what I got?"This is your chance to help.  By providing your daily precipitation data, you truly help many in Florida in one way or another- whether it's agricultural interests, National Weather Service meteorologists, forestry officials, water management employees or emergency management personnel.

So, you want to become an observer?  It's easy to sign-up to become an observer.  You can either click on the "Join CoCoRaHS" logo on the homepage or go here. Once you've signed up, someone will contact you with all the information (station name, station number and login support) you need to get your station up and running.  Are you a 'Snow Bird' or just live in the state for a few months out of the year?  We're still interested in your observations!  You'll need a few 'tools of the trade' in order to be a successful observer...The desire and commitment to help study and learn about precipitation and stormsA 4" rain gauge and your own unique station number and name TrainingInternet access

Need a rain gauge?  You can purchase an official CoCoRaHS rain gauge for $30 (including shipping) from the following suppliers:Weather Your WayAmbient Weather

Before you start, you need to be trained.  In order to properly set up your rain gauge and to learn how to accurately read your rain gauge (yes, there is a wrong way to do it!), you'll need some training.  You can read through the training seminar online- just click here.  We hope to have in-person training seminars in the future!

Want to do more to help?  We are looking for volunteers that are interested in helping us out at the county/local level.  If you're interested in becoming a county/local coordinator, please contact Melissa Griffin at griffin@coaps.fsu.edu.
For more information on CoCoRaHS in Florida, contact one of the State Co-Coordinators:
Melissa Griffin
Florida Climate Center
Florida State University
RM 232 Johnson Building
Tallahassee, FL  32306-2840
email: griffin@coaps.fsu.edu

Pat Welsh
University of North Florida
4567 St. John Bluff Road
South Jacksonville, FL 32224
email: pwelsh@unf.edu
For more information on coordinators in the state: http://www.cocorahs.org/Content.aspx?page=coord_FL