Reporting your precipitation data to NeRAIN.
It is important to the NeRAIN project that you promptly and accurately
report the precipitation data you have collected. CNeRAIN scientists,
sponsors and collaborators are most interested in precise daily
rainfall totals and precise hail reports in which can be mapped,
displayed, and put into use. In addition, reports of intense
rainfall are helpful in determining locations of potential flooding.
Intense rainfall reports are immediately transmitted to the National
Weather Service.
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When do I report my readings?
You are encouraged to watch your rain gauge anytime it is raining.
However, to stay consistent in collecting the data, you are
encouraged to take daily measurements of 24-hour total precipitation
and report the data as close as you can to 7:00 am each morning.
Report 7:00 am was chosen because it does not normally rain
at this time during the summer months and most people are still
at home. We understand that 7:00 am won't always be possible,
and it won't work for everyone. But the closer we are to having
everyone report at the same time, the more consistent our maps
and analyses will be. This becomes especially important if it
is raining at the time you report the data. Always record the
time when you did take your measurement so we know for sure.
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Reporting "Intense Rain."
During events of heavy rainfall, "Intense Rain" reports
can be submitted as a part of the precipitation data. The "Intense
Rain" report data are used informally in projecting potential
flooding in an area.
Intense rain, for the purpose of this project, is defined as
at least 0.50 inches of rain in one hour or less. However, we
encourage you to report "Intense Rain" any time you
believe the rain is falling hard enough to be a potential problem.
Note: NeRAIN reports may not reach the National Weather Service
in time to help them prepare flash flood warnings, so if dangerous
flooding conditions are occurring, report first to the NWS or
to your local law enforcement or emergency management officials.
Transmit all reports by the Internet:
Webpage reports: For volunteers with Internet access, we
recommend entering your data directly in the NeRAIN computer system.
To report data, follow the instructions given on the NeRAIN webpage,
"Reporting Your Data". Then
when you reach the NeRAIN website, click on "Data Entry"
on the upper left hand edge of the page. Here you can select the
type of data to be entered. Then follow the instructions and fill
out the appropriate data form. When you are done, check your entry
for accuracy and then click on "Submit". Your reports
will immediately be sent to NeRAIN and will appear in the data
reports. Data will also appear on rain or hail maps, but these are
updated less frequently.
In case of difficulties.
If you have any questions or problems, please contact the appropriate
NeRAIN staff members provided on the "NeRAIN Communications"
form in you observer information packet. You may also Contact
Us for additional help.
NeRAIN is a project that is sponsored by The Nebraska Natural Resources Districts,
Nebraska Department of Natural Resources and other water-focused organizations, and
will analyze and document data gathered by volunteers. The data will provide important daily
decision-making information for agriculture, industry, home water use, utility providers,
insurance companies, resource managers, and educators.
If you would like to learn more about this program, please contact:
Marlene Faimon
Project Coordinator
Little Blue NRD
Marlene Faimon
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