National Weather Service, Lincoln IL

**CoCoRaHS Training Sessions are now being scheduled**
See below for more information.

CoCoRaHS Observations and Information

What is CoCoRaHS?

CoCoRaHS stands for the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail & Snow network. It is a unique, non-profit, community-based network of volunteers of all ages and backgrounds working together to measure and map precipitation (rain, snow and hail). The network originated with the Colorado Climate Center at Colorado State University in 1998 thanks in part to a devastating flood that occurred in the previous year. Since then, the network has expanded rapidly with over 15,000 observers in 49 states.

Can I participate?

Absolutely! The ultimate goal of the program is to have one observer per square mile in urban/suburban areas and one observer every 36 square miles in rural areas. Everyone can help, young, old, and in-between. The only requirements are an enthusiasm for watching and reporting weather conditions and a desire to learn more about how weather can effect and impact our lives.

Once trained, volunteers collect data using low cost measuring tools such as a 4-inch diameter high capacity rain gage (pictured right), snow boards to measure snow, and aluminum foil-wrapped Styrofoam hail pads in some states. Information on purchasing a rain gage can be found via the CoCoRaHS main page.

How do I join?

Either click on the “Join CoCoRaHS” image to the right or visit the CoCoRaHS home page at www.cocorahs.org to get more information on the program.

See how many observers have signed up in your county...
	Illinois was the 13^th state to join the CoCoRaHS network. The network has now grown to include more than 15,000 volunteers in 49 states, and more states will be joining the program this year. CoCoRaHS in Illinois is coordinated by the Illinois State Water Survey, the National Weather Service, and the University of Illinois Extension - Natural Resources Management Team.

**CoCoRaHS Training Session Schedules**

Plans are now being made for local CoCoRaHS training sessions that are free and open to the public. For more information or to reserve a spot for one of these training sessions, please contact Billy Ousley at Billy.Ousley@noaa.gov.

Monday, November 23rd at 6:00 PM - Eureka Public Library (Woodford County)
Eureka Public Library
202 S Main St
Eureka, IL 61530

Tuesday, November 24th at 6:00 PM - Morton Public Library (Tazewell County)
Morton Public Library
315 W Pershing St
Morton, IL 61550

Wednesday, December 9th at 6:30 PM - Champaign (Champaign County)
University of Illinois Extension
Champaign County Unit
801 Country Fair Drive, Suite D
Champaign, IL 61820
Registration for the Champaign class can be done online here or call (217) 333-7672

National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office

See how many observers have signed up in your county...