Emergency management: winter weather meeting highlighted localized gauge differences, NWS coordination

Sheridan County emergency management staff told commissioners the county's winter weather meeting last week was well attended by towns, school districts and other stakeholders and included a briefing from the National Weather Service.

The staff member said rain gauges in the county produced differing measurements for the same storm: one gauge recorded about 0.5 inch while another nearby gauge recorded roughly 1.5 inches. "The normal rain meters that's in Deep which would be the closest to that one only received a half an inch of rain and at the same time period it was over almost an inch and a half," the staff member said, illustrating how localized storm impacts can be.

Officials said they have discussed gauge placement and reporting with the National Weather Service and asked the agency to make adjustments to warning and watch timing where appropriate. The staff member also said the gauges are a "huge help" in improving forecast and warning accuracy.

No formal action was taken; emergency management staff said they will continue coordination with the National Weather Service and monitor gauge data through the winter season.