Rainfall is so vital to South Central Texas. Not only to replenish the lakes and aquifers, but for recreation, agriculture, and even landscaping. In order for meteorologists at the National Weather Service to better forecast and document rainfall and flooding, there is a need for volunteers in a program called Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network (CoCoRaHS). CoCoRaHS is a program which involves all 50 states and encourages the general public to report rainfall, hail, and snow. Anyone can be a volunteer for this project; all you need is a good accurate rain gauge and an enthusiasm for weather.

There is no cost to join CoCoRaHS. Simply go to the CoCoRaHS website and follow the instructions on how to become a member. If you don’t have an official four inch rain gauge, you can purchase one through the CoCoRaHS website. Observers are encouraged to log onto the website daily and submit their report even if rain did not occur.

In addition to rainfall, hail reports are also very important to the Austin/San Antonio National Weather Service. Your hail reports can be submitted to the CoCoRaHS website. Not only can the reports you submit help save lives, but they will also help research scientists, hydrologists, emergency managers, engineers, and more. For more information regarding CoCoRaHS, please feel free to visit the website at www.cocorahs.org. If you have any other questions contact your regional coordinators, Mark Lenz or Steve Smart, at 830-606-3600.

There is a friendly competition right now among states to see which state gets the most new CoCoRaHS members by the end of March. We live in Flash Flood Alley, and knowing how much rain fell across the area is key to putting out accurate watches and warnings.

Please consider joining this rainfall network and share your rain totals with the rest of the city, county, and country. Join CoCoRaHS today—because every drop counts! Visit www.cocorahs.org to join.