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What is CoCoRaHS?

The Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network (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 specialists, 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 through http://www.cocorahs.org/Application.aspx. Once you sign 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.

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 storms
  • A 4-inch rain gauge and your own unique station number and name
  • Training
  • Internet access

Need a rain gauge?

You can purchase an official CoCoRaHS rain gauge for $29.95 from the following suppliers:

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 at https://www.cocorahs.org/Content.aspx?page=training_slideshows. We hope to have in-person training seminars in the future!

To learn more about CoCoRaHS in Florida...

Check out the Florida CoCoRaHS website or contact the State Co-Coordinators:

Emily Powell
Florida Climate Center
Center for Ocean-Atmospheric Prediction Studies
Florida State University
Tallahassee, Florida 32306
850-644-0719
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Ivetta Abramyan
Department of Science and Mathematics
Florida State College at Jacksonville - South Campus - C111
11901 Beach Boulevard
Jacksonville, Florida 32246
904-646-2121
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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2000 Levy Avenue
Building A, Suite 292
Tallahassee, FL 32306-2741
Phone: (850) 644-3417 | (850) 644-0719
climate@coaps.fsu.edu

© Florida Climate Center
Florida Climate Center