CONCORD, N.H. (AP) – New Hampshire weather buffs are being enlisted to help forecast the weather.

The Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network is hooking up volunteers with equipment to monitor rain and snow totals, according to the Portsmouth Herald.

State Climatologist Mary Stampone says the effort will help the National Weather Service get out severe weather alerts and precipitation totals more quickly.

The data will be submitted to the NWS in Gray, Maine, which will analyze it and issue any weather watches or warnings.

Similar systems are already in place in 44 states.

The project began after a flash flood in Fort Collins, Co., in 1997 that was not forecast by weather outlets and took residents by surprise.