As severe weather season approaches (and is already off to an active start), I’d like to remind everyone that National Weather Service local offices around the country are offering free SKYWARN Spotter training classes. These classes are generally 2-3 hours in length and teach you more about storms and proper ways to identify and report them to the NWS.
More information on SKYWARN per NWS-OKX:
SKYWARN is a nationwide network of volunteer weather spotters who report hazardous weather to local National Weather Service (NWS) offices. Amateur radio operators and weather observers, generally operating through local organizations, are ideally equipped to contribute to the SKYWARN program. However, the general public is also an integral part of this program.
SKYWARN volunteers are trained by NWS personnel to recognize features associated with rapidly developing, mature, and dissipating thunderstorms which cause hazardous weather. SKYWARN spotters also provide reports of heavy snow, heavy rain and flooding.
SKYWARN spotters provide ground truth on the atmosphere that we observe from radar, satellites and various reporting stations. They are our eyes and ears, helping to provide better forecasts and warnings
Check out your local NWS office website for more information. As a trained SKYWARN Spotter, I encourage you set aside a couple of hours and go for the training. You won’t regret it and you will be helping your community and local NWS office.
Best regards,
Brett and the TornadoTony Blog Team