Typically, the NWS calls the local EM to activate area spotters when significant or widespread severe weather is expected. Once activated,  spotter groups relay their reports through the EM or his designee to the NWS. This implies that spotters will have rapid two-way field communications (e.g. law enforcement, highway department workers, volunteer or professional fire fighters and local amateur radio operators working with amateur radio emergency services (ARES) groups).  We also welcome individuals that wish to operate as independent SKYWARN participants and who can report from their home and/or while in the field.

Each year, the NWS and American Radio Relay League (ARRL) organize a special SKYWARN Recognition Day.  It celebrates the contributions that volunteer SKYWARN radio operators make to the NWS. During the full day event,  SKYWARN operators visit NWS offices and contact other radio operators across the world.  For more information, check out SKYWARN Recognition Day 2004

• National SKYWARN Page

• SKYWARN Recognition Day

• Submit Storm Report

• Severe Weather Awareness

• Flash Flood & Lightning Awareness

• Winter Weather Awareness

NWS Albuquerque works closely with county emergency managers and officials across the northern two-thirds of New Mexico to organize and schedule spotter training classes each year  A schedule of upcoming spotter training classes for 2005 is available.

The critical common element will be a capability to maintain communications with our office.  To that end, spotters are encouraged to obtain an amateur radio license in order to participate in  ARES SKYWARN groups to ensure rapid and direct communication with our office using a well organized amateur radio repeater system. SKYWARN participants independent of more formal groups would call NWS Albuquerque with field reports whenever hazardous weather is observed.  If you agree to be added to our spotter list, then at times the forecaster might initiate a first call to you or else would be calling you back once they are aware that you are available and reporting from a field location.

For additional information on training or local ARES coordinators that could assist you, please contact  Keith Hayes, Warning Coordination Meteorologist, Keith.Hayes@noaa.gov or call our office at (505) 243-0702.

• 2005 Spotter Training Schedule
• Basic Spotters' Field Guide
• Advanced Spotters' Field Guide
• An Illustrated Severe Weather Spotter Guide (NWS Norman, OK)
• Glossary of weather terms for spotters (Mike Branick, NWS Norman, OK)

Due to the rural nature of New Mexico, our current network (click on image to left) lacks the spatial resolution necessary to cover the state. Observers are clustered around cities and major highways, with many areas void of observers.  This network of storm spotters is independent of the Cooperative Observer Program. Storm spotters report tornadoes, funnel clouds, hail, winds 50 mph or greater, flooding, snowfall, ice accumulation, and any hazardous weather causing injury, death or damage.  Spotter can call a toll free number 1-888-386-7637 or use a storm report form on our webpage. 

If you or anyone you know are interested in volunteering to be a storm spotter please contact our office at 505-243-0702 or send us an email sr-abq.webmaster@noaa.gov 

WX5ABQ provides an easy association with the NWS Albuquerque amateur radio station when used for collecting weather reports, especially during severe weather each spring and summer.

The NWS Albuquerque Office is fortunate to have MegaLINK access and other repeater system coverage over nearly 80 percent of its 88,000 square mile County Warning Area.

We encourage participation from the amateur radio community for weather reports. We rely on and monitor as needed the frequencies of the MegaLINK and URFMSI, Upper Rio FM Society INC system of linked repeaters.

• Upper Rio FM Society
• Mega LINK Repeater System

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