Skywarn is a voluntary program developed by the National Weather Service to improve the warning program. SKYWARN volunteers serve as storm spotters for the National Weather Service and the local emergency management program. Keeping their eyes on the sky, volunteers serve as the eyes and ears for the whole community. SKYWARN volunteers come from all walks of life but they all have generally two things in common - an interest in the weather and an interest in serving their community.

SKYWARN is a rather loosely knit organization. Training in severe storm identification comes from the National Weather Service. Often, another organization such as emergency management, law enforcement, fire departments or rescue squads, or amateur radio groups is the backbone of the SKYWARN effort in a particular community.

These spotters use telephones and amateur radio to provide severe weather reports directly to the National Weather Service office and other county officials. This information is then used in severe weather warnings and statements, which helps save lives and property.

Skywarn was developed in the early 1970s. Over the years, thousands of law enforcement personnel, amateur radio operators, red cross volunteers, and other civic club members have joined forces with the National Weather Service to enhance the severe weather warning program.

Trained Skywarn spotters provide the National Weather Service with accurate and timely reports from either fixed or mobile locations. Reports such as flash flooding, hail, damaging winds, funnels, and tornadoes can mean the difference between saving lives or losing them. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer spotter for your county, contact your local emergency management coordinator for more information or Jim Butch at the National Weather Service Office.

Why Skywarn?

The NWS's mission is to protect lives and property. When weather conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms or tornadoes are expected to develop, a severe thunderstorm or tornado WATCH is issued. A Severe Thunderstorm or Tornado WARNING is issued when severe weather has been reported by a Skywarn spotter or indicated by Doppler radar. Skywarn volunteers become the NWSs and local Emergency Managements eyes and ears, helping to provide better weather watch and warning services.

Who will activate Skywarn?

The NWS and/or the local emergency management authorities may activate the Skywarn net whenever there is a threat of severe weather or the NWS issues a severe thunderstorm or tornado watch. In this case information may be relayed through amateur radio repeaters. Localized events may be phoned directly to the NWS and/or local emergency management.

Where will Skywarn Observations be taken?

Skywarn reports are relayed from on the road, while at work, or at your home. It is important not to jeopardize your own safety while participating in Skywarn.

Skywarn and Amateur Radio Operators

HAM radio operators have a special place in the Skywarn program. NWS offices have HAM equipment on site. Skywarn nets run by the volunteer amateur radio net control operators allow for reports to be directly heard at National Weather Service offices.