NWS Jacksonville, FL [Skywarn™ Spotter Information]

NWS Jacksonville » Skywarn™Spotter Information

County	Date	Time	Where (map)	Register Here for Class
SKYWARN™ Spotter Training Schedule Skywarn Activation Level
None Scheduled at this time
IMPORTANT: Classes may be canceled with short notice should severe weather, a tropical storm, or hurricane pose a threat to the forecast area. All potential class attendees should check the web site on the day of the class or contact the class point of contact to insure that the class has not been canceled. All classes are basic and advanced except where indicated.

Important Links
•Report Severe Weather Online Form •Spotter Contact Info Online Form •Spotter Hail and Wind Guide •Jacksonville Skywarn Association	•Skywarn™ Spotter Training Courses (through MetEd) NEW! •NWS Jacksonville Online Spotter Review •Spotter Field Guides NEW! •Print Your NWS Jacksonville Advanced Spotter Certificate Online

Skywarn™ Briefing Tools
Convective Outlook (Day 1): Graphic • Text Convective Outlook (Day 2): Graphic • Text Convective Outlook (Day 3): Graphic • Text	Hazardous Weather Outlook National Hazard Assessment

PLEASE NOTE: As of January 5, 2010, the severe criterion for hail diameter changed from 3/4" to 1".

What is a Storm Spotter?
The Skywarn™ spotter program is a nationwide network of volunteers trained by the National Weather Service (NWS) to report significant weather. Anyone is welcome to participate.

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 NWS's 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 directory 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. For more information on the NWS Jacksonville HAM radio network, contact Mr. Lewis Jolly.

Interested in becoming a National Weather Service Skywarn™ Storm Spotter?
Click here to receive more information.

National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office