A licensed amateur radio operator from the NWS Melbourne staff or a member of a local amateur radio club will be detailed to operate the (2-meter) equipment at the NWS Melbourne Forecast Office. The radio operator will monitor individual (county) SKYWARN frequencies and pass any severe weather reports immediately and directly to the NWS Melbourne Warning Coordinator. The latest radar-based severe weather information also is passed from the NWS to the SKYWARN nets. The radio operator may also act as net control for the Brevard County SKYWARN net. Weather/Rainfall Spotters should provide reports of significant weather to the NWS in Melbourne. 

This type of activation occurs on average only 2-4 times per year and is typically reserved for significant, widespread, or long-duration severe weather events (usually during the Winter/Spring or for a Hurricane situation).

SKYWARN members are advised to closely monitor severe weather updates and weather radar depictions. Net control operators should plan for likely activation. If severe weather becomes imminent or a warning is issued, formal activation of SKYWARN networks is requested. NWS Melbourne staff may contact net control operators in advance to confirm readiness.  Weather/Rainfall Spotters should provide reports of significant weather to the NWS in Melbourne. 

This type of activation typically occurs on average less than a dozen times per year and is typically reserved for a severe weather event which is expected to impact multiple counties or continue for several hours. 

If severe weather becomes imminent or a warning is issued, informal activation of SKYWARN networks may become necessary. Formal net control operations likely will not be required, however, reports may still be relayed upon SKYWARN frequencies, as appropriate. Weather/Rainfall Spotters should provide reports of significant weather to the NWS in Melbourne.

This type of activation is the most common and is typically required when isolated or short-duration severe weather is anticipated (usually during the Summer).

If severe weather is not forecast, no level of activation will be requested. However, should strong storms unexpectedly develop, "Informal" activation would be warranted.

Reports may be relayed to the NWS in Melbourne through local amateur radio SKYWARN networks, called in by telephone (321-255-0212), or emailed.