How Do I Send My Storm Report?

Reporting for the first time? Be SURE to read this information.

The following methods of relaying a storm report are listed from the quickest received by the NWS at the top, to the last received at the bottom. Therefore, if a report is urgent (i.e. a developing tornado), you should begin with methods at the top of the list.

     (405) 325-3816
     is our phone number. It's answered 24 hours a day, every day. Have the critical info ready.

     Our Web Based Report Form
     sends your report to NWS forecasters in less than 5 minutes.

     eSpotter
     is a different way to send reports online. These reports go automatically to NWS forecasters.

     The Spotter Network
     is a way to send reports to NWS Norman and track spotters and chasers.

     Call 9-1-1
     Ask the dispatcher to relay your report to NWS Norman.

     Email us a detailed report
     Send your report, and images if you have them to our spotter email address.

If you are just reporting precipitation, consider joining the CoCoRaHS network.

Here is how to make a good storm report:

For detailed storm reporting information click here.

• WHO
  Give your name and any affiliations you may have (i.e. member of a spotter organization, amateur radio club, sheriff's department, etc).


• WHAT
  Provide a detailed description of what happened, including any damage, measurements, injuries, or fatalities. Mention how you arrived at your values. For instance, don't just say there was "nickel size hail", say whether you measured this with a ruler or estimated.


• WHEN
  Try to give as precise of a time as possible for the event occurence.


• WHERE
  Give as exact of a location as you can when reporting. Try to give a distance to the nearest tenth of a mile from the nearest town, village or city. Cross streets can be very valuable to include in your report, especially if you are in an urban area. Be aware of where you are! Also, be sure to distinguish between where YOU are and where the EVENT is occurring.


• EXAMPLE OF A GOOD REPORT
  "My name is Joe Public and I'm a trained storm spotter. I measured quarter sized hail with a ruler at 4:46PM about 1.5 miles west of Watonga. Also, at the same time I can see a rotating wall cloud about 2 miles to the west of my location."