Get on the air
HAM radio for storm spotters
Amateur (HAM) radio is the communication backbone of every Skywarn network. When cell towers fail during a storm, spotters and NWS forecasters stay in contact by radio. Here is how to join.
Why HAM matters for storm spotters
- Radio doesn't depend on cell towers, which fail in storms.
- Skywarn nets funnel reports directly to NWS forecasters.
- Repeater networks cover entire regions.
- Independent of internet.
- Community — you get connected to experienced local spotters.
Getting your Technician license
The Technician (entry-level) license is all you need for local storm-spotting work.
- Study the 400-question pool. Free apps: HamStudy.org, Ham Radio Prep app.
- Take practice tests until you consistently score 85%+.
- Find a Volunteer Examiner (VE) test session. arrl.org/find-an-amateur-radio-license-exam-session
- Test costs $15, takes about an hour.
- FCC issues your call sign in 1-2 weeks.
The frequencies that matter
2m band (144-148 MHz)
Where most Skywarn nets meet. Line-of-sight but repeater networks extend range dramatically.
70 cm band (420-450 MHz)
Also common for local nets. Better in urban environments.
146.520 MHz simplex
The 2m national calling frequency. Useful for chase communication.
CB channel 19
Not HAM, but truckers monitor and can be useful for road conditions.
Essential equipment
- Handheld VHF/UHF radio (HT) — Yaesu FT-4XR ($90), Baofeng UV-5R ($30, works but ugly), Icom ID-51 ($400, gold standard).
- Mobile radio for the vehicle — Yaesu FTM-200DR ($350), Icom IC-2730 ($300). 50 watts vs handheld's 5 watts = much better range.
- Antenna — for HT, the stock rubber duck is bad. Upgrade to Signal Stick or Diamond SRH77CA ($40).
- Programming cable + software (CHIRP) — for loading in your local repeater list.
How to check into a Skywarn net
- Find your local Skywarn net frequency — usually listed on your NWS office site.
- Listen first. Learn how the net is run.
- When the net control asks for check-ins, key up and say: "This is [call sign] with [name] in [county/city] for a check-in only."
- When conditions warrant, they may go into "activation" for a specific storm. That's when reports are wanted.
- To report: wait for net control to call for reports, then transmit: "This is [call sign], I have [what you saw — golf ball hail, funnel cloud, damage] at [location and cross streets], time [local time]."