Skywarn network

The origin

The Skywarn network was formalized by NWS in the 1970s but its roots go back to the 1960s.

Trained volunteer storm spotters had existed for decades but were poorly coordinated. NWS Kansas City hosted the first formal Skywarn training in the 1970s.

The network grew slowly through the 1980s, exploded after the 1996 movie Twister sparked public interest, and continues expanding today.

What Skywarn does

1. Volunteers trained to identify severe weather features.
2. When they see one, they report to local NWS office.
3. Reports supplement radar and satellite.
4. Real-time ground truth reduces false alarm rate.
5. Increases warning lead time in some cases.
6. Provides post-event verification.
7. Volunteers are unpaid.

Who Skywarn spotters are

• Meteorologists.
• Emergency managers.
• Amateur radio operators.
• Storm chasers.
• Farmers and ranchers.
• Truckers.
• Church volunteers.
• School teachers.
• Retirees.
• Anyone who takes the training.

The training

1. Free basic training online (weather.gov/skywarn).
2. Also offered in-person by local NWS offices.
3. ~2 hours total.
4. Covers cloud identification, tornado features, hail sizes, wind speed estimation.
5. Passes with a certificate.
6. Refresher recommended annually.
7. Advanced training for experienced spotters.

How spotters report

What good spotter reports look like

1. Location (GPS or nearest cross street).
2. Time.
3. What is observed (tornado on ground, hail, wind, damage).
4. Estimated size (tornado width, hail size, gust speed).
5. Movement direction and speed.
6. Continuity: is it ongoing?
7. Do NOT include speculation.
8. Do NOT include unverifiable details.

The tornado in progress report

When a spotter reports a tornado in progress, several things happen at NWS:

1. Verified against radar signature.
2. Warning polygon may be extended or issued.
3. Impact-based warning tier reconsidered.
4. Local media alerted.
5. Emergency managers alerted.
6. Report logged in Storm Events Database.
7. Post-event damage survey initiated.

Common misconceptions

• Skywarn spotters are NOT storm chasers by profession.
• They're NOT paid.
• They're NOT authorized to sound sirens.
• They CAN be liable if they report false info.
• They CANNOT stop traffic or enter closed areas.
• They're NOT emergency responders in a legal sense.
• Basic training is not first responder training.

Skywarn radio nets

• Amateur radio operators use 2m FM (144-148 MHz).
• Local nets activate during severe weather.
• Net Control coordinates reports.
• Reports relayed to NWS.
• RACES / ARES groups often overlap.
• License required — Technician class minimum.
• Repeater linking allows regional coordination.

Getting involved

1. Visit weather.gov/skywarn.
2. Complete basic online training.
3. Contact local NWS office for in-person training.
4. Consider amateur radio license (Ham).
5. Join local Skywarn amateur radio net.
6. Attend annual refresher.
7. Contribute observations, learn continuously.
8. Never let training make you reckless.

The specific WFOs and their Skywarn programs

• Norman OK — the mothership. Home of NWS Central Region training.
• Springfield MO — active Skywarn community.
• Nashville TN — very active Dixie Alley program.
• Kansas City MO — historic Skywarn hub.
• Amarillo TX — Panhandle chasers.
• Wichita KS — Plains chasers.
• Every NWS forecast office has a Skywarn program.

Learn more

• Skywarn spotter training
• Storm chaser beginner guide
• Ham radio for storm spotters
• State storm chase laws