How to Become a Skywarn Storm Spotter

[Shawn Gossman]

Who Can Be a SKYWARN® Storm Spotter & How to Get Started

If you’re passionate about weather and public safety, you can become a SKYWARN® Storm Spotter! The National Weather Service (NWS) welcomes anyone with an interest in helping their community stay safe during severe weather.

Volunteers come from all walks of life, including:

• First responders (police, fire, EMS, dispatchers)
• Public utility workers
• Teachers, hospital staff, church leaders
• Anyone responsible for public safety
• Everyday weather enthusiasts who want to help!

How to Get Started​

Becoming a SKYWARN® Spotter is simple and free. The NWS offers training classes that usually last about two hours, covering:

• Basics of thunderstorm development
• Fundamentals of storm structure
• How to identify severe weather features
• What weather conditions to report and how to do it
• Severe weather safety tips

Want to make a difference in your community and be a part of the first line of defense against severe weather? Find a SKYWARN® class near you and get started today!

Are you already a trained spotter? Thinking about joining? Let’s chat!

 

[Shawn Gossman]

Most Weather Forecast Offices (WFOs) also allow for online training for those who can't make it to a physical classroom or live webinar.

MetEd provides free training at:

• Role of Skywarn Spotter
• Skywarn Spotter Convective Basics
• Skywarn Spotter Training