- Admin
- #1
Severe weather can be unpredictable and dangerous, causing injuries, fatalities, and billions in damage each year. That’s where SKYWARN® Storm Spotters come in.
SKYWARN® is a volunteer program, supported by the National Weather Service (NWS) and partner organizations, made up of 350,000 to 400,000 trained spotters across the U.S. These dedicated volunteers help keep their communities safe by reporting severe weather conditions in real-time to the NWS, helping meteorologists' issue more accurate and timely warnings.
While SKYWARN® spotters report on various weather hazards, the main focus is severe thunderstorms—which can produce tornadoes, damaging winds, large hail, and flash floods. The U.S. sees an average of 10,000 severe thunderstorms, 5,000 floods, and over 1,000 tornadoes every year, making accurate, on-the-ground reports critical for public safety.
Since the program began in the 1970s, SKYWARN® spotters have played a key role in improving warning systems by combining their firsthand observations with Doppler radar, satellite data, and other technology. These reports help give people valuable minutes to take cover—time that can mean the difference between life and death.
Being a SKYWARN® Storm Spotter means being on the front line of severe weather defense. It’s a vital role that anyone can take on with proper training. If you’re passionate about weather and want to help protect your community, becoming a spotter is a great way to make a difference!
Are you a SKYWARN® Spotter? Thinking about becoming one? Let’s talk about it!
SKYWARN® is a volunteer program, supported by the National Weather Service (NWS) and partner organizations, made up of 350,000 to 400,000 trained spotters across the U.S. These dedicated volunteers help keep their communities safe by reporting severe weather conditions in real-time to the NWS, helping meteorologists' issue more accurate and timely warnings.
While SKYWARN® spotters report on various weather hazards, the main focus is severe thunderstorms—which can produce tornadoes, damaging winds, large hail, and flash floods. The U.S. sees an average of 10,000 severe thunderstorms, 5,000 floods, and over 1,000 tornadoes every year, making accurate, on-the-ground reports critical for public safety.
Since the program began in the 1970s, SKYWARN® spotters have played a key role in improving warning systems by combining their firsthand observations with Doppler radar, satellite data, and other technology. These reports help give people valuable minutes to take cover—time that can mean the difference between life and death.
Being a SKYWARN® Storm Spotter means being on the front line of severe weather defense. It’s a vital role that anyone can take on with proper training. If you’re passionate about weather and want to help protect your community, becoming a spotter is a great way to make a difference!
Are you a SKYWARN® Spotter? Thinking about becoming one? Let’s talk about it!