http://www.srh.noaa.gov/mfl/newpage/skywarn.html

SkyWarn Spotter Training Sessions

3/4/2005
    Collier County
    Basic
    Richard Zovoloski, Collier EM
RichardZyvoloski@...

3/5/2005
    Collier County
    Advanced
    Richard Zovoloski, Collier EM
RichardZyvoloski@...

3/12/2005
    Broward County
    Basic
    Carolyn Rodriguez, Broward EM
ccrodriguez@...

4/9/2005
    Boca Raton
    Basic
    Frank Correggio, Boca Raton FD
FCorreggio@...

4/23/2005
    Boca Raton
    Advanced
    Frank Correggio, Boca Raton FD
FCorreggio@...

5/21/2005
    Coral Gables
    Basic/Advanced
    Don Morris, Dade SkyWarn
4Morris@...
this is 4 PM Saturday, with Coral Gables ARES/RACES and city employees, open to public

What is a Storm Spotter?

The Skywarn spotter program is a nationwide network of volunteers trained by the National Weather Service (NWS) to report significant weather. Anyone is welcome to participate.

Why Skywarn?

The NWS’s mission is to protect lives and property. When weather conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms or tornadoes are expected to develop, a severe thunderstorm or tornado WATCH is issued. A Severe Thunderstorm or Tornado WARNING is issued when severe weather has been reported by a Skywarn spotter or indicated by Doppler radar. Skywarn volunteers become the NWS’s and local Emergency Management’s eyes and ears, helping to provide better weather watch and warning services.

Who will activate Skywarn?

The NWS and/or the local emergency management authorities may activate the Skywarn net whenever there is a threat of severe weather or the NWS issues a severe thunderstorm or tornado watch. In this case information may be relayed through amateur radio repeaters. Localized events may be phoned directory to the NWS and/or local emergency management.

Where will Skywarn Observations be taken?

Skywarn reports are relayed from on the road, while at work, or at your home. It is important not to jeopardize your own safety while participating in Skywarn.

Skywarn and Amateur Radio Operators

HAM radio operators have a special place in the Skywarn program. NWS offices have HAM equipment on site. Skywarn nets run by the volunteer amateur radio net control operators allow for reports to be directly heard at National Weather Service offices. Some local HAM Radio and Emergency Management homepages for counties around the area:
 [see the links at http://www.srh.noaa.gov/mfl/newpage/skywarn.html ]