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A SKYWARN Spotter is a trained volunteer who helps the National Weather Service (NWS) by observing and reporting real-time severe weather conditions from the ground.

What SKYWARN Is

SKYWARN® is a nationwide storm-spotter program run by the National Weather Service.

Its purpose is to:

• Provide ground-truth weather reports
• Supplement radar data
• Improve severe weather warnings and public safety

What a SKYWARN Spotter Does

A SKYWARN Spotter:

• Observes weather such as:
  • Tornadoes or funnel clouds
  • Hail size and accumulation
  • Damaging winds
  • Flash flooding
  • Wall clouds or rotating storms
• Reports what is actually happening on the ground
• Uses trained criteria (not guesses)

These reports help meteorologists:

• Confirm radar signatures
• Issue or update warnings
• Determine storm severity and location

Who Can Be a SKYWARN Spotter

• Anyone (no age minimum in many areas)
• Especially common among:
  • Amateur (ham) radio operators
  • Firefighters, law enforcement
  • Emergency managers
  • Weather enthusiasts

You do not need a ham radio license, though many spotters have one.

Training

• Free training provided by the National Weather Service
• Typically:
  • 2–3 hour class (in-person or online)
  • Covers storm structure, safety, and reporting criteria
• Advanced training available in some regions

After training:

• You are recognized as a SKYWARN-trained spotter
• No certification test is usually required