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NWS Jacksonville Home
» Skywarn™Spotter Information
| SKYWARN™ Spotter Training
Schedule NEW SPOTTER SIGN-UP
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No classes are currently scheduled.
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| IMPORTANT: Classes may be canceled
with short notice should severe weather, a tropical storm, or hurricane pose a
threat to the forecast area. All potential class attendees should check
the web site on the day of the class or contact the class point of
contact to insure that the class has not been canceled. |
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 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. For
more information on the NWS Jacksonville HAM radio network, contact  Mr. Lewis Jolly.
Interested in becoming a National Weather Service Skywarn Storm
Spotter?
Use the following form to submit your personal data, and
we'll contact you with more information.
If your browser does not support forms, send an e-mail to Angela Enyedi,
and try to answer as many questions from the online form as you can.
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