Northern and East Central Nevada Spotter Program Spotters Needed! Call Michael Fitzsimmons at (775) 778-6716 or email NEW ONLINE DISCUSSION FORUM LIST SERVER The NWS Elko office has created a list server through the Yahoo!Groups server. This list server is dedicated to all SKYWARNTM weather discussions and is open for all to post information on. TO SUBSCRIBE: Send an email to elko_wfo_skywarn-subscribe@yahoogroups.com TO UNSUBSCRIBE: Send an email to elko_wfo_skywarn-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com Pleasant weather usually dominates Northern and East Central Nevada. But even we are susceptible to severe weather. Thunderstorms can produce flash flooding, damaging winds, hail and even tornadoes. Winter storms can bring heavy snow and high winds throughout the Great Basin as well. Even lightning places a critical role during the summer months with the potential of starting fires. To effectively warn for the protection of life and property, the National Weather Service must have a thorough handle on current weather conditions throughout this region. Unfortunately, long distances separate National Weather Service offices. Although weather satellites and new doppler weather radar use the latest technology to provide a wealth of information to forecasters, no tool has yet been developed that can replace a human observation of the weather in a local area at a specific time. You can help! By alerting us to significant weather events, you become the "eyes and ears" of the National Weather Service in your area and help us determine when and where we need to issue warnings. Your participation in the SKYWARNTM spotter program is entirely voluntary. You are under no obligation and cannot be compensated. However, your vigilance is valuable and greatly appreciated! It helps others and could save lives. A SKYWARNTM spotter is a person who observes significant weather and relays the information to the National Weather Service (NWS). When spotters note a significant weather event, either from their homes or while on the road, they call their local weather service office and relay the information in a brief, to-the-point message. Some areas within the forecast area have little or no sources of weather information. The spotter reports help fill those gaps that radar and satellites can't cover. The spotters' data, which includes location, elevation and a description of the severity of the conditions, can help the NWS formulate and pinpoint advisories or warnings. When appropriate, the NWS gives the information to flood control agencies, the state Office of Emergency Services, the county Office of Disaster Preparedness, various police and fire departments and other agencies that deal with weather-related emergencies. Sometimes, the NWS will call a spotter for an observance if radar or satellite images indicate something could be happening in an area, even if there have been no reports. Spotters can and do provide valuable confirmation. The NWS' SkywarnTM system is a similar but more sophisticated and proactive spotter network. During severe weather outbreaks, the NWS activates Skywarn, and spotters in target areas are notified. Skywarn spotters are then asked to relay observances from locations near potential trouble spots. Ok, what do I do to become a spotter? If you like the weather, you can be a spotter! If you become a spotter, you will help us at the National Weather Service in Elko by observing significant weather in your area. Your data, which includes location, elevation and a description of the severity of the conditions, can help the NWS formulate and pinpoint advisories or warnings. When appropriate, the NWS gives the information to flood control agencies, the state Office of Emergency Services, the county Office of Disaster Preparedness, various police and fire departments and other agencies that deal with weather-related emergencies. Sometimes, the NWS will call a spotter for an observance if radar or satellite images indicate something could be happening in an area, even if there have been no reports. Spotters can and do provide valuable confirmation. I'm interested in becoming a spotter, how do I sign up? It's easy! Just let us know you are interested. You can either call us at (775) 778-6716 or email the Weather Service in Elko and we will get you signed up. I'm not a spotter, can I still report severe weather? Of course you can! The NWS encourages input from everyone. Remember, the NWS is here to serve YOU! If severe weather is occuring near you, PLEASE call us at (775) 778-6716. Other Websites and Resources on Storm Spotting Basic Spotters Field Guide An illustrated guide to spotting severe storms Weather Glossary for Spotters Weather Safety and Spotter Training Schedule National Severe Storms Lab Weather Room