Severe Weather Spotters
Latest News:
- Spotter training for 2009 will be posted here later this winter. Check back soon!
- Over 1100 spotters were trained in 2008 -- a near record number! Thank you for your dedication!
- All spotters should complete the 15 minute on-line data quality training for spotters: "Spotter Report Data Quality."
- Over 5300 spotters have been trained in the last five years!
What is a Storm Spotter?
Storm spotters are volunteers who help their community and NOAA's National Weather Service by keeping an "eye on the sky" during severe weather. Our spotters contact the NWS via phone, amateur radio, or the internet, keeping our forecast staff updated with the latest weather information from their location. If you would like to become a severe weather spotter for northeast or north-central Wisconsin, you must attend the training presented by NWS Green Bay.
Every spring, 20-25 classes are held across northeast and north-central Wisconsin. To remain a spotter in good standing, you must attend refresher courses at least once every four years--every one or two years is preferred. The 90 minute training seminar is fast paced and filled with information.
For additional information concerning the spotter program, contact your local emergency manager or NWS Green Bay Warning Coordination Meteorologist Jeff Last (jeff.last@noaa.gov).
Frequently Requested Severe Weather Products and Pages
Hazardous Weather Outlook -- NWS Green Bay Forecast Area
Severe Thunderstorm/Tornado Watches -- NWS Green Bay Forecast Area
Severe Weather Watches -- For Wisconsin
Our Severe Weather Forecast Page -- Forecasts, watches, and warnings
Submit a Storm Report to NWS Green Bay
e-Spotter -- For our trained spotters
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Amateur radio spotters provide valuable weather reports to the NWS Green Bay office during severe weather. Volunteers, lead by Andy Nemec (KB9ALN) and Christian Reynolds (KC0ARF), staff the amateur radio desk at the NWS Green Bay office (above, left) and stay in contact with spotters across northeast and north-central Wisconsin. The 80 ft tower (above, right) is home to the antennas.
Skywarn Recognition Day
WFO Green Bay once again participated in the annual event, celebrating the contributions that volunteer SKYWARN radio operators make to the National Weather Service. During the day, SKYWARN operators visit NWS offices and contact other radio operators across the world. Click here for more information about the event.
Spotter Brochures & Instructions
Tri-Fold Spotter Brochure-- .pdf format
Measuring Snowfall for NWS Green Bay -- .pdf format
Basic Spotter's Field Guide -- .pdf format
Spotter Training Online
NOAA/NWS Spotter Training -- Updated - All spotters should review this if unable to attend in-person training. High-speed Internet recommended.
Spotter Report Data Quality -- New - All spotters should review this 15 minute training. High-speed Internet recommended.
Introduction to Storm Spotting
Intermediate-Level Storm Spotter Training
Glossary for Storm Spotters
Additional Spotter Information
Packerland Amateur Radio Skywarn Society
Wisconsin Spotter Amateur Radio Frequencies
Warning and Forecast Program at NWS Green Bay
The NWS Green Bay Newsletter - The Packerland Weather News
Severe Weather Awareness
The Microburst Handbook