NOAA National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office

Significant Weather Observing Program

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the difference between SWOP, Cooperative Observers (COOP), and Skywarn spotters?

      The SWOP program overlaps some of the duties performed by observers in the COOP and Skywarn networks.  Rain and snowfall data is provided by both the SWOP and COOPs, but COOPs report on a daily basis and normally do not provide severe weather data.   Hail, wind and flooding data is provided by the Skywarn network and SWOP, but no rain or snowfall data is provided by Skywarn operators.   The SWOP program was created to help fill in the gap, with an observer who could provide limited, but detailed data on certain weather events.

NOTE: Observers in the SWOP network will NOT be certified SKYWARN spotters.  You should not "chase" storms unless you have been through a SKYWARN class in the past two years.  SWOP will NOT teach you what is needed to safely observe a severe thunderstorm from a vehicle.

How do SWOP observers get their reports to the NWS?

     Observers send their weather reports to the National Weather Service in one of two ways: either through our web-based reporting form called eSpotter or via e-mail.  We highly encourage use of eSpotter, since it is the quickest way to get reports to us.  SWOP participants may also send reports through the SWOP e-mail account at nwsliilx@noaa.gov  

NOTE: To those in the SWOP program who have been through a Weather Spotter Class

     If your local county has set up reporting guidelines, please follow those guidelines first.  Contact us ONLY after you have contacted them, or in the event you cannot establish contact with them.  Rain and snowfall reports are exempt from the above guidelines, as these typically are not of concern to local officials.