SKYWARN™ Spotter Training Schedule     NEW SPOTTER SIGN-UP FORM
County	Course	Date	Time	Where (map)	Contact
Flagler and surrounding areas	Basic & Advanced	June 11, 2009 (Thursday)	6:00-9:00 PM (with break)	Flagler EOC 1769 E Moody Blvd #3 Bunnell, FL	Bob Pickering (386)313-4250 Instructor: Al Sandrik
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?
Click here to receive more information.