SKYWARN is a nation wide volunteer network of  “storm spotters” who are trained to Identify, Evaluate, and Report severe weather events. These volunteers come from all walks of life, but are frequently fire or police personnel, emergency response groups, and ham radio operators. A keen interest in weather and community service is a common bond. They support their local communities and governments by providing the National Weather Service with "ground-truth" reports in real time of tornadoes, large hail, property damage, flooding, snow fall amounts, etc.

These storm spotter reports assist meteorologists to correlate Doppler radar data and other spotter
reports to issue appropriate statements and warnings in a more accurate and timely fashion, thus
protecting life and property. The Skywarn program was originally developed in the late 1960's
and today there are over 286,000 trained weathers spotters across the U-S.

HOW YOU CAN PARTICIPATE

During selected severe weather events (typically a Severe Thunderstorm and Tornado Watches),
a Skywarn/Weather Net will be activated on 146.910 repeater.  A Net Control Station will then
direct radio traffic, provide updates, and request storm reports using a standard  reporting criteria
and reporting format..
 
This reporting criteria and reporting format  has been established for all Skywarn/weather net frequencies within the 20 counties served by the Milwaukee/Sullivan National Weather Service office. This format established by the Sullivan Committee ensures brevity and uniform reporting so that even  the most catastrophic weather events can be reported within 40 seconds!
 
Our reports are then relayed to the NWS to help verify radar data so that the appropriate warnings
can be issued. Our severe weather reports also permit us to individually test our operational readiness and emergency communication skills.
 
What you need to do:
 
1. Learn the weather reporting criteria and how to format your on-air report.
          
2. Determine your distance and compass direction from the nearest city within your county.

3. Use the TLCS format (Time, Location, Condition, Source of report).
 
 
QUESTIONS?
 
Get on the repeater and contact any one from the Weather Net team:
Skip - W9HAS
Dean - WX9DS
Al - N9RXD
Richard - N6NKO
Brian - KC9GMW
Gregg - W9AWX
George - KC9AVZ
 
 
Updated Feb. 2008.

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