SKYWARN®

During severe weather such as tornado or severe thunderstorm warnings, the amateur radio SKYWARN® network is activated. We have National Weather Service (NWS) trained storm spotters that report severe weather conditions like tornadoes, high winds and hail. We fill in the gaps of the NWS radar to report events as they are happening, allowing the NWS to provide timely alerts which allows families to find their safe spots in their homes. We also report storm damage like downed power lines and debris on the roadways.

SKYWARN® Background

In most years, thunderstorms, tornadoes and lightning cause hundreds of injuries and deaths and billions in property and crop damages.  To obtain critical weather information, the National Weather Service (NWS) established SKYWARN® with partner organizations. SKYWARN® is a volunteer program with between 350,000 and 400,000 trained severe weather spotters. These volunteers help keep their local communities safe by providing timely and accurate reports of severe weather to the National Weather Service.

Although SKYWARN® spotters provide essential information for all types of weather hazards, the focus is reporting on severe local thunderstorms. In an average year, the United States experiences more than 10,000 severe thunderstorms, 5,000 floods and more than 1,000 tornadoes.

Since the program started in the 1970s, the information provided by SKYWARN® spotters, coupled with Doppler radar technology, improved satellite and other data, has enabled NWS to issue more timely and accurate warnings for tornadoes, severe thunderstorms and flash floods. SKYWARN® storm spotters form the nation’s first line of defense against severe weather. There can be no finer reward than to know that your efforts have given your family and neighbors the precious gift of time–minutes that can help save lives.

Who is eligible and how do I get started?

NWS encourages anyone with an interest in public service to join the SKYWARN® program. Volunteers include police and fire personnel, dispatchers, EMS workers, public utility workers and other concerned private citizens. Individuals affiliated with hospitals, schools, churches and nursing homes or who have a responsibility for protecting others are encouraged to become a spotter. Ready to learn more? Find a class in your area. Training is free and typically lasts about 2 hours. You’ll learn:

  • Basics of thunderstorm development
  • Fundamentals of storm structure
  • Identifying potential severe weather features
  • Information to report
  • How to report information
  • Basic severe weather safety

Becoming a JBWA SKYWARN Spotter & Net Controller

To Become a JBWA SKYWARN Storm Spotter and Net Controller, you should work you way through the following documents in the order listed.

Introduction

A document providing guidance on becoming a JBWA Storm Spotter and Net Controller.

Welcome

A document welcoming new JBWA Storm Spotters and Net Controllers.

Procedures

A document describing procedures for running the net.

Training Script

A document with the script for calling the Training Net.

Net Activation Script

A document with the script for activating the net in severe weather.

Check-in Log Sheet

A document for capturing check-ins for either net.

Tools

A document describing additional training and tools used by spotters and net controllers.

Jim Bell Wireless Assn SKYWARN Training Net OSCAR

This net meets the first Thursday night of each month at 7:30 pm Central Time on one of our club repeaters. We are part of the Alabama Emergency Net system and meet to practice emergency communications and to foster disaster preparedness.

We operate three repeaters in Butler and Lowndes Counties. Their detailed information is located Repeaters

  • The Ft Deposit and Geogiana repeaters are linked, via FM. They can also be linked to the Ramer repeater (Repeaters).
  • The Greenville repeater is a stand alone dual mode (FM/DSTAR) repeater (Repeaters).
  • The net is normally held on the FM repeaters

Net Controllers

A document listing the net controllers and dates for the Training Nets