What is SKYWARN?
SKYWARN is a volunteer program run with the National Weather Service (NWS) in the United States. Trained spotters report what they see during severe weather, such as tornadoes, funnel clouds, large hail, damaging wind and flooding. Forecasters use these reports alongside radar and other data when deciding whether to issue or update warnings.
You do not need a ham license to be a SKYWARN spotter, and many spotters report by phone or online. Amateur radio operators are a well-known part of the program because radio can keep working when other systems are congested or down, and because hams often run organized nets.
How ham radio supports SKYWARN
In many areas, local amateur radio groups run a SKYWARN net on a repeater. When severe weather is expected, a net control station opens the net and asks spotters to check in. Reports from the field go to net control, who collects them and passes them to the local NWS office, often through a ham radio station at the office or another liaison arrangement.
The details differ by region. Some NWS offices have their own amateur radio station, some use online chat or phone lines, and some local groups use specific repeaters or linked systems. Check your local NWS office page and local club to learn how your area works.
What does SKYWARN activation mean?
An activation generally means a local SKYWARN net has been opened because severe weather is expected or occurring. Criteria are set locally, often by the NWS office or the group running the net, and commonly relate to watches or warnings in the area. Activation does not mean everyone should go outside and chase storms. Spotters are usually expected to stay safe and report only what they can observe from a safe place.
SKYWARN training
Spotter training is offered by NWS offices, often as a free class lasting a couple of hours, though lengths and formats vary and many offices offer online sessions. Training typically covers:
- Basic thunderstorm structure and how severe storms develop
- Features to recognize, such as wall clouds and funnel clouds
- What to report and what details forecasters find useful
- Safety for spotters
- How to report, including by radio
Look for your local NWS office’s SKYWARN page for class schedules. Local clubs often publicize them as well.
What to report
Offices publish their own reporting criteria, which can differ. Commonly requested items include tornadoes and funnel clouds, hail of a certain size, damaging wind, flooding, and heavy snow or ice accumulation. When you report, give the following.
- Your call sign and role
- What you saw
- Exactly where it is, with direction and distance from a known landmark
- When it happened
- Whether it is happening now or already ended
Keep reports short and factual. Do not guess at what you did not directly observe.
Radio tips for storm spotting
- Know the repeater and any backup simplex channel your local net uses. Our list of emergency frequencies to know explains general-purpose calling channels.
- Carry spare batteries and a copy of your frequencies.
- Listen before transmitting, as covered in repeater etiquette. Net control manages the flow and may ask for priority traffic first.
- Use plain language.
- Keep yourself safe. Storm damage, lightning and flooding can be hazardous.
Where SKYWARN fits in EMCOMM
SKYWARN is one piece of the larger emergency communications picture. Many spotters also belong to ARES or other volunteer groups. See our overview of ham radio emergency communications for how these programs relate.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a ham license?
No. Spotter training is open to the public in many areas, though you will need a license to transmit on amateur frequencies; the Technician study guide is a good place to start.
How long does training take?
Commonly a couple of hours, but it depends on your local office.
What is the 3-3-3 rule?
Sources use “333” in different ways, and it is not a standard SKYWARN term. If you saw it in a SKYWARN context, check with your local group for what it refers to.