In addition, spotter teams regularly practice directed network communications and are able to efficiently pass information through a net control operator who has a direct line to the local forecast office. Amateur Radio Operators are experts in communication and in times of severe weather or disaster, have often provided the only means of communication when traditional infrastructure has been compromised. Amateur Radio Operators also provide vital communication between the NWS and emergency management if normal communications become inoperative. In anticipation of severe weather, a SKYWARN® net may be activated by Net Control, providing a systematic way to pass information between Spotters and the NWS warning desk without tying up phone lines. Arizona Sector 1 SKYWARN® is organized under the amateur radio call sign of WX7TWC, works in cooperation with the AARL’s district emergency coordinators in the area and is under the direction of a SKYWARN® Amateur Coordinator. The Tucson WFO works in cooperation with the local amateur radio community through an organized spotter network. We will not initiate contact with minors for weather reports. *On a case-by-case basis we may allow young adults to participate in SKYWARN® training as long as they are accompanied by someone at least 18 years of age who fulfils the necessary requirements to be a SKYWARN® spotter. Alternately, more information on the schedule can be found here. Residents of Southeast Arizona willing and able to meet the criteria, and interested in becoming a SKYWARN® Spotter, should monitor the NWS Tucson website to find out when the next training sessions are being held. Of course, spotters are always encouraged to take the initiative to contact the NWS office with their information.Īnyone wishing to volunteer to become an official SKYWARN® Spotter in Southeast Arizona must meet the following criteria:Ģ) Have a working email address, phone number and internet accessģ) Be a summertime resident of southeast ArizonaĤ) Be able to observe and report severe weather in their communityĥ) Be able to attend a free, two hour training class that will be conducted during the spring by National Weather Service Tucson personnel

This information helps forecasters “train” for the next event, which may occur only a few minutes later. SKYWARN® Spotters also make themselves available to be contacted by the NWS to inquire about the conditions which occurred during a storm. In essence, the weather information provided by Spotters help motivate action by the people in the path of a potentially dangerous storm to take action to protect themselves and their property. These “ground-truth” reports made by trained Spotters give credibility to the warnings issued by the NWS.

Change the warning or advisory type (upgrade or downgrade based on the report).

Issue a warning downstream from an existing storm.

Continue a warning with more accurate information on the expected hazard(s).

Issue a new warning or cancel an existing warning.

The information provided by Spotters can be used by NWS meteorologists to help decide to:

During life-threatening weather, these real-time reports provided by Spotters can help protect life and property. Spotters who observe significant weather relay the information to their local NWS office or appropriate local authority based on the hazard observed. SKYWARN® Weather Spotters play a crucial role in their communities and are often part of the NWS warning process. However, we are always seeking additional “eyes on the ground” especially in rural communities and open country.Īdditional details can be found on the National SKYWARN® Webpage. The NWS in Tucson, AZ has hundreds of SKYWARN® spotters in its County Warning and Forecast Area, which includes the counties of Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, Pima, SE Pinal and Santa Cruz. SKYWARN® storm spotters are volunteer citizens who form the nation's first line of defense against severe weather. Since the program’s inception, the information provided by SKYWARN® spotters, coupled with Doppler radar technology, improved satellite and other data, has enabled the NWS to issue more timely and accurate warnings for a variety of weather hazards. The NWS communicates these warnings to county Emergency Managers, who take appropriate action to help protect life and property of citizens in their jurisdiction.

In the event of observed severe weather, SKYWARN® Spotters contact their local NWS office, who use the information to issue warnings for severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, flash floods, and dust storms, or verify warnings already issued for these hazards. SKYWARN® was developed in the early 1970’s as a partnership between the National Weather Service (NWS), county Emergency Managers and the general public. In an average year, the United States experiences more than 10,000 severe thunderstorms, 5,000 floods and more than 1,000 tornadoes.

Tucson doppler radar loop