Local Doppler Radar (New Bern)
Severe Weather Watch/Warnings (Map)
What is Skywarn?
Skywarn is an organization of severe weather spotters trained by the National Weather Service. Many Skywarn Spotters are
amateur radio operators who make
use of portable and mobile radios to report severe weather conditions through their local Skywarn Net to the National Weather
Service. Most National Weather Service Offices also have toll free telephone numbers
for severe weather reports. Anyone interested in Skywarn may attend training and participate as a severe weather spotter. Training programs are generally
conducted in the spring of each year.
These trained severe weather spotters volunteer many hours each year to support the Skywarn program sponsored by the National Weather Service.
Amateur radio provides a vital link in
supplying local Weather Service Forecast Offices with reports of severe weather. Reports from amateur radio operators are used to verify existing
severe weather warnings and are often used
to assist the meteorologists in determining when and where additional warnings should be issued. Such reports can save lives!
Local Skywarn spotter training programs
are generally offered every year. This informative, two to three hour program is conducted by meteorologists from the National Weather Service.
Although the program teaches the basics
n severe weather spotting and safety, it does not teach the amateur radio operator ho to communicate severe weather reports
via ham radio. The most important technique when
participating in a Skywarn Net activation is listening. Unless specifically requested, please do not report general weather conditions.
If in doubt however, error on the side of safety
and report any potential severe weather condition. Amateur radio operators provide a great service to the National Weather Service and
the citizens of our communities through their
support of the Skywarn program.
EMAIL: [email protected]