Spotter Training

One of the best educational resources for storm chasing is Storm Spotter training. There are two programs that you can join, depending on where you live: CANWARN (Canada), or SKYWARN (USA).

CANWARN
CANWARN stands for CANadian Weather Amateur Radio Network, and is run by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) meteorologists. It’s training sessions are free and are held at some locations across Canada, with most of them located in Ontario.

CANWARN Severe Weather Spotters confirm and add information to the remote sensing observations of satellite and radar as well as provide information not observable by these technologies. This is called “ground truthing“. These spotters provide this information through 4 different methods of communication: E-mail, Amateur Radio, Twitter and Telephone. All information provided is used to issue weather alerts to areas that may be impacted by severe weather. CANWARN members are not provided with compensation from ECCC, as the program is volunteer-based.

There is no requirement to retake a CANWARN training session, but you may attend another if you would like to refresh your knowledge.

More information on the CANWARN program can be found by clicking here.

SKYWARN
SKYWARN is a program of the National Weather Service (NWS) in the United States. Its mission is to collect reports of localized severe weather, and are used to aid forecasters in issuing and verifying severe weather watches and warnings, as well as to improve the forecasting and warning processes and the tools used to collect meteorological data. Reports are also used by local emergency managers and public safety officials.

SKYWARN consists of a network of severe storm spotters who observe weather conditions and make reports of severe weather to their local NWS offices. These spotters are regularly trained by personnel from the local NWS offices. In many areas, classes are conducted each spring in advance of the coming severe weather season. Many SKYWARN spotters use methods to communicate with one another during severe storm events. A notable example of this is through the use of amateur radio ham nets, which is still an important method since severe weather can significantly disrupt local telecommunications systems.

SKYWARN training sessions usually occupy two hours and focus on hazard identification and communication along with spotter strategies and safety. The NWS recommends attending a refresher course every two years.

More information on the SKYWARN program can be found by clicking here or by contacting your local NWS office.

Conclusion
Storm spotting courses may not be for everyone, but the information you provide during a severe weather event will help make informed decisions, and may even save lives.