If you have a scanner, locate your Primary District Net from this link first. Then, program that frequency into your scanner during times of severe weather watches or warnings.

One thing to keep in mind is that all Skywarn nets supply the National Weather Service with "raw and undigested ground level" information. The NWS uses that info, along with data from various types of equipment and other sources and issues the proper warnings. What you may hear not necessarily may be completely true. For the most part, all info passed on these radio networks are factual reports. However, while most spotters have had training in what to look for, some do not. That's not to say that an untrained spotter can't tell what a tornado or funnel cloud looks like. Most spotters can tell a difference between a funnel cloud and a cloud that may at first appear to be a funnel cloud called a scud. Again, always keep in mind that this is "raw" info from the field.

Skywarn nets are fantastic sources for real-time weather reports as they happen. This is not to say that it should be used instead of your NOAA weather radio, cable, broadcast radio, and other various media types used to dispurse weather information. It can be used in conjunction with them to help provide a broad outlook on the current weather event.

Skywarn members are not all amateur radio operators either. There are many non-amateur radio operators that have attended spotter training and actively participate in the Skywarn program all over the country. Their reports are reported to NWS via telephone instead of using these radio networks. Both hams and non-hams alike participate to provide the National Weather Service with timely and factual reports which results in faster severe weather warning statements from NWS. This, in turn, provides the public with more crucial time to take the appropriate action and saves lives.

If you would like more information about the Skywarn Program or you would like to become a trained Skywarn Spotter contact your local weather office and ask for the WCM.