March 13, 2023
2023-03-13T18:00:00
James City County Recreation Center
Meeting Room A/B
5301 Longhill Road
Williamsburg, VA 23188
Basic SKYWARN Storm Spotter Training
Monday, March 13, 2023
Each year, the staff of NWS Wakefield brings SKYWARN out into the community. NWS Wakefield meteorologists, in partnership with local government or other civic groups, present SKYWARN classes every spring and fall. SKYWARN is a nationwide network of volunteer weather spotters who report hazardous weather to local National Weather Service (NWS) offices. Amateur radio operators and weather observers, generally operating through local organizations, are ideally equipped to contribute to the SKYWARN program. However, the general public is also an integral part of this program, serving as our "eyes on the ground" during times of severe weather.
**Register here**
*Due to limited extra staffing in the summer months, classes are generally taught between September and May. Due to high demand, this class will NOT be held in every county every year. You may attend a class in any location, regardless of where you live. Registration required.
The Basic SKYWARN course is a prerequisite for our Advanced course. Basic SKYWARN provides the general public an overview of severe weather across our region. Upon completion of the course, you will be certified as an NWS SKYWARN spotter by the NWS. You will receive a spotter ID from the NWS within 6 weeks and a printable SKYWARN completion certificate.
National Weather Service Overview & Mission
Our Office
Basic Severe Weather Definitions
Lightning Safety
The Importance of SKYWARN Spotters
CoCoRaHS
What Causes Thunderstorms?
Thunderstorm Ingredients and Threats
You Make the Call…Interactive Weather Spotting Exercise
Reporting Severe Weather to the NWS
Winter Weather Operations (Fall)
Tropical Weather Operations (Spring)
NWS Products & Services – How to Stay Informed!
How to Navigate Weather.gov/Wakefield