NWS State College SKYWARN Program

SkyWarn Spotter page header image

Skywarn Spotter Schedule

Skywarn Overview

Skywarn Handouts

Spotter Training Videos

Keystone Crosswind

Additional Links

Below you will find a calendar with the dates of upcoming SkyWarn Spotter talks scheduled for Central Pennsylvania, presented by the National Weather Service Office in State College. Please be aware that SkyWarn talks are conducted during the Spring and Fall. Anyone can attend any talk - regardless of where you live!

CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA SKYWARN TRAINING SCHEDULE

Some important items to note:

• YOU MUST REGISTER BEFORE ATTENDING A VIRTUAL CLASS:

Each date listed on the calendar, when clicked, will expand to show details of the talk. You must register to attend all virtual classes.
No registration required for IN-PERSON spotter talks.

• BE SURE TO CHECK THIS WEB SITE THE DAY OF THE EVENT:

If any last minute cancellations or changes of venue need to be made, they will be posted here.

• GENERAL REMINDERS FOR SKYWARN CLASSES

Classes are free and open to the public
Attendees under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian
Classes typically last about 90 minutes
Make sure to download GoToWebinar on your computer prior to the virtual meeting
Test your device for compatibility by clicking here
Bring a pen/pencil to the class to take notes

Any problems or questions...please contact:

Warning Coordination Meteorologist Jonathan Guseman or Meteorologist John Banghoff

ABOUT:

The SkyWarn™ Spotter program is a voluntary program in which the public can participate in storm reporting and interact with your local NWS Office. Spotters are encouraged to relay critical weather information to their local NWS Office, in support of the Warning and Forecast Operations. The information spotters provide immensely helps the NWS Forecasters make better/more informed forecasts and helps them to warn others of impending dangers or hazards.

REPORTING: What we ask our Spotters to report and How to Report.

What to report to the NWS

HOW TO BECOME A SPOTTER:

SkyWarn™ Spotters are asked to receive weather spotter training and safety information during informational sessions, normally conducted by the local NWS Warning Coordination Meteorologist (WCM), and Forecasters. These training sessions are usually conducted in the Spring and Summer months, in anticipation of the climatological Severe Weather Season.

Missed an in-person training session? Check out the recorded basic and advanced training. Let us know if you have watched these videos and would like to become a spotter!

You can also view these national online training modules. These modules provide baseline training for all spotters by covering the procedures for spotting (including communication and spotter report criteria) and safety considerations for all weather hazards. Within a few weeks of your completion of these national online modules, we will contact you with information regarding becoming a spotter for NWS State College. Completing the national online training modules typically takes about 2 hours of time.

Many of our SkyWarn™ spotters are also Amateur Radio operators. These spotters use amateur radio frequencies to relay important and time sensitive information to the NWS. See a map of frequencies listened to by the NWS.

Amateur Radio:

Weather Spotter's Field Guide:

https://www.weather.gov/media/bis/Weather_Spotter_Field_Guide.pdf

Spotter Reporting Guidelines:

https://www.weather.gov/media/ctp/SpotterReportingGuidelines.pdf

SKYWARN™ NEWSLETTER:

Current Edition

Past Newsletters

Spring	Fall
Spring 2022 (PDF)	Fall 2022 (PDF)
Spring 2021 (PDF)	Fall 2021 (PDF)
------	Fall 2020 (PDF)
Spring 2019 (PDF)	Fall 2019 (PDF)
Spring 2018 (PDF)	Fall 2018 (PDF)
Spring 2017 (PDF)	Fall 2017 (PDF)
Spring 2016 (PDF)	Fall 2016 (PDF)
Spring 2015 (PDF)	Fall 2015 (PDF)
Spring 2014 (PDF)	Fall 2014 (PDF)
Spring 2013 (PDF)	Fall 2013 (PDF)
Spring 2012 (PDF)	Fall 2012 (PDF)
Spring 2011 (PDF)	Fall 2011 (PDF)
Spring 2010 (PDF)	Fall 2010 (PDF)
Spring 2009(PDF)	Fall2009 (PDF)
Spring 2008 (PDF)	Fall 2008 (PDF)
Spring 2007 (PDF)	Fall 2007 (PDF)
Spring 2006 (PDF)	Fall 2006 (PDF)
Spring 2005 (PDF)	Fall 2005 (PDF)
Spring 2004 (PDF)	Fall 2004 (PDF)