Severe Thunderstorm Threat From the Central Plains to the Northeast; Extreme HeatRisk for the East Coast

Strong to severe thunderstorms are possible from the central Plains to the Northeast through this evening. Widespread damaging winds are the primary threat but hail and a tornado or two is also possible. Extremely dangerous heat continues across the Eastern U.S. Warm overnight low temperatures will provide little to no relief. Read More >

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Despite great advances in computer technology, sometimes nothing quite compares to a first-hand report. We know where its raining, and have Skywarn computer guidance on when or where it should flood, but we cannot tell if flooding has already starting. Likewise, we know if its windy, but cannot tell if the winds have toppled trees, caused power outages, or damaged structures. However, since we're tasked with protecting life and property, we need to know this type of information. Thus, we have a network of volunteers called SKYWARN® spotters. Class participants take a 3 hour long introductory course offered by us during which they are instructed on how to spot severe weather, and when to report appropriate items- typically thunderstorm damage during the spring and summer months and snowfall accumulations during the winter. If interested in more details on the SKYWARN® program, visit our SKYWARN® page by clicking here.

SKYWARN station

Obviously, all of our SKYWARN® observers are weather enthusiasts. A good percentage of them are also amateur radio operators. During large or major weather events, a ham radio operator comes to the office to work the console pictured above, which is located at the edge of the operations floor. Thus, we gain additional information on the weather's impact in real time, helping us make warning decisions.

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