NWS Pittsburgh Skywarn


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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I become a member of SKYWARN?
In most cases, SKYWARN isn't really something you join, but instead is a concept of using volunteer storm spotters to provide critical information to local communities and to the NWS, and that’s what has driven the storm spotter program since it began decades ago. Your community may have an organized storm spotter network that uses the name SKYWARN, and you should contact your local emergency manager to find out what formal spotter networks are in place near you, and how you might be able to get involved.

I took the online SKYWARN courses offered by COMET/Meted, does that qualify me as a local spotter for your office?
Yes, taking the national online courses qualifies you to report to our office as a trained SKYWARN spotter, but we ask that you please review our local presentation (linked below) to review our local storm trends, storm threats, reporting methods and reporting criteria. We also ask that you please attend one of our local SKYWARN classes when they are offered.

What is my spotter ID number? Do I get an ID card?
NWS Pittsburgh does not issue ID cards or spotter ID numbers.

Do I need an amateur radio license to be a storm spotter?
It depends on your community and how involved you want to be. You don’t have to be an amateur radio operator to make a severe weather report, but many spotter networks are made up of dedicated amateur radio operators who use radio to coordinate their local network and to relay reports to the NWS. If you’re interested in learning more about amateur radio, visit this site.

When are your SKYWARN classes?
We host multiple SKYWARN classes in the winter and early spring. You do not need to be a resident of the county the class is in to attend. A list of upcoming classes is continually updated, and the schedule can be found here.

Where do I register for a SKYWARN class?
Registration is required for some, but not all, in-person training. If registration is required, a registration link will appear in the table on our Training Schedule page.

For virtual webinar classes, registration is required so a unique link can be emailed to you that allows you to join at the date and time of the webinar (class). All registration links for virtual SKYWARN classes can be found on our Training Schedule page.

Registration is not required for classes conducted over Facebook Live.

What is presented at a SKYWARN Class?
The SKYWARN class covers topics related to severe thunderstorm characteristics, cloud formations, identifying the different threats associated with severe storms, how to report, and basic weather safety. The Saturday classes may also include additional presentations on weather, communication, radar and/or important local information. We strongly recommend everyone attend a SKYWARN presentation at least once a year.

What if I miss a SKYWARN class?
There are a couple options if you register for a class but are unable to attend.

One: Visit the Training Schedule page to find another date and time that you can potentially attend.

Two: Go to our YouTube Channel and watch the Basic SKYWARN playlist and follow the instructions within the description of each video for instructions on watching each video in the series and taking the online quiz certifying the completion of the course.

Three: Browse through this StoryMap to learn about the NWS, the basics of severe weather, and how to report storm damage.

How do I register for PBZ's SKYWARN Database?
If you've already taken a Skywarn class, but haven't registered for our Skywarn Spotter Database, or you'd like to update you email address in our database, please visit this form.