Skywarn is an effort to save lives during severe weather emergencies by expanding networks of spotters and by encouraging the widest possible participation in tornado warning programs. Skywarn Weather Spotters provide a valuable service to the National Weather Service by reporting storm damage, precipitation and other observed weather phenomena. There is no way to stop tornadoes, and not all tornadoes show up on radar, but they can be seen. Lives can be saved. Only one instrument can detect a tornado or funnel with complete certainty—the human eye.

More concern, more spotters, more eyes are needed. Lend us yours—learn Skywarn! All interested parties (i.e., fire, police, EMS, security, volunteers and citizens) are encouraged to attend.

This program is coordinated by the Oakland County Emergency Management and Homeland Security Department. Most Skywarn spotter training classes will be held virtually this year. Visit the National Weather Service website for course dates and additional details. There will be two in-person training events in Oakland County in Spring 2024.

Become a Storm Spotter in Your Own Home!

If you are unable to make one of the Skywarn classes this year, there are a couple of alternatives for Skywarn Training. An online Skywarn training is available through the NOAA MetEd website. Currently there are two courses, each taking about one hour to complete:

• NWS Weather Spotters Guide
• Skywarn Spotter Convective Basics