The Digital Revolution of Storm Spotting—Modernizations of Training, Tracking, and Reporting

Storm spotters and storm chasers continue to play a vital role in the warning process for the National Weather Service (NWS), the Emergency Management Community, and Broadcast Meteorologists. They provide ground truth reports, confirmations, and often a forewarning for the NWS and media. Technological innovations in mobile Internet access, web-based reporting systems, and online training have enabled organizations like SKYWARN™ and Spotter Network© to offer comprehensive spotter training modules with standardized reporting tools.

It has now become possible to provide a nationwide structure to create a more organized flow of information to relevant and targeted stakeholders. The digital enhancements in storm reporting (that include real-time location tracking and live streaming of video) are now being interfaced with a number of different web-based weather graphics and mapping solutions. This provides another dimension to the concept of disaster management, which strives to create efficient coordination, collaboration, and sharing of critical information among public safety organizations. Perhaps it is time to expand these capabilities from just thunderstorms to an All Hazard dimension. Utilizing these technologies for all types of disasters significantly enhances the efficiency among all agencies and will require extending the training options for observers.