Skywarn: Current Updates and Future Opportunities

In 2009, the National Weather Service started work on modernizing the Skywarn program. Online training was designed, created and implemented. Classroom training guides were updated and made portable with mention of newer technologies and resources. A memorandum of understanding was signed with CoCoRaHS and Spotter Network, bringing in a new source of training and spotters to assist the warning program.

This poster will give updates on the program, based off of: 1. Qualitative responses to a survey that was completed in early 2014 by NWS Warning Coordination Meteorologists around the country. It showed the diversity of the program and highlighted the needs for the future. 2. Quantitative data from within the NWS Skywarn program, the COMET Online Training courses, and the spotters in Spotter Network.

This presentation is an opportunity for those engaged in a Weather Ready Nation to brainstorm ways that Skywarn could continue to be improved, through technologies, education, training etc.

A special meeting will also be held at AMS regarding the Skywarn program and the details of that meeting will be announced in the future. Those who are interested in developing education or technologies that can complement the Skywarn program are asked to RSVP to Tanja Fransen at tanja.fransen@noaa.gov.