08/14/08 7pm-9pm	SkywarnTM - BASIC Spotter Training - Open to the public	Wake	Cary (Fire Station 1 - 1501 N Harrison Ave, Cary)
10/28/08 2pm-4pm	SkywarnTM - BASIC Spotter Training & Review of the 2008 Tornadoes- Open to the public	Forsyth	Winston Salem (Salem College & Academt - 500 E. Salem Ave.)


To set up a Skywarn^TM session in your area email jeff.orrock@noaa.gov

Want to send in a recent severe weather photo? Email your picture to rah.reports@noaa.gov and we may post it in our photo gallery.

Skywarn^TM is a National Weather Service (NWS) program of trained volunteer severe weather spotters. Skywarn^TM volunteers support their local community and government by providing the NWS with timely and accurate severe weather reports. These reports, when integrated with modern NWS technology, are used to inform communities of the proper actions to take as severe weather threatens. The key focus of the Skywarn^TM program is to save lives and property through the use of the observations and reports of trained volunteers.

Accurate and reliable information from the general public is difficult to obtain. The NWS has found that only regular training of weather spotters improves the quality of information. The National Weather Service (NWS) collaborates with Amateur Radio organizations and others to put together training programs. The NWS brings its weather knowledge, the Amateur Radio Service brings its expertise in emergency communications, and together they work with local government and the Red Cross.

Skywarn^TM volunteers donate thousands of hours and the use of their own personal radio equipment and vehicles to give their communities advanced warning of life threatening weather. Since the NWS instituted the Skywarn^TM Program, there has been a significant decrease in the death rate due to tornadoes and other severe weather.

Contact Information:

The NWS provides numerous classes to businesses and the public at no cost. The NWS is dedicated to making sure everyone knows how to prepare and what to do when disaster strikes. If you, your club or group would like to help the National Weather Service by becoming a weather spotter or wish to participate in weather safety classes, please contact Jeff Orrock via email at jeff.orrock@noaa.gov or by phone at 919-515-8209 ext.223
Email severe weather reports and pictures to rah.reports@noaa.gov

Information for Spotters:

• Link to Storm Spotter's Guide

• Link to An Introduction to Storm Observation and Reporting from NWS Norman, OK

• Link to Storm Spotter Terms from NWS Norman, OK

• National Skywarn^TM Web Site

Presentations:

Part 1 Basic Skywarn^TM - Why spotters are important
Part 2 Basic Skywarn^TM - Thunderstorm Structure and recognizing cloud elements