How To Get Involved

NWS personnel regularly conduct spotter training sessions....both at the Weather Service Forecast Office in Phoenix, and at remote locations from around the CWA. Severe weather spotter training for new and existing volunteer spotters will be conducted by the National Weather Service Phoenix Forecast Office at the times and locations shown below:

The training classes will prepare the SKYWARN volunteer spotter to identify the development stages of severe thunderstorms, as well as downbursts, desert flash flooding, and tornados. The observed information is relayed to the NWS via telephone or amateur radio. The NWS uses the information in severe weather warnings and statements, that ultimately save lives and protect property.

Adult SKYWARN volunteers are community spirited individuals, who understand that they play an essential role in providing storm information to the National Weather Service. Spotters are also hikers, sports and outdoor enthusiasts, and those who routinely work outdoors. Many volunteer spotters are amateur radio operators and participate in a special amateur radio network during severe weather.

If you have any questions, please contact either Steve Sipple at 602-275-7002 ext 537, or Ken Waters - 602-275-7002 ext 223 - at the NWS Phoenix Forecast Office. Please call during business hours only - 7:00am to 3:30pm M-F. They will be happy to answer them for you!

SKYWARN especially needs new spotters in the remote areas of our County Warning Area (CWA), which includes Maricopa, northwest Pinal, and southern Gila counties!

For more information about the National Weather Service SKYWARN Program in Phoenix, click on the link below:
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