The SKYWARN Program was implemented by the NWS in the 1970's, and retains a critical role as a first line of defense for severe weather threats such as storms, tornadoes and flash floods. The National Weather Service trains new volunteers every year, and requires all storm spotters to complete the basic course every two years to remain in the program. Over 280,000 strong, SKYWARN storm spotters and storm trackers brave the elements and adverse conditions, and gather that much needed information known as "ground truth", and relay it back to the NWS. This is done through a system of HAM or amateur radio operators and a network of linked repeaters.  The "on location" human advantage, coupled with Doppler radar, and data collected from satellite and other sources, greatly increases practical, advanced warning time, giving citizens the precious extra moments they need to safeguard their lives and property.

Spotter training is given thoughout the year in the Houston/Galveston area.  CLARC has SKYWARN spotter training scheduled for its February 2012 meeting.  Check the NWS Houston/Galveston SKYWARN page for details on other upcoming sessions in the area.  Click here to see the SKYWARN Training Fall 2011/Spring 2012 Schedule from the Houston/Galveston office of the National Weather service.

SKYWARN has a weekly information net every Thursday night at 7:00PM(CST) on the local JSC repeater 146.64 - offset and no tone.

During Houston area severe events the SKYWARN Net is self-activated on the Saltgrass repeater system.  If severe weather is anticipated in the Houston/Galveston area or if your weather radio alerts, expect the net to be operational.  Repeaters on the Saltgrass Network include 444.725 + offset and 203.5 tone in Houston/Katy area and 443.2750 + offset and tone 103.5 in the city of Galveston.