Skywarn is the National Weather Service's volunteer storm spotter program. Trained spotters report what they actually see on the ground — hail size, wind damage, flooding, rotation — so forecasters at NWS Baltimore/Washington can issue better, faster warnings. Radar can't see what you can.
What spotters do
- Watch the sky during severe weather and report conditions that meet NWS criteria
- Relay reports by amateur radio during a Skywarn net, or directly to NWS online or by phone
- Help confirm or correct what radar is showing — your report can change a warning
You do not need a ham radio license to be a spotter. A license lets you check into our nets and report in real time, but anyone who completes the training can report.
How to get started
- Take the free NWS trainingAttend a Skywarn Basics class (in person or virtual) through NWS Baltimore/Washington, or complete the online course on COMET MetEd.
- Join our DiscordThat's where activations are announced, nets are coordinated, and new spotters get connected with their county's net control operators.
- Learn the netsCheck the repeater list and net scripts on the homepage. Listen in during an activation before you check in.
Training
NWS Baltimore/Washington posts its class schedule — Basics, Severe, Flood, and Winter — along with registration links.
NWS Skywarn Classes → Online Course (MetEd) →Questions about classes: lwx-report@noaa.gov. Regional support: National Capital Area Skywarn Support Group.
Join the Discord
Our Discord server carries live NWS and SPC products, activation call-outs, and the coordination channels for each county. New members are screened and approved by the admins.
Join Baltimore Region Skywarn on Discord →Questions
Chris Madairy, AK3B — Regional Skywarn Coordinator
ak3b@outlook.com · 443-834-6823