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SKYWARN Information
What is SKYWARN?
SKYWARN is a volunteer program run by the National Weather Service that trains everyday citizens to spot and report severe weather—such as tornadoes, large hail, damaging winds, and flash floods—to emergency managers and meteorologists in real time. By joining SKYWARN, people become part of a community-based early-warning network that helps authorities issue timely alerts, ultimately saving lives and property.
Net Activation Protocol
Upon request by NWS Atlanta warnings coordinator, WX4PTC will be stood up as a net control station to take storm reports over Georgia Linked Repeater net. We will coordinate with repeater owners if activation is required.
Reporting Best Practices
It's advisable to first bring severe weather reports to your local SKYWARN network if possible. Local networks should establish a "liaison" between the STATE network and their local network. Reports should be sent to the NCS at the NWS as soon as possible to manage congestion and prioritize severe reports.
NWS SKYWARN Page
Official NWS Atlanta SKYWARN page with training schedules, spotter information, and program details.
www.weather.gov/ffc/SKYWARNSpotter Resources
Upcoming NWS Atlanta Basic Spotter Training Classes (Virtual)
Spotter Training & Resources
SKYWARN Spotter Training
Current schedule for spotter training sessions offered by NWS Atlanta. Learn to identify and report severe weather safely and effectively.
www.weather.gov/ffc/SKYWARNschedSpotter Quick Reference Handout
Single-page reference guide with essential information for weather spotters including what to report and how to report it.
Spotter Reference PDFSKYWARN Spotter Guidebook
The definitive comprehensive guide for weather spotters covering cloud types, severe weather identification, safety procedures, and reporting protocols.
Spotter Guidebook PDFNWS Detailed Reporting Guide
Comprehensive NWS guidelines for submitting accurate and useful weather reports, including what qualifies as reportable and how to describe observations.
www.weather.gov/spotterguide/reportsMaps & Situational Awareness Tools
NWS Atlanta Radar (KFFC)
Live Doppler weather radar from the KFFC radar site covering Atlanta metro and surrounding regions with real-time precipitation and storm tracking.
radar.weather.gov/station/kffcGeorgia SKYWARN Linked Repeater Map
Interactive map showing Southeast Linked Repeater Network, Peach State Intertie, and Cherry Blossom Intertie locations with optional weather data layers.
View Repeater MapNWSChat 2.0 Companion Map
Interactive map with NOAA/NWS weather feeds, active watches/warnings, and radar. Developed by W8BYH for ARES/EMCOMM operations.
Open NWSChat MapARES Southeast Situational Map (Desktop Only)
Amateur Radio Emergency Service situational awareness map for southeastern US with operational data and tools. Developed by W8BYH.
Open ARES MapConnect with NWS Atlanta
Looking for additional NWS resources and tools?
View All NWS Links →Reporting Requirements
How to Report
Please Include in Your Report
- Your name and callsign (or phone number)
- Identify yourself as a trained spotter
- What you saw — keep it brief
- Exact location or cross streets
- Time of the event
NWS Spotter Guidebook
The definitive guide for weather spotters — cloud identification, severe weather recognition, safety procedures, and reporting protocols.
Download Spotter Guidebook (PDF)What to Report
Tornadoes / Funnel Clouds / Wall Clouds
Organized, persistent rotation
Hail
Report the size of the largest stone and any damage. Compare to coins or balls, or measure with a ruler.
Damaging Winds
Wind speeds ≥50 mph • Large branches/trees down • Roof or structure damage
Flooding
Flooded roadways/rivers • Water depth • Standing or flowing • Rising/steady/falling • Known flood area • Damage
Winter Weather
Any ice/snow accumulation
Lightning
Injuries or damage caused
Submit Reports
Report to Your Local Network First
Local SKYWARN Network
The NWS forecast office operates under the WX4PTC call sign to coordinate SKYWARN severe-weather reporting nets. Bring reports to your local SKYWARN network first when possible.
EchoLink Access to WX4PTC
Node: KK4GQ-R → WX4PTC
Repeater: 145.210- (131.8 Hz), Fayetteville, GA
Status: Full-time (unless technical difficulties require control ops to disconnect)
Can't Get Through on the Radio?
If you have a severe weather report and cannot submit it via radio or online, call on the phone. Others down the road may benefit from your report.