The main responsibility of a SKYWARN® spotter is to identify and describe severe local storms. SKYWARN isn't really something you join, but instead is a concept based on having citizen volunteers help their community and the NWS by observing and reporting hazardous weather occurring in their area. Anyone can be a storm spotter and submit reports directly to the NWS.
The SKYWARN presentation covers severe thunderstorm characteristics, cloud formations, identifying the different threats associated with severe storms, how to report, and basic weather safety. We strongly recommend everyone attend a SKYWARN presentation at least once a year to refresh on these concepts. If needed, training certificates are provided at each class.
Anyone can attend ANY in-person class (regardless of the county you reside in), or you can register for an online class. The NWS conducts the training in partnership with local emergency management officials who, in most cases, are responsible for maintaining their local storm spotter network.
The training sessions are typically about two hours long and cover fundamental information that every resident and spotter needs to know, with a focus on safety, identification of key weather features, and proper reporting procedures.

SKYWARN School Schedule