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Scale of threat levels

for South Central and Southeast Wisconsin
Skywarn Activation
Activation Map Activation Levels Send A Report MKX Storm Spotter Page
The "SKYWARN Activation Map" depicts the level of assistance requested from SKYWARN and weather/rainfall spotter networks within specified areas.

SKYWARN Activation Level
Activation Level Descriptions
WX9MKX "NWS Milwaukee/Sullivan Amateur Radio Station WX9MKX Staffed Continously"

A licensed amateur radio operator from the local amateur radio club will be detailed to operate the radio equipment at the NWS Milwaukee/Sullivan Forecast Office. The radio operator will monitor individual (county) SKYWARN frequencies and pass any severe weather reports immediately and directly to the NWS Milwaukee/Sullivan Warning Coordinator. The latest radar-based severe weather information also is passed from the NWS to the SKYWARN nets. Weather/Rainfall Spotters should provide reports of significant weather to the NWS in Milwaukee/Sullivan. 

This type of activation occurs on average only 2-4 times per year and is typically reserved for significant, widespread, or long-duration severe weather events.

Formal
"SKYWARN Networks Are Requested To Activate"

SKYWARN members are advised to closely monitor severe weather updates and weather radar depictions. Net control operators should plan for likely activation. If severe weather becomes imminent or a warning is issued, formal activation of SKYWARN networks is requested. NWS Milwaukee/Sullivan staff may contact net control operators in advance to confirm readiness.  Weather/Rainfall Spotters should provide reports of significant weather to the NWS in Milwaukee/Sullivan. 

This type of activation typically occurs on average less than a dozen times per year and is typically reserved for a severe weather event which is expected to impact multiple counties or continue for several hours. 

Informal
"SKYWARN Networks May Self Activate Or Monitor As Needed"

If severe weather becomes imminent or a warning is issued, informal activation of SKYWARN networks may become necessary. Formal net control operations likely will not be required, however, reports may still be relayed upon SKYWARN frequencies, as appropriate. Weather/Rainfall Spotters should provide reports of significant weather to the NWS in Milwaukee/Sullivan.

This type of activation is the most common and is typically required when isolated or short-duration severe weather is anticipated (usually during the Summer).

None
"SKYWARN & Spotter Network Activation Is Not Anticipated"

If severe weather is not forecast, no level of activation will be requested. However, should strong storms unexpectedly develop, "Informal" activation would be warranted.

Please report the following phenomena: tornadoes/funnel clouds/waterspouts, winds over 50 mph or wind damage, hail larger than pea-size (1/2 inch), torrential rainfall leading to roadway, urban, or residential flooding.

Reports may be relayed to the NWS in Milwaukee/Sullivan through local amateur radio SKYWARN networks or emailed.

  • NOAA's National Weather Service
  • Milwaukee/Sullivan, WI Weather Forecast Office
  • N3533 Hardscrabble Road
  • Dousman, WI 53118
  • 414-744-8000
  • Page Author: MKX Webmaster
  • Web Master's E-mail: w-mkx.webmaster@noaa.gov
  • Page last modified: 2-Nov-2005 10:23 PM UTC
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