NOAA's National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office

A Look at Severe Weather Operations

When severe storms have been detected or are expected in the near future, our office goes into severe weather operations mode. Our staff of meteorologists-on-duty jumps to at least 4 and at least 2 hydro-meteorological technicians are also present. Two or more meteorologists are monitoring the radar at all times. When a severe storm is detected, the radar meteorologists are responsible for issuing severe weather warning for counties in the path of the storm.

Our computer system is designed to rapidly disseminate a severe weather warning once a severe storm is identified. The warning forecaster clicks on the center of the storm on the computer screen, goes back a few radar images, then clicks on the storm again so the computer can automatically compute the path and speed of the storm. Then the software creates a pop-up window that contains the text of the severe weather warning to be issued. The text automatically includes the counties and cities in the path of the storm, the speed and direction the storm is moving, and how long the warning will be in effect for the affected areas. After a quick proofreading of the warning text, the product is issued.

Our computer system automatically sends the warning out to the Emergency Alert System, the weather wire, and the internet so everyone can access the information. The warning is also relayed immediately to our NOAA All Hazards Radio computer which automatically plays the warnings on radio transmitters in the affected areas. See the next page for more information on NOAA All Hazards Radio.

In addition to NWS staff, there is a group of volunteer severe weather spotters that are activated during times of severe weather to keep an eye on the sky. Better known as the SKYWARN Network, these dedicated individuals monitor their communities for signs of severe weather. When a severe weather watch is in effect, a member of SKYWARN NET Control is called in to monitor amateur radio channels so he/she can immediately relay incoming spotter reports to NWS staff. Skywarn spotter reports also reach our staff via phone, internet, and e-mail.

Spotter reports are essential to severe weather operations because they tell us if the rotation we see in the thunderstorm has reached the ground. They can also pass along important details such as the extent of storm damage, the size of hailstones, and specific details on the impacts of flooding in a community. Are you interested in joining SKYWARN? Click here for information on the program, as well as a list of training classes conducted each March, April and May. The schedule of classes is updated beginning in January.