As a storm spotter, your responsibilities would include observing weather patterns and cloud conditions from your home as they build in the sky. Observing the weather can be fun and entertaining, but you will also be helping local authorities in your area by reporting the weather conditions that you see. Becoming a storm spotter typically involves taking a class to learn about meteorology, weather, and storms. Classes also provide guidance about storm safety and how to report weather events to authorities. Once you have received training, you can begin using your skills to observe and report the weather. Providing accurate reports of weather is an integral part of a storm spotter's job. Even seasoned storm spotters will find room for improvement as they work to observe the weather. With practice and attention to detail, your accuracy will develop and you'll notice improvement. Your reports can provide important information about current weather conditions that can help keep other people safe.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has published this information about the nation's weather spotting program and how weather spotters do their jobs.
Learn about the U.S. Skywarn Storm Spotter Program, which helps authorities get up-to-the-minute news about storms.
Storm spotters working with Skywarn are responsible for identifying and describing local storms to authorities.
A meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Paducah, Kentucky, presents safety information for storm watchers.
Storm spotters follow a safety guide while observing weather to ensure their safety.
Storm spotting and storm chasing are two different activities. Storm spotters generally remain at their home location to observe weather, while storm chasers travel to observe storms.
Learn about weather observation while boating to remain aware of changing weather.
Storm Spotting and Public Awareness since the First Tornado Forecasts of 1948
Experts with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are the authors of this document, which explores the history of storm spotting.
Explore pictures of cumulous clouds developing into storms to learn how to identify potentially dangerous weather as it develops.
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has compiled a catalog of cloud pictures to help people identify storm patterns.
Aspiring storm spotters can learn the basics of this activity here, including information about thunderstorms and the signs and clues to look for as a storm spotter.
Forecasting Severe Weather Events
Peruse tips and information about forecasting severe weather, including what to look for as clouds move overhead.
Glossary of Weather and Climate Terms
St. Cloud State University provides a glossary of weather and climate terms, which storm spotters can learn and use in their work.
People who live where tornadoes occur should learn about these storms for optimal safety.
The National Weather Service in Fort Worth/Dallas, Texas, offers a comprehensive checklist for storm spotters to use, including severe storm characteristics and safety tips.
The Changing Face of NWS Storm Spotter Training
A meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Norman, Oklahoma, presents information about storm spotting.
A local municipality shares its storm spotter protocol, including how storm spotters work to observe and report weather conditions.
This list of tips helps storm spotters learn what to do and what not to do as they watch changing weather patterns.
Storm spotters can peruse this glossary to learn important weather terms, useful while observing and reporting weather events.
Storm Chasing with Safety, Courtesy, and Responsibility
Explore important guidelines for storm spotters who wish to go mobile and become storm chasers.
Storm Spotters Keep Eyes on the Sky
The Bend Bulletin reports the activities of storm spotters in Oregon.
Tornado Safety and Preparedness
Discovery presents information about how to remain safe during severe storms.
The Georgia Emergency Management Agency presents tornado safety tips to help people remain safe during dangerous weather.
Severe Weather: What to Do and What Not to Do
Preparation and education can help people respond correctly during severe weather.
The Red Cross presents information about thunderstorms and safety.
A Supercell Storm Cloud Forming over Wyoming
NASA shares a video time lapse of a supercell storm cloud forming over Wyoming to show how some storm clouds form.
