NWA SKYWARN

To be a member of NWA Skywarn we ask that you attend one of the NWS Tulsa Classes. They are free to public, held at various locations, and are held in the spring and fall. Please visit the NWS Tulsa website for more information on class dates and locations.

In addition, we ask that you also complete the MetEd Spotter Training course once yearly. This is an online course that covers the basics of storm spotting and is a great way to supplement the in-person training. It is also free to take and can be completed at your own pace.

By completing the above train,ing you will be well-prepared to safely and effectively report severe weather conditions to the NWS. We recommend as well that you take the following additional classes to further your knowledge and skills as a spotter. They are in no particular order but would be best in order if you wish. They have been chosen based on the needs of Northwest Arkasas and the types of severe weather we typically experience.

• MetEd: Skywarn Spotter Convective Basics
• MetEd: Weather Observing Fundamentals
• MetEd: Weather Radar Fundamentals
• YouTube: How to Read Radar
• MetEd: Summer Severe Weather
• MetEd: Principles of Convection 1: Bouyancy and CAPE (covered in Summer Severe Weather)
• MetEd: Dual-Polarization Fundamentals (Growing topic in Radar Technology)
• YouTube: Basic Skywarn Spotter Class (NWS Amarillo - Excellent NWS class refresher)

Net Control stations are critical stations that "orchestrate" all spotters on the same frequency, and regulates and verifies all reports that go to NWS tulsa. All operators are encouraged to be a net control station as it ensures that the organization can always have someone start a net even if other stations are unavailable. If you are interested in becoming a Net Control station, please contact NWA Leadership with your request.

Net Control stations are expected to have taken the ICS 700 and encouraged to also have the ICS 100 FEMA courses. These courses are with the understanding that once severe weather is out of the immediate area, NC may be asked to assist with other emergency management tasks such as coordinating with local EOCs, assisting with damage surveys, and other tasks that may arise during a severe weather event. These courses are not available during government shutdowns, and as such exceptions may be made.