Skywarn®                

"SKYWARN" is a network of community weather spotters serving the National Weather Service and their local communities. An important part of weather forecasting, is the inclusion and use of data supplied by trained weather observers. Herkimer County ARES/RACES participates in the National Weather Service Skywarn program, through the direction of the Albany National Weather Service.

SKYWARN spotter training is provided annually by instructors from the Albany Office of the NWS. An amateur radio station is installed at the Albany forecast office and may possibly be activated during severe weather. During severe weather events, local SKYWARN spotters are activated. They report information concerning rainfall/snowfall amounts, wind-speeds, hail size, storm damages, etc. and are forwarded to the Albany meteorologists. SKYWARN activities have become a very important part of ARES activities in the county. You can even send a report on line.

A SKYWARN net may be called during any inclement weather. Please monitor the 145.110 repeater for any announcements or bulletins. Our local SKYWARN AEC is Hank, KB2VLP, assistant AEC is Chris KB4CMF.

Latest radar images - Binghamton, NY       Albany, NY Radar

The National Skywarn Page is a great place to learn about weather.

SKYWARN training is recommended to make accurate reports. Training is conducted annually. Check with the association for information on the next training session. It is listed in the association newsletter.