The Oswego County Emergency Communicators/RACES sponsors Skywarn® training for severe weather observers who provide real-time severe weather reports to the National Weather Service at Buffalo.  There is no charge for this training.  For a schedule of training go to the NWS Buffalo Skywarn® page.

Although non-hams participate as observers, the OCEC/RACES group conducts severe weather gathering via radio networks.  Ham radio operators report their information to a central point and then the information is forwarded to the NWS by radio, phone or the internet.  Real time reports are an essential element in the decisions of the forecasters, therefore the timely receipt of ground truth information is important.   For more information visit the Skywarn page or contact the Oswego County Emergency Management Office at 591-9150.

Skywarn® Training at the EOC, Fulton, NY Left Brien Mathews, KA2AON, the Skywarn® Coordinator is shown here making sure he has a record of who attended. Right Bob Hamilton, Senior Forecaster, and Judy   Levan, Warning Coordination Meteorologist, presenting the training at a Skywarn® class.

Types of severe weather to be reported Tornados Funnel Clouds & Wall Clouds Rotating thunderstorms Wind gusts > 45 MPH   Hail (any size) Wind Damage Flooding Heavy rain exceeding 1"/hr