SKYWARN
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This this inform all of our skywarn spotters when training sessions are and what times. It will also include other helpful hints for spotters and a link to the newletter from the NWS.  I will only be able to put training sessions on this site when the NWS-State College has updated their site.

The following is what you should report to the National Weather Service:

• Tornadoes or funnel clouds (be very wary of look-alikes; watch for rotation)
• Wall clouds, especially if they are rotating
• Hail (Be specific with regard to size; DO NOT report MARBLE size, as it is too ambiguous) Report in inches or relate it to a coin. Penny (3/4") and larger is severe!
• Wind Gusts (40 mph or greater; specify whether estimated or recorded)
  • large branches downed (specify diameter of branch)
  • Trees/power lines downed
  • Structural damage to buildings (roof, windows, etc.)
• Rainfall
  • 1 inch or greater in an hour (NOT a 1"/hr. rate for 10 minutes)
  • 2 inches or greater storm total
• Flooding
  • Streams/Rivers -- also, when nearing bankfull
  • Street (when more than the usual poor drainage puddles)
• Winter Weather
  • Thunder-snow
  • 1/4" ice accretion
• New Snowfall
  
  • First 2 inches; every 2-3 inches thereafter
  • 1 inch per hour or greater accumulation
  • Give a final report/total at the end of the storm

  The SkyWarn Spotter program is a voluntary program in which the pubic can participate and interact with your local NWS Office. Skywarn spotters are encouraged to relay critical weather information to their local NWS Office, in support of the Warning and Forecast Operations. The information they provide routinely helps the NWS Forecasters make better/more informed forecasts, and helps them to warn others of impending dangers or hazards.

  A list of what we ask our Spotters to report.

  SkyWarn Spotters have the opportunity to receive weather spotter training and safety information during informational sessions, normally conducted by the local NWS Warning Coordination Meteorologist (WCM), and Forecasters. These training sessions are usually conducted in the Spring and Summer months, in anticipation of the climatological Severe Weather Season.

  Many of our Skywarn spotters are also Amateur Radio operators. These spotters use amateur radio frequencies to relay important and time sensitive information to the NWS. See a map of frequencies listened to by the NWS.

  Report Severe Weather to the NWS in State College, PA