SKYWARN is a volunteer program developed by the National Weather Service (NWS) to gather real-time reports of severe weather events such as tornadoes, thunderstorms, and flash floods. These reports, provided by trained storm spotters, play a critical role in ensuring public safety by complementing radar and other meteorological tools. SKYWARN spotters act as the eyes and ears on the ground, relaying observations of weather conditions that might not be detectable through technology alone, such as hail size, wind speed, and structural damage. Their efforts enhance the timeliness and accuracy of weather warnings, ultimately saving lives and protecting property.
Travis County Amateur Radio Emergency Service (TCARES) operators are key contributors to the SKYWARN program within Travis County. During severe weather events, trained TCARES members utilize their ham radio equipment to maintain reliable communication channels when traditional methods fail due to power outages or network disruptions. They act as intermediaries between storm spotters and the NWS, relaying critical weather observations to meteorologists. TCARES operators also support emergency management agencies by providing communication links to coordinate responses, share situational updates, and ensure resources reach affected areas. Their technical expertise and dedication make TCARES operators an indispensable part of the SKYWARN network, enhancing community resilience during severe weather emergencies.
Read the TCARES SKYWARN Plan
Presentation: TC ARES Weather Net Refresher This May 2023 refresher presentation gives the details of Travis County ARES weather net plan first introduced in 2015.
Kimmel’s A Guide for NWS Spotters in South Central Texas – Troy Kimmel, National Weather Service staff, and others conduct annual Skywarn training each February in Austin. All hams interested in severe weather should attend this training once and preferably every year.
Travis County Weather Net Plan – The plan in outline form.
Resources
SKYWARN Net Control Station (NCS) Script
TCARES Net Control Stations use this script for running a weather net.
NWS Radar Loop KEWX – Standard radar loop for primary radar (located in New Braunfels).
NWS Watches, Warnings, and Advisories for Travis County (TXC453) – Updated every two minutes.
NWS Point Forecast Matrix EWX – Text-based five day forecast