SKYWARN levels

Graphical Hazardous Weather Outlook
Skywarn Activation

The "SKYWARN Activation Map" depicts the level of assistance requested from SKYWARN and weather/rainfall spotter networks within individual counties over the next 24 hours.

SKYWARN Activation Level

Activation Level Descriptions

Full

Activation

"Pre-established SKYWARN liaisons solicit and relay reports to NWS Melbourne"

Partial activation procedures (below) are followed and additionally, pre-established SKYWARN liaison members are requested to solicit reports upon SKYWARN radio networks and relay reports meeting criteria to NWS Melbourne immediately using most time-efficient method possible. (i.e. NWSChat, telephone, etc.). As time allows, a NWS Melbourne Warning Coordinator (or forecaster) may also provide occasional radar-based severe weather information to SKYWARN liaison members for forwarding upon SKYWARN nets, as appropriate.

This type of activation occurs only a few times per year at most and is reserved for significant, widespread, and/or long-duration severe weather events (usually winter/spring squall lines and summer/fall hurricanes). A Severe Weather or Hurricane WATCH will be issued for these situations.

Partial

Activation

"SKYWARN Networks are Requested to Activate"

All SKYWARN members are advised to closely monitor weather conditions. SKYWARN net control operators should be ready for activation. If severe weather becomes imminent or warnings are issued, activation of SKYWARN networks is requested. SKYWARN and CoCoRaHS observers should provide reports meeting criteria to NWS Melbourne. NWS Melbourne staff may contact net control operators in advance to confirm readiness. Weather/Rainfall Spotters should provide reports of significant weather to the NWS in Melbourne.

This type of activation typically occurs several times per year and is typically reserved for a severe weather event which is expected to impact multiple counties and/or continue for several hours. A Severe Weather WATCH will likely be required for these situations.

Self

Activation

"SKYWARN Networks may Self-Activate or Monitor as Needed"

If severe weather becomes imminent or a warning is issued, activation of local SKYWARN networks may become necessary. While dedicated net control operations will not be required, reports may still be relayed upon radio networks, as appropriate. SKYWARN and CoCORaHS observers should provide reports meeting criteria to NWS Melbourne.

This type of activation is the most common and is typically required when isolated or short-duration severe weather is anticipated (usually during the summer). A Severe Weather WATCH will not likely be required for these situations.

No

Activation

"SKYWARN & Spotter Network Activation is Not Anticipated"

Severe weather is not forecast however, should strong storms unexpectedly develop, "Self Activation" may be warranted.

Please report the following phenomena: tornadoes, funnel clouds, waterspouts, winds over 50 mph and/or wind damage, hail larger than pea-size (1/2 inch), wall clouds, and torrential rainfall leading to impassable roadways and/or residential flooding.

Reports may be relayed to the NWS Melbourne via telephone (321.255.0212 Extension 1), submitted via web form or NWSChat (if authorized) or through local amateur radio SKYWARN networks (situationally dependent). You may also send reports and/or forward photos via Twitter, Facebook or by sending an email to the following address (include location and time of event): SR-MLB.StormReport@noaa.gov.