The National Weather Service (NWS) works closely with emergency managers and officials across New Mexico to organize and schedule spotter training classes each year. The sessions are free and the public is invited. SKYWARN training lasts around 2 hours and includes the basics of thunderstorm development, severe thunderstorm structure, storm spotting techniques and procedures, as well as hazardous weather safety and preparedness information. NWS operations and procedures to include amateur radio nets are also discussed. Each class is tailored to your local area.
For a preview of some of the material, check out our SKYWARN page. If you are interested in becoming a SKYWARN spotter, check the list below for a training session. If you need more information, contact one of the meteorologists listed farther below, and we will be happy to help you. We look forward to seeing you at a SKYWARN spotter training session soon!
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On-line Training Resources:
Two training modules are available from COMET® (Cooperative Program for Operational Meteorology, Education and Training) as part of the on-line SKYWARN Spotter Training Course: SKYWARN Spotter Convective Basics (1 hour) and Role of the SKYWARN Spotter (1 hour). Both modules include photographs, video, audio narration, and a companion print version. The intended audience is the general public interested in becoming storm spotters, and after this training, they can register to become a SKYWARN spotter with NWS Albuquerque or their local NWS office.
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Northern and Central New Mexico (NWS Albuquerque NM) Contact: Scott Overpeck, Warning Coordination Meteorologist at (505) 244-9150 Ext 223. |
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Southwest and South Central New Mexico (NWS El Paso TX)
Contact: Jason Laney, Warning Coordination Meteorologist, at (575) 589-4088 Ext 223. |
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Southeast New Mexico (NWS Midland TX)
Contact: Amber Hluchan, Warning Coordination Meteorologist, at (432) 563-5006 Ext 223. |
To find out what county warning area you live in, click on this link for a more detailed map of New Mexico's county warning areas.