Clearing Out And Cold....

Forecast Discussion:

Well some us saw some of the white stuff and now many are being to clear out, but some may still see some snow showers.  Highs today are expected to be in the lower to mid 30s.  Tonight partly cloudy conditions with lows in the upper teens to lower 20s.  Monday will be cool and sunny with highs in the lower to mid 40s.  Monday night another cold one with upper teens to lower 20s.  

Extended Forecast Summary:

Warming back into the 50s by Wednesday and rain showers by Thursday and Friday.

Severe Weather Awareness Week:

Today's topic:  Skywarn

What is SKYWARN^TM?

SKYWARN^TM is a nationwide network of volunteer storm spotters trained by the National Weather Service (NWS) to report significant weather. Anyone with an interest in weather is welcome to participate. To become a trained storm spotter, you need to attend a storm training session, offered at various times and places across the MorristownCounty Warning Area. 

Why SKYWARN^TM?

The National Weather Service's mission is to protect lives and property with safety being the top priority. When weather conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms or tornadoes to develop, a severe thunderstorm or tornado watch is issued. A severe thunderstorm or tornado warning is issued when severe weather has been reported by a SKYWARN^TM spotter or indicated by Doppler radar. SKYWARN^TM volunteers become the NWS's and local Emergency Management's eyes and ears, helping them to provide the public with better weather watch and warning services. 

Who will activate SKYWARN^TM?

The NWS and/or the local emergency management authorities may activate the SKYWARN^TM net whenever there is a threat of severe weather or when the NWS issues a severe thunderstorm or tornado watch. In this case, information may be relayed through amateur radio repeaters. Localized events may be phoned directly to the NWS and/or local emergency management. 

Where will SKYWARN^TM observations be taken?

SKYWARN^TM reports are relayed from on the road, while at work, or at your home. It is important not to jeopardize your own safety by placing yourself in the path of severe weather while participating in SKYWARN^TM. 

SKYWARN^TM and Amateur Radio Operators

HAM radio operators have a special place in the SKYWARN^TM program. NWS offices have HAM equipment on site. SKYWARN^TM nets run by the volunteer amateur radio net control operators allow for reports to be directly heard at National Weather Service offices. 

How do I join SKYWARN^TM?

For additional information on SKYWARN^TM including times and locations of storm spotter training sessions, please e-mail Tim Troutman (Warning Coordination Meteorologist) or phone (423) 586-8706, Monday-Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM.  This years spotter schedule is right here.

All information provided by: The National Weather Service in Morristown, TN.