National Weather Service Skywarn Class - Basic I

Basic Course Overview

This course is a prerequisite for all other courses. Basics I is a good general overview of severe weather for the general public. Upon completion of the course, you will be registered in the program by the NWS. You will receive a spotter code from the NWS within 6 weeks. Training in Basics I includes:

• The basic organization of the National Weather Service
• The role and importance of the Skywarn spotter
• NWS Products and the Watch/Warning/Advisory system
• Thunderstorms

• Thunderstorm threats:

• Lightning
• Flooding
• Hail
• Tornadoes
• Downbursts
• How to report vital info to the NWS
• The role of amateur short-wave (HAM) radio in the Spotter Program