Under the Radar: National Weather Service Aided by SKYWARN Spotters

"National Weather Service Doppler radar has indicated a severe thunderstorm..." When you hear or read this statement, it is advantageous to be forewarned of a storm's location, direction, and speed. But the most effective reports for severe weather preparation include information about damage or ground conditions--details that are furnished by volunteer weather spotters in the NWS's SKYWARN system.