About York County SKYWARN®
Mission Statement
York County SKYWARN ® is a volunteer-based public service program made up of trained severe weather spotters and amateur radio operators dedicated to supporting weather awareness, reporting, and community preparedness. Our mission is to provide accurate, real-time ground truth observations of severe weather conditions to assist warning operations, enhance public safety, and strengthen readiness throughout York County and surrounding communities.
OBSERVE. REPORT. PROTECT.
OUR MOTTO
OUR MOTTO
OUR MOTTO
Our motto reflects the core responsibilities of every SKYWARN spotter and serves as the foundation of our mission. Severe weather spotting is more than watching the sky — it is a disciplined public service effort centered on awareness, communication, and safety.
OBSERVE
OUR MOTTO
OUR MOTTO
Spotters maintain situational awareness and monitor weather conditions using trained observation techniques and approved tools. They serve as eyes on the ground, identifying hazards and confirming conditions that radar alone cannot fully interpret.
REPORT
PROTECT
PROTECT
Spotters deliver accurate, timely, and concise reports through established communication channels, including amateur radio and approved reporting systems. Reliable reports help ensure critical weather information reaches the appropriate agencies without delay.
PROTECT
PROTECT
PROTECT
By supporting warning operations and contributing to timely situational awareness, spotters help protect lives and property. Their work strengthens public safety by helping communities and emergency officials make informed decisions during severe weather events.
Our Objectives
Training & Education
Emergency Communications Support
Accurate Weather Reporting
Provide ongoing opportunities for SKYWARN training, weather safety education, and communications readiness.
Accurate Weather Reporting
Emergency Communications Support
Accurate Weather Reporting
Promote consistent, reliable, and standardized reporting of severe weather observations.
Emergency Communications Support
Emergency Communications Support
Emergency Communications Support
Develop and maintain amateur radio capabilities that can support resilient communications during severe weather and disaster events.
Coordination & Partnerships
Coordination & Partnerships
Emergency Communications Support
Work collaboratively with local emergency management, public safety agencies, and weather partners.
Community Outreach
Coordination & Partnerships
Operational Readiness
Increase public awareness of severe weather risks, preparedness, and the role of trained weather spotters.
Operational Readiness
Coordination & Partnerships
Operational Readiness
Ensure members remain prepared to activate when needed while maintaining professionalism, accountability, and situational awareness.