JOIN YORK county SKYWARN®
What is SKYWARN®?
SKYWARN® is a volunteer storm spotter program coordinated by the National Weather Service.
Trained spotters provide real-time reports of severe weather conditions including:
- Tornadoes
- Funnel clouds
- Damaging winds
- Large hail
- Flash flooding
- Snow & ice impacts
- Significant weather damage
- Rapidly changing weather conditions
These reports help m
SKYWARN® is a volunteer storm spotter program coordinated by the National Weather Service.
Trained spotters provide real-time reports of severe weather conditions including:
- Tornadoes
- Funnel clouds
- Damaging winds
- Large hail
- Flash flooding
- Snow & ice impacts
- Significant weather damage
- Rapidly changing weather conditions
These reports help meteorologists issue more accurate warnings and improve public safety during severe weather events.
Why Volunteer?
By joining York County SKYWARN, you can:
- Help protect lives and property
- Support your local community
- Receive severe weather training
- Improve weather awareness skills
- Participate in weather operations and activations
- Network with emergency management and communications professionals
- Assist during severe weather incidents and public events
By joining York County SKYWARN, you can:
- Help protect lives and property
- Support your local community
- Receive severe weather training
- Improve weather awareness skills
- Participate in weather operations and activations
- Network with emergency management and communications professionals
- Assist during severe weather incidents and public events
- Become part of a respected public service network
No prior experience is required to get started.
Who Can Join?
We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds, including:
- Community members
- Amateur radio operators (HAM)
- First responders
- CERT members
- Emergency management personnel
- Drone operators
- Weather enthusiasts
- Photographers & livestreamers
- Public safety professionals
- Students interested in meteorology or emergency services
You do NOT need to be a meteorologist or storm chaser to participate.
Training Opportunities
Members may have opportunities to participate in:
- SKYWARN® Spotter Training
- Severe weather awareness classes
- Amateur radio emergency communications
- Net operations
- Storm reporting procedures
- Emergency preparedness education
- Public safety coordination
- Weather operations support
Additional advanced training opportunities may become available
Members may have opportunities to participate in:
- SKYWARN® Spotter Training
- Severe weather awareness classes
- Amateur radio emergency communications
- Net operations
- Storm reporting procedures
- Emergency preparedness education
- Public safety coordination
- Weather operations support
Additional advanced training opportunities may become available through partner organizations and emergency management programs.
Amateur Radio Operators
Licensed amateur radio operators play an important role during severe weather operations and emergency communications.
York County SKYWARN encourages participation from:
- ARES® members
- RACES operators
- Public safety communications volunteers
- Auxiliary communications personnel
Radio operators may assist with:
- Weather nets
- Backup communications
- Situational awareness
- Relay of severe weather reports
What We’re Looking For
We are seeking volunteers who are:
- Reliable
- Safety-minded
- Community-oriented
- Professional during activations
- Interested in learning
- Able to remain calm under pressure
Public safety and professionalism are priorities during all operations.
Ways to Get Involved
Important Safety Information
There are many ways to support the mission:
- Become a trained weather spotter
- Assist with communications
- Support community outreach
- Help with social media & alerts
- Participate in public education events
- Support emergency preparedness initiatives
- Assist with administrative or technical operations
Every volunteer plays an important role.
Important Safety Information
Important Safety Information
SKYWARN® volunteers are observers and reporters — not emergency responders.
Members should:
- Never place themselves in danger
- Never interfere with emergency operations
- Always follow local laws and safety guidance
- Prioritize personal and family safety first
Safety is always the top priority.
Ready to Join?
Ready to Join?
Ready to Join?
Help us strengthen severe weather awareness and preparedness across York County and the Susquehanna Valley.
Observe. Report. Protect.
Interested in becoming part of York County SKYWARN®?
Join the Team Today
Complete the volunteer interest form or contact us for more information about training opportunities, upcoming meetings, and how to get involved.