Is there a specific age you have to be in order to become a trained skywarn spotter?
Skywarn Sessions
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rdale
Completely Banned for the Greater Good
Nope. All are welcome.
I ddo not think there is a specific age requirement for being a spotter ?
Where are you located at ? I am in Park Hills, MO.
Where are you located at ? I am in Park Hills, MO.
rdale
Completely Banned for the Greater Good
If you look at the "Location:" part of a post - you'll find where people are located.
like it says, im in Oakland County MI....
Also, im 17 years old, and ive always been interested in storms. Ive been the one to sit at the window for hours and just watch. I can drive now meaning i can chase storms, but i would like to take the sessions firstly so i know what im doing and im not going in blindly, and secondly to help out when severe weather is around by doing what skywarn spotters do.
Also, im 17 years old, and ive always been interested in storms. Ive been the one to sit at the window for hours and just watch. I can drive now meaning i can chase storms, but i would like to take the sessions firstly so i know what im doing and im not going in blindly, and secondly to help out when severe weather is around by doing what skywarn spotters do.
Although it's not required, I would encourage you to get an amateur radio license.
See http://www.hello-radio.org/whatis.html
Many spotters, but not all, use the "ham" frequencies to call-in reports and to coordinate their response. You can use your cell phone to call-in reports, or send an email-like report after the fact.
Also, once you've taken the SKYWARN courses, volunteer with the local amateur radio group at the National Weather Service. Attend the SKYWARN local meetings, too. That's a great way to network with other spotters, chasers, etc.
It's a fun hobby, but safety is first. Don't think about going out without the training.
Here's a link from the Tampa Bay, FL National Weather Service office, that you might enjoy:
http://www.srh.noaa.gov/tbw/html/tbw/skywarntrain/index.html
See http://www.hello-radio.org/whatis.html
Many spotters, but not all, use the "ham" frequencies to call-in reports and to coordinate their response. You can use your cell phone to call-in reports, or send an email-like report after the fact.
Also, once you've taken the SKYWARN courses, volunteer with the local amateur radio group at the National Weather Service. Attend the SKYWARN local meetings, too. That's a great way to network with other spotters, chasers, etc.
It's a fun hobby, but safety is first. Don't think about going out without the training.
Here's a link from the Tampa Bay, FL National Weather Service office, that you might enjoy:
http://www.srh.noaa.gov/tbw/html/tbw/skywarntrain/index.html
now, i heard that you can sell storm/tornado footage to news agencies for big bucks....how exactly do you do this once you have the footage? (Not nesecarily with storms either, police chases i heard can sell for $$$)
Tough one.......
Get good at taking pictures......get good at chasing storms....
Shoot tons of pictures and videos of such storms, on your own money.
Be in the right place at the right time, with a camera, and be first to report the story.
Earn the trust of one TV meteorologist. Show him/her some of your work.
Or, post it to YouTube or other video sites. Your work MIGHT get bought.
Can happen overnight, but NOT likely.
If you are into chasing to make money, stop now......
However, if you really love severe weather and all it entails, welcome to the hobby.
See some of the other posts, about RADAR software (Gibson Ridge), in this forum.
Get good at taking pictures......get good at chasing storms....
Shoot tons of pictures and videos of such storms, on your own money.
Be in the right place at the right time, with a camera, and be first to report the story.
Earn the trust of one TV meteorologist. Show him/her some of your work.
Or, post it to YouTube or other video sites. Your work MIGHT get bought.
Can happen overnight, but NOT likely.
If you are into chasing to make money, stop now......
However, if you really love severe weather and all it entails, welcome to the hobby.
See some of the other posts, about RADAR software (Gibson Ridge), in this forum.
No, im not trying to get into chasing for soely the money, im in for the interest in the storms and helping ther community, however making money on a hobby is a pretty cool thought. But yea, for me, its NOT all about the money.
Thanks for all of the info guys, u all have been a good help
Thanks for all of the info guys, u all have been a good help
rdale
Completely Banned for the Greater Good
You might get $20-$50 if you have something VERY phenomenal, but that's pretty rare given cell cameras.
Yea, ive heard that they are not bought for much, but i did hear that some man in nebraska taped a tornado around north platte who got $1700 for it, thats just a lot right there
firetaz834
Member
Just remember there is a difference between storm "spotting" and storm "chasing". But, now that it is near the season, most locations are beginning to have there skywarn classes for the upcoming year.
To find the nearest class to you, contact NWS in Whitelake and they will advise you of who to contact to attend these classes. Most of the classes fill up very quickly. In my are (Washtenaw County) classes are coming up in March and April and you have to pre-register.
Give the NWS a call and let them know you want to attend skywarn classes for this year. The certifications now are good for 2 years (at least in my area)
Hope this helps,
Frank
To find the nearest class to you, contact NWS in Whitelake and they will advise you of who to contact to attend these classes. Most of the classes fill up very quickly. In my are (Washtenaw County) classes are coming up in March and April and you have to pre-register.
Give the NWS a call and let them know you want to attend skywarn classes for this year. The certifications now are good for 2 years (at least in my area)
Hope this helps,
Frank
LeeBarnes
Member
Our county just had ours this week. It was the first one I've attended and I had a good time.
heh, I'm even considering going to the neighboring county's session and taking notes this time.
heh, I'm even considering going to the neighboring county's session and taking notes this time.
rdale
Completely Banned for the Greater Good
Don't really need to call - all NWS offices list the classes on their pages... http://weather.gov
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