Here is a link to upcoming SKYWARN training opportunities (no cost) :
https://www.weather.gov/hgx/skywarn_schedule
It’s a good time to renew or take your first SKYWARN class in support of the National Weather Service!
73
It is offerd in Austin February 1st
Who is the POC for the Conroe training? I just put it on my calendar. My daughter, my wife and myself will be there.
Joshua Bennink KI5HAI
SKYWARN is an excellent seminar. I’ve only taken the first class (I’ve been told there’s an advanced tho I have yet to see it offered). I’m in Bandera Co. and have actually called in weather reports to their direct line.
Mary Starks KG5GJP
You can tremble or take up your Crossbow and quiver
I've had the advanced class twice. It's interesting.
Robert, KF5SAR
The Basic and Advanced Skywarn training are taught on the same day at Austin Training. Saturday, February 1, 2020.
Basic training is from 0900 - Noon
Advanced training is from 1315 - 1600
More information can be found at http://www.la.utexas.edu/users/kimmel/skywarn.html
Or checkout https://www.skywarn.org/local-classes/texas/ for other classes around the State of Texas.
Thank you,
Gaye Lynn Bailey
KF5PWN@arrl.net
If you want a great advanced class, the Texas Severe Storms Association (TESSA at tessa.org) has an all-day seminar every two years. I’m planning on going to the next one March 7 in Arlington. The downside is this is the same day as the Greater Houston Hamfest. I haven’t attended this conference before, but I’ve watched videos of previous years and it looks pretty good to this weather geek. Closer to home, we had an advanced Skywarn class in Angleton last year, and rumor has it there should be more scheduled in the HGX county warning area this year. Keep an eye on the HGX page at for upcoming training. 73, Keith
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I have now completed twice my Skywarn training 2016 and 2018. Both times certificates send to my locally listed NWS weatherman who is also a HAM and nothing.
Talked to another HAM and he too never received any reply.
As this year would be my renewal I wonder if it even makes sense to put effort in it.
John
K5GT
I disagree. The cert is only a piece of paper. Submit your info and date of attendance to your local
RACES/ARES rep for recording, or if you are in TX include it into your personal record on Preparingtexas.org.
I know of no instance in my years where I have been asked to produce a cert from attendance to SKYWARN.
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Back when the Wilson County 2nd Responders still existed, the county used to print all our FEMA/CERT courses and certifications on the back of our photo badges, as well as the SKYWARN logo, if applicable.
Robert, KF5SAR
I disagree. The cert is only a piece of paper. Submit your info and date of attendance to your local
RACES/ARES rep for recording, or if you are in TX include it into your personal record on Preparingtexas.org.
I know of no instance in my years where I have been asked to produce a cert from attendance to SKYWARN.
Having been a SkyWarn participant since around 1982 in 5 different states, I can say that it is very dependent on the local community and the structure and participation of the weather folks. I have been required to carry a copy of my skywarn certificate in past years. But then we also went through the laws regarding scanning abilities in vehicles, where for a few years I carried a copy of my skywarn and my fcc license in my car. There was a time when police would arrest anyone with any kind of scanning ability in their vehicle. In the past SkyWarn was also more integrated. We at one point had the local weather personalities that would teach the course. But I digress. 73’s Jerry
Jerry,
I recall the “55 mph slow driving” of the Nixon “tricky dicky” years, and even in Texas, we had to show some dumb cops that the “scanner” was a 2 meter ham radio! It got pretty bad when “cb mikes to your face” would get red lights behind drivers. Most of the laws were shredded after 55 mph was rescinded. Nixon didn’t do anyone favors, he cost us mucho! Cops are better educated now, they know Ham radio license plates. I haven’t seen a scanning-only receiver in quite awhile.
73’s
Gil WA5YKK Skywarn in Texas
Most of the larger LEOs these days have gone to encrypted channels, so police scanners are increasingly pointless.
Robert KF5SAR
Wasn’t that Jimmy (the jerk) Carter that sold so many CB radios and bird dogs?
<b>
de Charlie, N5EXY, Grid EM10FL,</b>
<b>
South Suburban Greater Hutto</b>
Where am I? https://aprs.fi/#!call=a%2FN5EXY-9&timerange=3600&tail=3600
Let’s keep this apolitical, please.
David Godell
“It is amazing what you can accomplish when you do not care who gets the credit.” – Harry Truman
Charlie,
Beats me, but it took a dumb politician to “do the law”, then the badges never got it clear of what civilian volunteer weather watchers are about. Now, many badges have their own Ham licenses, thus teach their fellows about all of it. We have a nice little group in my area, so it’s going to be interesting to find out who’s up to what in Yorktown, Tx., where my other home is.
Gil WA5YKK
Hey Dave,
Is there SKYWARN class online or on a weekend because I’m a high school student and cannot go during the week. Please let me know!
73,
Reece
KI5CXO
The February 1st one is a Saturday
I remember the 55 MPH here in Texas and I remember the reason why it was imposed. Seeing how amateur radio license plate have been issued here in Texas since 1954 I don’t think Gilbert had to “educate any dumb cops” what they were and who was displaying them. Also I think they he referred to a CB mike in your face that got you lite up.
You were correct that there are a lot LEO that are amateur radio operators and understand what service they are doing for their city, county, state, or country. They have their job to protect their cities, counties and some give it all while doing this job to protect and serve.
We as amateur radio operators job should be to support our cities, counties, states and country with our skills as emergency communicators. NOT poking fun at those who protect us.
73,
Ken Miller
W5KAM
Retired HCSO Sheriffs Office