Skywarn Fact Sheet
Metro Skywarn
Year Founded: Metro Skywarn has existed in various forms in the Twin Cities Metro Area for approximately the last 30 years.
Mission: Metro Skywarn's mission is to provide an effective, efficient and coordinated system of observing and identifying severe weather phenomena, reporting such observations and relaying such reports to the National Weather Service. Today, it works with, through and for a wide variety of Amateur Radio Clubs and groups, emergency management departments, and the National Weather Service and other governmental organizations.
Counties Served: In Minnesota: Anoka, Scott, Carver, Dakota, Washington, Hennepin, Chisago, Isanti, and Ramsey; in Wisconsin: Pierce, Polk, and Saint Croix
Affiliation: Metro Skywarn trains spotters for the National Weather Service located in Chanhassen, Minnesota. Metro Skywarn also works closely with many municipal and county emergency management personnel. Metro Skywarn trainers are certified by the Minnesota Division of Emergency Management.
Status: Metro Skywarn is a Minnesota nonprofit corporation and 501(c)(3).
Funding: Metro Skywarn operates on a very small and limited budget. Donations are needed.
Volunteers: Metro Skywarn trains approximately 400 spotters per year. Most active spotters are Amateur Radio operators licensed by the Federal Communications Commission.
Season: The severe weather season in Minnesota typically runs from April through September, although severe weather does occasionally occur in early spring and late fall.
For more information, contact:
Lara Rodriguez, WXØGRL
Public Relations Director
Metro Skywarn
612-589-9404 pager
wxØgrl@arrl.net
