NWS Quad Cities Storm Spotters

Weather-related damage

• Size/number of trees or limbs down
• Damage to cars, trains, tractors, other vehicles
• Damage to buildings, signs, traffic signals, etc
• Significant crop damage
• Power lines or poles down

Flash Flooding

• 6-inches of water (curb-deep) or more flowing across roads
• 2-feet of water standing on roads
• Roads closed or washed out
• Creeks or streams out-of-banks
• Floating cars
• Buildings with basements or first floors flooding 
• Mud or rock slides or debris flow

Tornado
Funnel Cloud
Wall Cloud

• rotation visible - Yes, No, Not sure.

Heavy Rain (1" or more)
Wind gusts (40 mph or greater)
Hail (size?)

• measured or estimated?

 Who are Storm Spotters?
Virtually every community has some form of spotter network. Often, local fire and police personnel are trained to observe and report severe weather, partly due to their extensive radio communication and 24-hour operations. Citizens may also be an active part of the spotter network, some with an avid interest in the weather and many without.  Some spotters are amateur radio operators.  All share a sense of responsibility to their neighbors.

Why become a storm spotter?

Although the NWS often provides training, spotter groups in most areas are organized by emergency management officials or the police or fire department. If you are interested in becoming a spotter, check with these agencies to find out who serves as spotters in your area.

 How do I become a spotter in the Quad Cities service area? 

We have assembled a guide for becoming a spotter in our area.  Please check it out at: www.weather.gov/dvn/spotters#becomeaspotter

 Is there an age requirement for attending a class or becoming a spotter?

Short answer: not really.  People of all ages attend spotter training classes.  Those ages 10 and up are likely to get the most from the class. Youth who are interested in registering as spotters with the NWS Quad Cities are registered along with an adult in the same household. 

What training is required?
A typical Skywarn training class conducted by the NWS lasts about 2 hours. Classes include information on identifying storm features, effective positioning strategy, safety, and severe weather communication. The National Weather Service recommends that spotters train every 2 years to remain current.

When will a class be offered in my community?
In the Quad Cities service area, spotter training classes are conducted from late February through early April.  Classes are offered in alternating years, with one class annually in the large population centers.  Scheduling of spotter training classes begins around the New Year.  A list of classes currently scheduled can be found  at: www.weather.gov/dvn/spotters_schedule

Can I attend a class in another area?
Short answer: Yes, you can.  However, keep in mind that attending a class in your own county will give you the most insight into the Skywarn activities in your home community.  It is also generally good practice to train with the people you will be working with.  However, if you are unable to attend your local class, you can certainly attend a class in another area.

How often should I retrain?
The NWS recommends that spotters retrain every 2 years.  For NWS spotters in the Quad Cities service area, we require that spotters retrain every 4 years to remain active in our database. 

Can I take spotter training online instead of attending a class?
At this time the NWS Quad Cities only accepts new spotter registrations and updates from people who attend a class in person or virtually.  The reason...relaying accurate information effectively is critical during severe weather.  Therefore, we feel that it is important to attend spotter training in person or virtually to optimize this process.  

I don't want to be a spotter.  Can I attend a class anyway?
Sure!  Many people attend spotter training classes because they simply have an interest in weather and want to learn more about storms.  Some even attend because they have fear of storms and hope that learning more will ease their fear.  Scout troops, high school science classes, and many others also often attend spotter training.

Can I schedule a spotter training class for my group? 
Because classes must be complete before severe weather season begins, we must limit the number of classes to one or two per county.  This means that we usually are not able to schedule classes for individual groups.  Spotter training classes are coordinated through the county emergency manager and should include all groups and general public involved in the local storm spotting program.  Check with your local emergency management officials if you are interested in hosting a class for your county. 

 What do spotters report?
Spotters report all kinds of hazardous weather including hail, tornadoes, and storm-related damage.  The complete and most up-to-date list is available on our NWS Quad Cities Spotter Reference Sheet