First off, SKYWARN™ volunteers need to keep in mind that the NWS needs to get your report and information as soon as possible. As such, the NWS would like for you to use the most direct and fastest means possible to communicate your report to the NWS. Typically, the fastest way to reach the NWS is by old fashion telephone, via a call in to the 1-800 spotter reporting hot line. Please be sure to check and become familiar with the NWS Ruskin 1-800 spotter reporting hot line. It is on the back of your spotter ID card. Also, please keep in mind that this unlisted number is to be used ONLY for reporting severe weather and official SKYWARN™ matters.



In the absence of routine communication methods such as land line telephone, the amatuer radio service provides an invaluable service to the NWS and the local community by way of amateur radio SKYWARN™ nets. As such, SKYWARN™ nets are usually conducted during severe weather events.



If the severe weather is localized, such as the case with warm season sea breeze thunderstorms, or during the cool season with thunderstorm squall lines or convective watches (severe thunderstorm or tonado watches), please call in your report to your local county-based SKYWARN™ net.



If the event is large in scale, such as tropical cyclones or other large natural disasters, you are still encouraged to call your report in to your local county-based SKYWARN™ net. However, keep in mind that during these types of events, a regional SKYWARN™ net on the NI4CE system will be in place, and you can also report your information on that net as well.



Please see the Net Frequencies page for a listing of all county and regional net frequencies.