Wake Co. Amateur Radio Emergency Service. He says the Raleigh Skywarn Network first went in service around noon on the 15th with hams staying on the air for 13 hours straight. During that time, members of Raleigh's Skywarn storm spotter network had their hands full. Just before 6pm, a ham reported seeing rotation starting in a lowered cloud base. Moments later another report that a tornado is on the ground, just south of Zebulon.
Nearby hams confirm the sighting.
Seconds later, the National Weather Service issues a warning. But it's not over yet. During the next half hour, Pearce says hams reported several additional funnel clouds and tornadoes, following nearly the same path as the first. The Raleigh Skywarn network's reputation is well known among local news organizations. Eyewitness reports of the tornadoes as they were being relayed via amateur radio were monitored and broadcast by Raleigh television stations that gave many people the time they needed to take cover.