Skywarn, formed in the early 70's, has historically provided critical severe weather information to the NWS in time to get the appropriate warnings issued. Thus, the key focus of the Skywarn program is to save lives and property through the use of the observations and reports of trained volunteers. Despite the elaborate radar and forecasting equipment at the National Weather Service, they are only able to determine the potential for severe weather. They rely on reports from the public and law enforcement personnel and actual severe weather. Accurate and reliable information from the general public is difficult to obtain.
Severe weather is complicated and confusing.
The NWS has found that only regular training of weather spotters improves the quality of information. The NWS brings its weather knowledge, the Amateur Radio Service brings its expertise in emergency communication, and together they work with governments and the Red Cross. The importance of this additional role for the Skywarn was demonstrated during the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew in August of 1992. Trained Skywarn observers provide the Weather Service with accurate, and timely reports from radio equipt cars, homes and other locations. The NWS is most interested in severe weather reports.