Back to Home . These reports, when integrated with modern NWS technology , are used to inform communities of the proper actions to take as severe weather threatens. Despite the elaborate radar and forecasting equipment at the National Weather Service, we are only able to determine the potential for severe weather. We 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 communications, and together we work with local government and the Red Cross . The NWS is most interested in severe weather reports. If the NWS confirms severe weather with radar and other available information, it then notifies local authorities who then can activate Civil Defense sirens. The news media receives notification so they can make reports on local broadcast stations.