We also inform you about Y2K and the NWS along with winter weather preparedness. The main purpose of this publication is to keep weather spotters and our users informed about our services and programs, and to recognize those who help us accomplish our mission. We will continue to see many exciting changes in weather observing and forecasting in the near future. Weather spotters and observers, in addition to our friends in the media and emergency management, will continue to be an extremely valuable part of our mission. If there is something you would like to see in the next newsletter or have comments about a previous issue, please let us know.
Winter weather too often catches people unprepared.
The role of a weather spotter is to inform the NWS on presence of severe or significant weather. During and after every major storm, the NWS receives numerous spotter calls ranging from snow totals to wind reports. The NWS may also call you to solicit information. Spotter reports are a valuable resource during times of changing weather. The NWS also receives and uses data on a daily basis from cooperative observers, ham radio operators and ski resorts.