These reports, when integrated with modern NWS technology, are used to inform communities of the proper actions to take as severe weather threatens. The parent circulation that potentially develops many tornadoes is now detectible by radar. However, many other tornadoes cannot be detected by radar especially at a distance and confirmations of actual tornadoes require an eyewitness. The NWS relies 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. Spotters include public safety personnel such as firemen, law enforcement, volunteer citizens with public safety radios or access to a phone, citizen band radio operators and licensed Amateur Radio Operators. We currently have about 250 active volunteers who cover the 1100 sq. Our volunteers are people who either have a strong interest in weather or are public service oriented such as amateur radio operators, or emergency response personnel. Our spotters are all ages beginning as young as 14 and range well into retirement age.