Skywarn Spotter Convective Basics

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  Launch print version

  Launch full media version

  Launch Quiz

  Published on: 2011-04-22
  Estimated time to complete: 1.00 - 1.25 h
  Includes audio: yes

  Topic Area(s)

  Convective Weather
  Emergency Management
  

  Description:

  The "SKYWARN^® Spotter Convective Basics" module will guide users to a basic understanding of convective storms. Through three different scenarios, you will cover reporting and proper communication of local storm reports to the National Weather Service (NWS), personal safety during these events, and field identification of convective storm hazards. After completing the scenarios, you will be given the opportunity to practice identifying storm features from a spectrum of photos.

  Objectives:

  
  
  1. define the acronym ACES
  
  
  2. identify examples of each part of ACES
  
  
  3. list proper safety guidelines to use during severe convective weather:
     
     
     • while in a building
     
     
     • while in a car
     
     
     
     
  4. list the four reportable convective weather events and their national criteria
  
  
  5. identify the seven required pieces of information to communicate to the NWS when making a storm report
  
  
  6. demonstrate how to make a clear and succinct storm report for a severe convective weather event
  
  
  7. indicate when it is appropriate to call the NWS with a storm report
  
  
  8. explain why using standard-sized objects for measuring hail is important for forecasters
  
  
  9. identify the majority of structural storm features when presented with a gallery of severe convective storm feature images. These include:
     
     • tornado
     
     
     • funnel cloud
     
     
     • wall cloud
     
     
     • precipitation shaft
     
     
     • virga
     
     
     • updraft
     
     
     • shelf cloud
     
     
     • mammatus
     
     
     • anvil
     
     
     • overshooting top
     
     
  
  

  Keywords

  SKYWARN Spotter, Convective, Convection, Basics, NWS, National Weather Service, Thunderstorms, Thunder, Lightning, Tornadoes, Hail, Rain Shaft, Mammatus, Anvil, Hail Shaft, Precipitation Shaft, Shelf Cloud, Thunderstorm Damage, Overshooting Top, Updraft, Wall Cloud, Thunderstorm Rotation, Virga, Hail Size, Storm Coloration, Tornado Look-alikes, Look-alikes, Wind Speeds, Storm Reports