Skywarn

Skywarn is a program used by the United States National Weather Service to accept weather reports from trained weather spotters.

While highly technical equipment is used to evaluate the weather, the data doesn't usually indicate specific localized occurrences (the formation of a funnel cloud, or the presence of hail). The spotters provide essential information that is helpful in providing severe warnings and watches, and documenting weather trends. Trained spotters often have an amateur radio license, and many NWS offices have an amateur radio station within the facility to receive weather reports by individuals or networks of spotters. Participation in Skywarn does not require an amateur radio license, though.