2026 Storm Spotter Training

Storm Spotter Training 2026

Storm Spotter Training in Lincoln, Nebraska: ARES and LARC Prepare for Severe Weather Season on March 28, 2026

Nebraska sits squarely in the heart of Tornado Alley, where severe thunderstorms, hail, high winds, and tornadoes are a real threat every spring and summer. Accurate and timely reports from trained spotters can make the difference between life and death. They help the National Weather Service (NWS) issue precise warnings. That’s why storm spotter training is so valuable—and why the upcoming session in Lincoln is worth your time.

On March 28, 2026, the Lincoln Amateur Radio Club (LARC) is hosting a SKYWARN Storm Spotter Training session. This event is closely tied to the Nebraska Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES). ARES relies on licensed ham radio operators to serve as the eyes on the ground during severe weather. These volunteers provide critical reports to emergency managers and the NWS Omaha office. Often, they use amateur radio nets to relay information when other communications fail.

Description A mothership supercell thunderstorm in the Nebraska panhandle. (Image credit: NOAA Weather in Focus Photo Contest 2015 | Francis Lavigne-Theriault)

This striking image of a massive supercell thunderstorm over Nebraska illustrates why trained spotters are essential. Features like the anvil-shaped cloud and rotating updraft can signal tornado potential. However, recognizing them safely requires training.

What to Expect from the Training

SKYWARN training, offered free by the NWS and local partners like ARES groups, covers the basics and beyond:

– Thunderstorm structure and lifecycle
– Identifying severe hazards (hail, damaging winds, tornadoes, flooding)
– Safe spotting techniques and positioning
– Reporting criteria and procedures (what to report and how)
– Safety tips for being near severe weather

For ARES participants, there’s often extra emphasis on integrating with ham radio operations—activating severe weather nets, using proper reporting protocols over radio, and coordinating with local emergency management.

Sessions are typically 1–2 hours long, interactive, and presented by NWS meteorologists or experienced spotters. No prior experience is required, and they’re open to the public. However, ham radio operators and those interested in ARES will get the most from the radio-specific aspects.

Twin violent (EF4) tornadoes outside of Wisner, Nebraska on June 16, 2014. (Image credit: NOAA Weather in Focus Photo Contest 2015 | Ethan Schisler)

A dramatic tornado captured in rural Nebraska. Spotters trained through programs like this help confirm such events quickly. This improves warning lead times for communities.

Why Get Involved with ARES?

Nebraska ARES volunteers are often the first to report severe weather impacts. Being a credentialed SKYWARN spotter enhances your ability to contribute during activations. If you’re a licensed amateur radio operator (or plan to become one), this training is a perfect entry point. Even non-hams benefit from learning how to recognize and report dangerous weather safely.

How to Attend

The training takes place at the LARC clubhouse (4420 NW 41st Street, Lincoln, NE), consistent with past years’ locations. Check the Lincoln Amateur Radio Club website (k0kkv.org) for exact time, any updates, or additional details. The announcement was posted in late January 2026. No pre-registration is usually needed for in-person NWS-led sessions. Still, arriving early is a good idea as space can fill up.

If you’re in the Lincoln area or nearby, consider attending. Severe weather doesn’t wait. Trained spotters help protect families, farms, and communities across eastern Nebraska.

Stay safe out there, and 73 to all ARES members—hope to see you on March 28! For more on Nebraska ARES storm spotting, visit neares.org. For NWS Omaha SKYWARN info, see weather.gov/oax/spotter.