Metro Skywarn Training
Class Information and FAQ
Metro Skywarn partners with the National Weather Service (NWS) to provide Skywarn Spotter training to interested individuals and groups. Once trained, Skywarn Spotters will be able to submit their reports to the NWS. The NWS uses this information to issue and update warnings to protect the public.
Additional Training Information and FAQ are below the schedule.
2026 Metro Skywarn Class Schedule
Please select one of our classes and click the link to sign up for that class! (Sign up is required; walk-ins welcome if room allows)
Note: If you are located outside of the Twin Cities area, please check your local NWS office’s schedule or see the FAQ section below for further instructions.
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- Online – Sat, March 14 9:30am – 12:30pm
- West St. Paul – Wed, March 25 6pm – 9pm
- Stillwater – Sat, March 28 10:30am – 1:30pm
- Online – Tue, April 7 6pm – 9pm
- Online – Sat, April 18 1pm – 4pm
- Medina – Thu, April 23 6pm – 9pm
- Minnetonka – Sat, May 2 1pm – 4pm
- Blaine – Sat, May 9 1pm – 4pm
- Online – Wed, May 13 6pm – 9pm
- Bloomington – Sat, May 16 9:30am – 12:30pm
- Cottage Grove – Sat, May 30 9:30am – 12:30pm
- Online – Thu, June 11 6pm – 9pm
Frequently Asked Questions
Click on each question below to see the answer!
If you still have questions or your question isn’t on this list, please email Training@MetroSkywarn.org.
What is the training process?
- Sign Up for a Training Class through Eventbrite
- Attend Training (All classes, either online or in person are identical)
- Register to be a Certified Storm Spotter within 3 days of class
- Receive a spotter id from either Metro Skywarn (amateur radio operators / ham) or National Weather Service (Skywatcher – non-amateur radio operators / non-hams)
Metro Skywarn Training Includes:
- NWS’ Skywarn Training slides and videos
- Reporting procedures for the 7 county Twin Cities Metro Skywarn area.
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- While people from other areas may attend our training, please check in with your Skywarn group to ensure your training will be accepted by them. We are happy to provide verification that you took our class.
- Please see the “Class Schedule” section for further details.
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Becoming a Skywarn Spotter
Is there a minimum age or any qualifications to be a Skywarn Spotter?
You need to be age 14+ to be a Certified Skywarn Spotter. However, children younger than 14 are welcome in our classes if they wish to learn. For qualifications, you only need to have a basic interest in the weather to be a spotter!
Do I need an amateur radio license / ham to be a Skywarn Spotter?
No! While an amateur radio license will give you extra benefits such as being able to hear reports from other spotters, it is not required.
What is the difference between a Metro Skywarn Spotter and Skywatcher?
A Metro Skywarn Spotter is an amateur radio operator / ham and reports via amateur radio nets.
Skywatcher is a program through the National Weather Service for people who do not hold an amateur radio license / ham. Instead, Skywatchers report via phone and internet.
Do I need to have a car to spot?
While having a vehicle will allow you some freedom to travel to the weather and get away from trees and buildings for a better view of the storm, it is not required. You can spot from where you’re at!
How often do I need to re-certify to continue to be a Skywarn Spotter?
The National Weather Service requires training every 2 years. You may take it annually if you wish!
Class Schedule
When do you hold Skywarn classes?
We hold classes from early March – late May every year. We occasionally offer classes outside of those times and will announce them.
How long are your classes?
Our classes are 3 hours with the last 15 minutes being the reporting procedures. We will take a short break in the middle of class. You are required to stay for the entire class in order to get credit for it. Being more than 15 minutes late or leaving early will require you to retake the course. Thank you for understanding and planning accordingly.
Where do I find the class schedule?
The schedule comes out at the beginning of February. You can find it at MetroSkywarn.org/calendar or on this page.
How often do I need to re-take a Skywarn Spotter Class?
The National Weather Service requires training every 2 years. You may take it annually if you wish!
If I live outside of the 7 County Twin Cities Metro Area, may I still take your class?
While we welcome anyone to our classes, we want to make sure our class will be accepted by the Skywarn group you belong to. Some Skywarn groups, like Metro Skywarn require you to take training with them because they cover specific topics unique to their organization. We would hate for you to spend 3 hours with us only to have to take training again elsewhere. We are happy to give verification of your attendance in our training session with your Skywarn group. Please have them email Training@MetroSkywarn.org and we can validate the training. Any questions? Email us!
Pre-Class Questions
What do I need to bring to class?
- Pen
- Paper (You will receive a one-sided page with links and notes in class. You can use the other side for your notes)
- For online classes, be sure to download the following items.
- Presentation – Not required unless you’d like to take notes on it.
- Class Notes – Download and print before class. Includes all of the links and other helpful information. You can take notes on one side.
- Reporting Guide – Download and print. Keep in your vehicle.
- Report Scripts – Not required, but has great information on how and what to report.
Post-Class Questions
What happens after class?
After class, you will be sent an email to register. Once you register, your information will be sent to the NWS. If you request a Spotter ID, either the NWS or Metro Skywarn will email you an id! The NWS will send Skywatcher ID’s (for non-amateur radio/hams) and Metro Skywarn will send an MSW ID (Metro Skywarn ID for amateur radio/ham radio operators). You are then a Certified Skywarn Spotter!
How long will it take for my ID to arrive?
For Metro Skywarn Spotters (amateur radio/ham), it will be approximately 2-3 weeks. For NWS Skywatchers (non-amateur radio/non-hams), it will be within 60 days. It can take longer, especially as the training season progresses and we get backed up. Please be patient as we’re an entirely volunteer group. If after this time, please email Training@MetroSkywarn.org.
Who may I contact if I have questions about something I learned in class or next steps?
Please email Training@MetroSkywarn.org. We’re happy to answer your questions about class materials and anything related to training!
Aside from Registration, what else should I do after training?
Be sure to sign up for MSWInfo and MSWAlert email lists. MSWAlert is used to notify you of net activations. MSWInfo is used for training and general announcements and about potential severe weather in the days leading up to the event. To get on those email lists, go to MetroSkywarn.org and scroll to the bottom of the page. You should see a link for email lists.
Next, review the Class Notes page you downloaded or received in class. You’ll see a link for the Spotter Field Guide along with other links. Review those materials and videos.
Metro Skywarn Instructors are happy to answer your questions! You can always post questions on our FaceBook sites. https://www.facebook.com/groups/94925116634 (ask questions) and https://www.facebook.com/metroskywarn (official announcements)