Q. What is a storm spotter?

A. The National Weather Service's (NWS) primary mission is to save lives and protect property through the issuance of warnings for hazardous weather. While Doppler Weather Radar is a great tool for detecting and tracking potentially severe storms, NWS meteorologists depend on real-time reports from trained spotters to know exactly what is occurring on the ground under a storm. The NWS trains people to identify severe storms and tornadoes and report them via organized communications networks (primarily local and county emergency management, law enforcement and amateur radio).

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Q. What is the difference between a storm spotter and a storm chaser?

A. A storm spotter is volunteer or paid county or municipal employee who is spotting as a community service. Most spotters work as part of an organized network and are in communication with their community or organization, which is in turn in communication with the NWS. Some spotters are "mobile" spotters in vehicles, but most spot from fixed, strategic locations around the community or county. The purpose of spotting is to alert community officials and the NWS and assist them in warning the public. Schools, hospitals, and other facilities are encouraged to have spotters to alert people in their care of impending severe weather.

Storm chasing involves following a developing thunderstorm to view or photograph severe weather phenomena. Chasing may be done for educational purposes or scientific research but is mostly done for personal fulfillment.

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Q. I want to be a storm chaser. What should I do?

A. College of DuPage in Glen Ellen offers storm chasing field trips that are open to students and the public. The Valparaiso University Meteorology Department offers storm chasing as an educational tool to 3rd and 4th year meteorology students. There are private firms, mostly in the Great Plains, that offer storm chase tours/vacations. Many can be found through an internet search.

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Q. How do I become a spotter?

A. Attend a basic tornado and severe weather spotter class. Classes are free and open to the public, and is available virtually by our office every spring. You can also take an online course by registering on this website and searching for "Spotter Training." The class takes about 1 ½ to 2 hours.

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Q. Is there a minimum age requirement to become a spotter?

A. Because of the complexity of severe thunderstorm structure and development, and the potential danger involved, spotting is recommended for adults. However, anyone age 10 and above can become a spotter.

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Q. Does the NWS issue a certificate or spotter ID number?

A. The NWS Chicago office does not issue spotter ID numbers. Certificates are available on request. Some county emergency management agencies issue IDs and/or certificates. Please check with your local officials.

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Q. What is the difference between Storm Spotter Training and Community Weather Preparedness Training? 

A. Storm Spotter Training covers the types of thunderstorms, different storm structures, types of severe weather hazards, and how to make storm reports. At this time, Storm Spotter Training in our local area (northern Illinois and northwestern Indiana) is only available online. 

Community Weather Preparedness Training covers a wider array of types relevant to hazardous weather during the warm season including thunderstorms, heat waves, and beach safety. At this time, Community Weather Preparedness Training is available in-person across northern Illinois and northwestern Indiana. 

Both courses are free and open to the public.