SKYWARN Operators Console

A Windows Forms application for logging and managing National Weather Service weather alerts and spotter reports

SKYWARN® is a registered service mark of the National Weather Service

Overview

SKYWARN® Operators Console is a desktop application that helps SKYWARN Section, Regional, and County Net Operations and any other entity that has to track weather incidents. It also helps weather observers, emergency managers, and incident coordinators efficiently track severe weather alerts from the National Weather Service and maintain detailed incident logs with spotter reports.

The application provides real-time alert polling, audio notifications, comprehensive incident documentation, and data export capabilities.

Features

Real-Time Alert Monitoring

  • Real-time display of Alerts - More severe events are color enhanced for visual alertness
  • Automated polling of NWS API for weather alerts
  • Flexible filtering - From entire State to NWS Office serviced counties to a single county
  • Easy filtering of alerts that are not required
  • Alert acknowledgment tracking

Incident Management

  • Create and manage incident logs with unique incident numbers
  • Rich text narrative editor for detailed documentation
  • Track incident status and operator assignments
  • Timestamped note appending for chronological records
  • Quick alert attachment to incidents
  • Fast handoff to additional Operators or Computers

Spotter Reports

  • Log detailed spotter reports with location and damage information
  • Report type categorization (tornado, hail, wind, etc.) using NWS SKYWARN recommended designations
  • Quick view of Open Incidents
  • Report severity/magnitude fields
  • Selectable map with GPS coordinates and search features

Data Management

  • No heavy database operations to learn - reporting is built in
  • Structured data models for alerts, incidents, and reports
  • County mapping for geographic filtering

Detailed Reporting

  • Direct printing of Spotter Reports
  • Spotter Summary Reporting
  • Incident Summary Reporting
  • End of Event cleanup and checks

Key Benefits

Real-Time Coordination

Stay synchronized with NWS alerts and coordinate emergency response in real-time

Comprehensive Documentation

Maintain detailed, timestamped records of all weather incidents and spotter reports

Efficient Operations

Streamline weather net operations with quick filtering, handoffs, and reporting

Who Should Use SKYWARN Operators Console?

  • SKYWARN Net Control Operators - Section, Regional, and County levels
  • Emergency Management Agencies
  • Weather Observers
  • Incident Coordinators
  • Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES)
  • Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT)

Platform Information

Application Type: Windows Forms Desktop Application

Target Platform: Windows 10/11

Data Source: National Weather Service API Integration

Join the Community

Connect with other SKYWARN operators, share experiences, get support, and stay updated with the latest features.

Join SKYWARN Operators Console Users Group