As a SKYWARN Net Control Operator and a trained weather spotter you have the authority to call a SKYWARN Net into operation. Here are some guidelines to follow to determine the level of activation required:

LEVELS OF ACTIVATION

Level III Activation

• No Net - There is the potential for severe weather to develop.
• Non-Exclusive Repeater Use - Casual discussion of weather conditions and net preparation.
• Designate a Skywarn station to relay significant reports to the NWS should they be received.
• Line up Primary and Secondary NCOs should the Net be upgraded.
• Read Watch, Warning, or Special Advisory Reports on frequency when issued by NWS.
• Watch or Warning may be in effect.
• No significant weather reports are being received at this time.
• Light radio traffic on the Skywarn net frequencies.
• A Primary and Secondary NCO are being designated in case of upgrade.
• The NWS office may or may not have called to activate Skywarn.

Use Level III  SCRIPT  for this level of activation to alert spotters and other NCOs of potential severe weather conditions and NWS statements.

Level II Activation

• Controlled Informal Net
• Non-Exclusive Repeater Use - All traffic through NCO - Limited casual traffic.
• Use Net Script at regular intervals. (Min. every 20 minutes)
• Watch or Warning is in effect.
• Significant weather reports are being received.
• Moderate radio traffic on the Skywarn net frequencies.
• Primary and Secondary NCO have been designated.
• The NWS office may or may not have called to activate Skywarn.

Use Level II  SCRIPT  for this level of activation to alert spotters and other NCOs of potential severe weather conditions and NWS statements.

Level I Activation

• Controlled Formal Net
• Exclusive Repeater Use - All traffic through NCO - No casual traffic allowed.
• Traffic on frequency limited to Skywarn and ARES/RACES stations only.
• Use Net Script at regular intervals. (Min. every 20 minutes)
• Watch or Warning is in effect.
• Significant weather reports are being received.
• Heavy radio traffic on the Skywarn net frequencies.
• Primary and Secondary NCO have been designated.
• The NWS office may or may not have called to activate Skywarn.