One of the vital functions that the LCARG provides during severe weather events is SKYWARN operations. SKYWARN is a program of the US National Weather Service, and has been long associated with amatuer radio. The mission is to collect reports of localized severe weather. These reports are used to aid forecasters in issuing and verifying severe weather watches and warnings and to improve the forecasting and warning processes and the tools used to collect weather data. It consists of a network of severe storm spotters who observe weather conditions and make reports to their local NWS offices. These spotters are regulary trained by personnel from the local NWS offices.
The weather forecast office (WFO) that covers the SE New Mexico and West Texas region is Midland, Texas (MAF). The Midland office is equipped with a ham radio and operates under the call sign W5MAF when active and will be using the West Texas Connection frequencies. Often during severe weather, the Permain Basin ARES is requested to activate the SKYWARN function and will be a directed net using the call sign W5MAF.
The weather forecast office (WFO) that covers the SE New Mexico and West Texas region is Midland, Texas (MAF). The Midland office is equipped with a ham radio and operates under the call sign W5MAF when active and will be using the West Texas Connection frequencies. Often during severe weather, the Permain Basin ARES is requested to activate the SKYWARN function and will be a directed net using the call sign W5MAF.
Mark Strobin, Warning Coordination Meteorologist from the Midland Weather Forecast Office provides SKYWARN training in Hobbs.
2017 SKYWARN Training Schedule
| CITY | DATE | TIME | LOCATION |
| Seminole, TX | March 2 | 7 PM | Old City Hall |
| Carlsbad, NM | April 22 | 6 PM | Fire Training Complex |
| Hobbs, NM | April 27 | 7 PM | City Hall Annex |
| Lovington, NM | April 11 | 7 PM | Chamber of Commerce |
| Artesia, NM | April 1 | 7 PM | Public Safety Complex |
(List is subject to change, check the MAF website for current dates)
