I am a weather enthusiast, SKYWARN® storm spotter and member of the local ARES®. SKYWARN® is a network of storm spotters, a lot of which are amateur radio operators.When severe weather is forecast, or warnings get issued, spotters look to the skies. We have been trained by National Weather Service personnel on the things to look for and report on in order to assist with timely warnings. We don't chase storms. We just observe (as often as possible)from a distance. On the ARES® side of things, some of us are licensed amateur radio operators, (my call sign is KD8GCA), and we use this as a way for communicating with each other about the storm. This goes through a Net Control Station who keeps things as professional and in order as possible. We also assist in local events such as The Cross Country Carnival, The Sandusky River CleanSweep and The Heritage Bike Tour. Check out www.senecacountyares.org for more info on becoming an amateur radio operator. My love for weather goes way back and I have done lots of self education on the subject. I am looking to get my degree in meteorology soon. For now I am practicing forecasts and doing lots of studying. If you have any questions or comments shoot me an Email.