Skywarn spotter training sessions are held to train individuals on how to accurately observe such weather phenomena as wall clouds, funnel clouds, tornadoes, shelf clouds associated with squall lines, and clouds that resemble funnel clouds and tornadoes but really aren’t.

In addition, topics covered during Skywarn training are:

The role of the spotter, the NWS and emergency services;
A recap of significant weather events during the prior year;
The necessary atmospheric conditions for thunderstorm development;
Tornadoes;
Severe weather safety tips;
Severe weather terms used in National Weather Service products;
What to report to the National Weather Service; and,
How to report information to the National Weather Service.

Skywarn training presentations usually last around two hours, with a scheduled break included.

At a minimum, it is asked that Skywarn volunteers review procedures by attending a Skywarn spotter training session every two years.