Get in early. Help
shape the pipeline.
Free forever for spotters. iOS and Android at launch. The pilot is small and hands-on — we prioritize SKYWARN-trained spotters, emergency managers, and NWS-partnered observers, and pilot in waves starting with Tornado Alley and the Southeast US.
Reserve your seat.
Tell us who you are and how you'd use Aviso. We'll be in touch with pilot details as spots open in your region.
Storm spotting & the pilot.
What is a community storm spotter?
A community storm spotter is a trained volunteer — often SKYWARN-certified — who observes severe weather on the ground and reports it to the National Weather Service so forecasters can issue and update warnings faster.
How do I become a certified storm spotter?
Take the free SKYWARN Spotter class offered by your local National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office. It's about two hours, in person or online, and covers cloud identification, hazards, and safe reporting. See our step-by-step guide at /about/become-a-spotter.
Is SKYWARN training free?
Yes. SKYWARN training is offered at no cost by the National Weather Service, both in person and online.
How long does SKYWARN training take?
The basic SKYWARN Spotter class is about two hours. Advanced classes and refreshers are optional and typically 1–2 hours each.
What's the difference between a storm spotter and a storm chaser?
Spotters observe from a fixed area (usually their community) and report what they see. Chasers actively pursue storms across long distances. Both can file reports through Aviso; the app is designed for verified reporting from either role.
Do storm spotters get paid?
No. SKYWARN spotters are volunteers. Aviso is also free forever for individual reporters.
What equipment do I need to be a spotter?
A smartphone with data and location services is enough to report through Aviso. Traditional spotters often carry a weather radio and, optionally, an amateur radio license — none are required to use Aviso.
What is Aviso and how is it different from calling the NWS?
Aviso is a free mobile app that structures your report, verifies the location, and delivers it to the responsible NWS office in seconds — no phone tag, no radio queue, no lost details.
Is Aviso free for volunteers?
Yes — reporting is free forever for individual spotters and volunteer reporters. Agency features may be offered at cost later, but core reporting stays free.
What areas does Aviso cover?
Aviso is piloting nationwide across the United States, with first waves prioritizing Tornado Alley and the Southeast. Reports are routed to whichever NWS Weather Forecast Office covers the reporter's location.
Do I need SKYWARN certification to join the pilot?
For the pilot we prioritize SKYWARN-trained spotters, emergency managers, and NWS-partnered chasers, but committed observers with a track record are welcome to apply.
Where does my report actually go?
Verified reports are routed to the National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office responsible for the location, and to partnered emergency-management agencies in that jurisdiction.
Is my location shared publicly?
No. Precise location is shared with the receiving NWS office and agency partners only. Public views (if any) show generalized areas, never home coordinates.
When does the app ship?
Pilot testing begins in rolling waves. iOS and Android launch dates are shared with waitlist members first.
How do I get my agency involved?
Note it in the 'How would you use Aviso?' field below. We'll reach out about partnership onboarding.