Are you ready to become an official weather spotter?

First, you must be a resident of our spotter area, which includes Orange, San Diego, southwestern San Bernardino and western Riverside Counties.

Second, complete training either online or in person.

Training online:

1) Complete the test of 20 questions with a passing score of at least 80%.

2) Enter your name and email address and print out your certificate.

3) Sign up by filling out the sign-up sheet. (This must me done upon certification. If you choose to sign up later, you will have to retake the test and certify again).

Training in person:

1) Attend a spotter training presentation in our office or in various locations in our region. Times and locations of the presentations are announced on the spotter page of our web site.

2) Fill out and submit a sign-up sheet to us at the presentation, or mail it to our office.

Once the sign-up information is received in our office, we will assign you an official weather spotter identification number. Use this number when submitting reports online, or when calling our 800 number.

Benefits of being a weather spotter:

1) You will take part in helping to save lives and property, which is the primary mission of the National Weather Service.

2) You’ll receive the quarterly newsletter Coast to Cactus, which will keep you informed about the spotter program, our local weather and the National Weather Service.

3) It’s free, satisfying, and exciting!