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What is the difference between SWOP, Cooperative Observers (COOP), and Skywarn spotters?

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What is the difference between SWOP, Cooperative Observers (COOP), and Skywarn spotters?

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The SWOP program overlaps some of the duties performed by observers in the COOP and Skywarn networks. Rain and snowfall data is provided by both the SWOP and COOPs, but COOPs report on a daily basis and normally do not provide severe weather data. Hail, wind and flooding data is provided by the Skywarn network and SWOP, but no rain or snowfall data is provided by Skywarn operators. The SWOP program was created to help fill in the gap, with an observer who could provide limited, but detailed data on certain weather events. NOTE: Observers in the SWOP network will NOT be certified SKYWARN spotters. You should not “chase” storms unless you have been through a SKYWARN class in the past two years. SWOP will NOT teach you what is needed to safely observe a severe thunderstorm from a vehicle.

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