Ellis County RACES provides storm spotting to the National Weather Service office in Fort Worth during severe weather in North Texas. This activity is known as a Skywarn Net(or network). The Amateur Radio Operators that participate in these activities are unpaid volunteers. These people have passed their FCC Amateur Radio exams and been certified to spot storms by participating in a Skywarn School held by the National Weather Service. You do not have to be a HAM to go to the Skywarn School and it is recommended that the general public attend. However, you do have to hold a valid Amateur Radio license in order to participate in a Skywarn Net. See Getting Started In HAM Radio for more information about getting your Amateur Radio License.