NWS seeks participants for SKYWARN Spotter Training
Do you always have your eye on the sky? Would you like to help the National Weather Service (NWS) keep track of what’s happening in your area? If so, you’re in luck; the NWS is currently seeking participants for the SKYWARN Storm Spotter Program’s spring training session!
The volunteer program consists of 350,000 to 400,00 trained severe weather spotters who help relay critical information to the NWS. The volunteers help keep their local communities safe by providing timely and accurate reports of severe weather.
The two hour training session is free to attend and will be conducted in a virtual setting via the program Gotowebinar. Registration for each session is limited to 150 participants. Individuals can register for any of the following dates:
• Saturday, March 13 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. ET
• Wednesday, March 17 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET
• Wednesday, April 7 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. ET
• Wednesday, April 14 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. ET
In order to participate, individuals will need a computer with internet access, an active email account, audio capability including a microphone and speakers and the Gotowebinar software installation. Phone access is available if needed.
Anyone with an interest in public service is encouraged to join the SKYWARN program. Existing volunteers come from all walks of life. Some are police officers, EMS personnel, dispatchers and firefighters while others are public utility workers or concerned private citizens.
During the training, expect to learn:
• Basics of thunderstorm development
• Fundamentals of storm structure
• Identifying potential severe weather features
• Information to report and how to relay it
• Basic severe weather safety
The SKYWARN Storm Spotter Program training is not county specific and the recommended age for volunteers is 14 or older. While spotters provide essential information about a number of weather hazards, officials note that the focus is reporting on severe local thunderstorms.
For more information or to get registered, visit www. weather.gov/iwx/ Spotter_event_list. If you have any questions, call 574-8341104.