Skywarn spotter training sessions
are held to train individuals on how to accurately observe such weather
phenomena as wall clouds, funnel clouds, tornadoes, shelf clouds
associated with squall lines, and clouds that resemble funnel clouds and
tornadoes but really aren't.
In addition, topics covered during
Skywarn training are:
- The role of the spotter, the
NWS
and emergency services;
- A recap of significant weather events
during 2009;
- The necessary atmospheric conditions for
thunderstorm development;
- Tornadoes;
- Severe weather safety tips;
- Severe weather terms used in
National Weather Service products;
- What to report to the
National Weather Service; and,
- How to report information to the
National Weather Service.
Skywarn training presentations usually last around two hours, with a
scheduled break included.
Skywarn spotters are essential to the
National Weather Service, law
enforcement and fire officials, and emergency managers. Among other
things, spotters:
- Provide valuable information on the
severity of thunderstorms;
- Allow downstream communities to understand
the severity of thunderstorms moving toward them; and,
- Allow the
National Weather Service to gather
information which helps verify the warnings it issues.
Those who volunteer to be Skywarn spotters
offer a valuable service.
At a minimum, it is asked that Skywarn
volunteers review procedures by attending a Skywarn spotter training
session every two years.
Spotter training is open to members of the general public, law
enforcement, fire officials, and amateur radio operators, among others.
We look forward to your participation in Skywarn!
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Updated
02/01/2010
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