Waterford, MI - Oakland County Emergency Management will host the National Weather Service (NWS) Detroit/Pontiac for three sessions of SKYWARN Spotter Training in March, April, and May.
SKYWARN trains storm spotters to know what to look for in severe weather, and how to report their observations back to the NWS. They play a vital role in verifying with their observations what the NWS is seeing on radar and satellite during stormy weather and help to keep their local community safe during severe weather.
The NWS invites anyone with an interest in public service to join the SKYWARN program. Volunteers include police and fire personnel, dispatchers, EMS workers, public utility workers and other concerned residents. Individuals affiliated with hospitals, schools, churches, and nursing homes or who have a responsibility for protecting others are also encouraged to become spotters. Participants will learn:
- Basics of thunderstorm development
- Fundamentals of storm structure
- Identifying potential severe weather features
- Information to report
- How to report information
- Basic severe weather safety
"Having spotters in the field who can verify what we and the National Weather Service are seeing with our weather instruments can be extremely important," said Thom Hardesty director of Oakland County Emergency Management and Homeland Security. "It can have the potential to make the difference when we alert the public about an incoming weather event."
Pre-registration is not required. All classes last about 90 minutes, are free and open to the public. Visit www.oakgov.com/emergency-management for more information.
Participants must be age 13 or older to report. However, classes are appropriate for all ages. Ages 10 and up will likely get the most out of the training.
The events will take place:
- March 8, 2023, 7 to 9 p.m., Novi Civic Center, 45175 10 Mile Road, Novi.
- April 13 and May 11, 7 to 9 p.m., Waterford Oaks Conference Center, 2800 Watkins Lake Rd, Waterford.