SKYWARN training planned in Atlanta Nov. 12

By Bobby Horn Jr.

 

Looking at clouds takes on a whole new meaning when you are a certified weather spotter.

The National Weather Service (NWS), the Atlanta Public Library and Atlanta Fire Department are teaming up to conduct two SKYWARN training classes in November.

A basic class will be held Nov. 12 with an Advanced Class Oct. 19. Both classes will be taught at the fire station, 606 S. Louise, starting at 6 p.m.

The fire department hosted the SKYWARN classes in October, 2014.

According to the NWS, “The effects of severe weather are felt every year by many Americans. To obtain critical weather information, NOAA's National Weather Service (NWS), part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, established SKYWARN with partner organizations. SKYWARN is a volunteer program with nearly 290,000 trained severe weather spotters. These volunteers help keep their local communities safe by providing timely and accurate reports of severe weather to the National Weather Service. SKYWARN storm spotters are part of the ranks of citizens who form the Nation's first line of defense against severe weather. There can be no finer reward than to know that their efforts have given communities the precious gift of time--seconds and minutes that can help save lives.”

The training is free and typically last about two hours.

Once a person has completed the class they will have the credentials to go online and become a certified weather spotter.

During the training an instructor from the National Weather Service will teach on such topics as basics of thunderstorm development, fundamentals of storm structure, identifying potential severe weather features, information to report, how to report information and basic severe weather safety.

With the training, he said, people will be able to more easily identify a public threat and know how to report it to the proper authorities. 

Previously the classes were held at the Atlanta Public Library, however starting last year the class was moved to the fire station to accommodate larger classes.