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Storm Spotter classes are being offered throughout the area

News, Weather

February 9th, 2016 by Ric Hanson

The National Weather Service (NWS) and local county emergency managers are once again hosting storm spotter training classes across Iowa. There are a combination of “in-person” spotter training classes scattered across the state and webinar-based distance learning classes. In-person spotter training classes are offered primarily in larger cities and towns, but also in several rural counties and smaller towns.

Spotter talks are open to the public on a first come, first serve basis. No prior registration is required. Scheduling usually takes place in January and February, but not every county will have a talk.Skywarn

In the KJAN listening area, here is the schedule for Storm Spotter classes:

  • Wed., Feb. 17th: Ringgold County Spotter Training, 7:00-to 8:30-p.m. at 109 W. Madison St., in Mt. Ayr.
  • Wed., Feb. 24th: Madison County Spotter Training, 7:00-to 8:30-p.m. at Madison County Elderly Services (1006 N. John Wayne Dr.).
  • Mon., March 7th: Adams County Spotter Training, 6:30- to 8-p.m at the Corning Fire Station (905 Davis Ave.)
  • Wed., March 16th: Adair & Guthrie County Spotter Training, 7-tp 8:30-p.m. at the Menlo Community Bldg. (417 Sherman St.)
  • Thu., March 24th: Audubon County Spotter Training, 7-to 8:30-p.m. in the Court Room at the Audubon County Courthouse.
  • Tue., March 29th: Dallas County Spotter Training, 6:30-to 8:00-p.m at the Washington Township School (Intersection of County Roads P-58 & F-31).
  • Wed., April 6th: Crawford County Spotter Training, 6:30-to 8:00-p.m. at the Denison Fire Station.

Webinar Storm Spotter Training is being offered on Tue., April 12th and Tue., April 19th, from 7-until 8:30-p.m. at https://join.me/nws-desmoines. Also please call 1-866-231-8384. The webinars are open to all spotters. One “advanced” spotter class is offered and built on what was taught in the regular class. It is intended for those who wish to do mobile spotting and desire a deeper understanding of mesoscale and storm-scale meteorology as it relates to storm spotting. Spotters interested in attending this class should have attended either a regular in-person or webinar-based spotter class.