TULSA - The National Weather Service says that if you want to be a storm spotter, they have a schedule of classes available. While there is a full schedule of classes across the region, a few will be convenient to area residents.
Tuesday February 5th - Crawford County EOC (Van Buren), 7:00 PM
Tuesday February 27th - Kiamichi Technology Center (Poteau) 6:00 PM
Thursday March 1st - Sequoyah County EOC (Sallisaw) 6:30 PM
Wednesday March 7th - Kiamichi Technology Center (Stigler) 6:00 PM
Monday March 12th - Sebastian County EOC (Fort Smith) 6:00 PM
“Throughout eastern Oklahoma and northwestern Arkansas, trained and dedicated individuals monitor the skies around their communities during severe weather events. These storm spotters provide first-hand severe weather reports to their local officials, and to the National Weather Service in Tulsa, which are used to make critical warning decisions.” the Weather Service said in a release. “Being a storm spotter not only means dedication but also training. Each winter and spring the Tulsa office of the National Weather Service trains members of police & fire departments, emergency management officials, and amateur radio operators on spotting techniques.”
Typically, the training is coordinated by a local group (such as an emergency management agency) and a NWS meteorologist serves as the guest instructor. The goal of the training is not just to recognize tornadoes, but to have some understanding of storm structure, which in turn better prepares the spotter for the extreme and unusual circumstances. Other topics covered include an update on the latest NWS technology and procedures, ideas for organizing/coordinating spotter groups, and important safety considerations.
The training is free and requires no preregistration.
