Learn to Be a Weather Spotter
The best way to gather data about severe weather is by getting help from every citizen, and on Nov. 7, 2016, the St. Mary’s County Department of Emergency Services & Technology will host SKYWARN – winter storm training for volunteers who want to help.
The session will be held in the Chesapeake Building on the Governmental Center Campus in Leonardtown. The address is 41770 Baldridge St., Leonardtown, MD 20650.
Severe weather affects the community every year, and NOAA’s National Weather Service partners with several organizations to train citizens to become severe weather spotters. The volunteers who are trained then help keep their neighbors and families safe by providing accurate, timely reports of severe weather to the National Weather Service. The information gathered by volunteers is crucial.
The winter storm class gives volunteers an overview of the biggest winter weather threats in Southern Maryland. It is intended for everyone, regardless of past experience with weather-watching. Basics I is a prerequisite for the winter storm class.
The Nov. 7 training session offers information on:
- Winter hazards in the region
- Winter normals and extremes
- Winter storm ingredients
- National Weather Service forecasts and products
- Role of SKYWARN and reporting
- Winter preparation and safety
While the class is free, it’s still important to pre-register to control class size and provide the correct number of handouts. There is a limited amount of space for the classes.
Anyone who registers for a class but then finds out they cannot make it is asked to notify the department of emergency services so the spot can be made available to someone else. All of the training classes and SKYWARN membership are free.
To register for the Nov. 7 SKYWARN winter storm training, go to this website.
For more information, call 301-475-4200, ext. 2124.
For more about Lexington Park, visit the community’s Leader member page.
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