Storm spotters serve as the eyes and ears to warning meteorologist at the National Weather Service. Each year, various weather forecast offices hold training seminars that are free to the public for the purposes of providing enough training to help those who are interested in volunteering as storm spotters identify storm structure and understand safe practices while storm spotting.

If you live in Tornado Alley and are interested in volunteering as a storm spotter and participating in the SKYWARN program, then you should contact your nearest National Weather Service Office, do not contact your local television station, although they may be able to help point you in the right direction if you’re unsure where the nearest NWS office to you is located.

If you live in the Big Country or Concho Valley regions of West Texas, there will be a free storm spotter training event held on February 21st, 2009 in Abilene, Texas. For more information, please see the San Angelo National Weather Service SKYWARN Calendar.

For those in Eastern Oklahoma, visit the Tulsa National Weather Service Spotter Training Calendar

Central & Western Oklahoma residents visit the Norman National Weather Service Spotter Training Calendar.

Central Kansas residents should visit Wichita’s Storm Fury on the Plains Storm Spotter Training.

These courses are HIGHLY recommended for law enforcement! Especially in Southwest Texas.

There are a lot of other areas holding training this year, starting next month. So, check with your local NWS office and find out when and where you can attend a free spotter training course. And most of all, stay safe and learn well.

Tags: skywarn