New Format for NWS Weather Spotter Classes

February 24, 2012
Dane County Emergency Management 266-4330
Emergency Management

 New this year, the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Sullivan, WI is offering Severe Weather Spotter Classes via webinar in addition to the traditional in-person presentation.  These webinars will be hosted in multiple locations across Dane County improving the convenience for persons to attend.  By broadcasting the classes via webinar, Dane County agencies will be able to host up to 60 classes, 56 more than last year!  The Severe Weather Spotter Classes are open to the general public and FREE OF CHARGE. 

 

 The webinars are scheduled from 1-3 pm and 7-9 pm on both Monday March 5 and Tuesday March 6.  See the attached list for the locations of the webinars.  This list is also available on the web at www.countyofdane.com.  There are two traditional in-person classes lead by a meteorologist from the Milwaukee Sullivan Office of the National Weather Service scheduled for Wednesday April 4 from 3-5 pm and 6-8 pm at the Alliant Energy Center (parking is free).

 

 These classes are designed to educate participants about severe weather “clues” and familiarize them with where and how to use such information.  All classes are taught by Rusty Kapela from the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Sullivan, WI.  Spotters can provide the “ground truth” that cannot be seen by weather monitoring equipment.  You do not have to be or commit to being an official Spotter to attend the class.

 

 As local history shows, severe weather can strike anywhere and at any time.  Local residents can attest, preparation for tornados, flooding, high winds and heavy rains saves lives and property. 

 

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