Storm Spotter Training Feb. 25

Are you interested in becoming a storm spotter?

Sequoyah County Emergency Management has scheduled a free Skywarn storm spotter training session Tuesday, Feb. 25.

The event, hosted by the U.S. National Weather Service in Tulsa and Sequoyah County Emergency Management, will be held from 7-9:30 p.m. at the local emergency center office, 102 E. Chickasaw in Sallisaw. 

The training is free, requires no preregistration and is open to the public.

Throughout eastern Oklahoma and northwestern Arkansas, trained and dedicated individuals monitor the skies around their communities during severe weather events. These storm spotters provide firsthand severe weather reports to their local officials, and to the National Weather Service in Tulsa, which are used to make critical warning decisions.

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 and 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 an 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 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.

Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer

For more news stories stay tuned to The MIX 105.1 or visit www.kxmx.com