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SKYWARN SPOTTER PROGRAM

The National Weather Service relies on trained volunteers to supplement doppler radar information on severe storms and tornadoes. These dedicated individuals volunteer many hours of their time to learn about and detect severe weather. Their valuable cooperation is important in the warning process. Weather reports from trained spotters are used along with doppler radar data to issue warnings of tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, and flash floods.

TRAINING SCHEDULE

Most spotter training is conducted from January through March, in preparation for peak severe weather season. These classes are free of charge and are open to anyone who has an interest in severe weather and/or public service. The objective of the training is to provide the knowledge to identify and report key severe weather features. The classes contain some of the latest video footage of recent violent tornadoes. Emphasis is placed on recent severe weather outbreaks in our region, including the deadly tornadoes near Evansville and in western Kentucky in November, 2005. The classes are about 2 to 3 hours in length. All course materials are provided, and a certificate of completion will be given at the end of each class. Media outlets across the region are encouraged to announce classes in their coverage area.

There are currently no outreach events scheduled.

For more details on any spotter training classes, you may E-mail Rick Shanklin directly.

This training schedule is subject to change. Please call the appropriate contact person for details, including any last-minute changes to the time or meeting place. The spotter training program is coordinated by Rick Shanklin, the Warning Coordination Meteorologist at the Paducah NWS office. He can be reached at 270-744-6440. Prior training is strongly recommended for anyone wishing to take an advanced training course.

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SPOTTER TRAINING AIDS...

• Click here for a guide to estimating wind speed and hail size.
• Informational and educational materials, such as spotter training guides and weather safety brochures, are available for ordering from the National Weather Service Headquarters Office of Meteorology web site. 
• Visit the Storm Prediction Center (SPC) in Norman, Oklahoma for the latest severe thunderstorm and tornado outlooks and watches, as well as research projects.

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EMERGENCY MANAGERS OF WESTERN KY PRESENT AWARD TO NWS:

• Western Kentucky Emergency Management Association presents Certificate of Appreciation to the Paducah Weather Forecast Office for service rendered during the May 4 and 6 tornado outbreaks.