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SKYWARNTM

2009 Online Spotter Training Now Available Utah Now Part of the Nationwide CoCoRaHS Precipitation Network

In order to become an official storm spotter, one must be trained in recognizing different types of weather phenomena when they occur, doing so in a safe manner without putting themselves in danger. Some examples of this include:

* The ability to determine the strength and type of a storm based on observations of cloud characteristics

* The ability to differentiate a funnel cloud or tornado from clouds which may appear threatening, but in reality are non-threatening look-alikes to these dangerous weather phenomena.

* The ability to recognize what types of threats a storm may pose (i.e. lightning, tornadoes, large hail, damaging winds, etc...), and determine what a storm may do in the next 15-30 minutes based on observations of cloud formations within the storm.

* A detailed knowledge of his or her local area, and the ability to determine when excessive rainfall is likely to result in flooding within this area.

* The ability to accurately measure snow depth and intensity.

A prospective storm spotter can gain this training by attending a 60-90 minute Weather Spotter Training Session presented by a meteorologist from the National Weather Service office in Salt Lake City. These training sessions are offered free of charge to the general public across the area during the late winter and spring months. These sessions are also educational for schoolage children who have an interest in weather. You can view an online version of this presentation here.