Although, the National Weatherr service has access to data from Doppler radar, satellite, and surface weather stations, technology cannot detect every instance of hazardous weather.
Spotters help fill in the gaps by reporting hail, wind damage, flooding, and tornadoes. Radar is an excellent tool, but it is just that: one tool among many that NWS uses. The NWS needs spotters to report how storms and other meteorological phenomena are impacting their area.
Skywarn spotter reports provide vital “ground truth” to the NWS. They act as eyes and ears in the field. Spotter reports help meteorologists issue timely, accurate, and detailed warnings by confirming hazardous weather detected by NWS radar. Spotters also provide critical verification information that helps improve future warning services. Skywarn spotters serve their local communities by acting as a vital source of information when dangerous storms approach. Without spotters, NWS would be less able to fulfill its mission of protecting life and property. Skywarn volunteers are an essential part of the warning process and have had a positive impact on the improvement in severe weather detection and warning lead times.
The Heart of Texas Ham Operators Group will once again be hosting the National Weather Service (NWS) of San Angelo as they provide Skywarn training for McCulloch County.
Anyone with an interest in public service and/or severe weather is encouraged to participate in the Skywarn program. Volunteers come from various backgrounds, including: fire fighters, law enforcement, public utility workers, and HAM radio operators.
Individuals affiliated with hospitals, schools, churches, nursing homes or who have a responsibility for protecting others are also encouraged to become a spotter. However, these training sessions are not limited to these individuals. Skywarn may be for you if you have ever had an interest in severe weather and would like to learn more about storm structure, the identification of severe weather features, or what to do when severe weather strikes.
Topics covered in these courses include:
Basics of thunderstorm development
Fundamentals of storm structure
Identifying potential severe weather features
Information to report
How to report information
Basic severe weather safety
Attending the Skywarn training session does not mean that you are required to go out during severe weather and actively “be a spotter”. It is completely acceptable to attend the session to arm yourself with the knowledge to protect yourself or those around you. The only requirement for participation in the program is the completion of a FREE spotter training course provided by the National Weather Service. This year, the training for McCulloch County will be on Tuesday, February 24th at the VFW Hall located on Memory Lane beginning at 6:30PM.
We are excited about being able to offer an in-person training session. This training is more engaging and interactive than online training sessions. You not only have a chance to meet some of those who work at our local National Weather Service office, but also ask them any questions that you may have. It is important that anyone with any interest please attend. A good attendance not only coveys to our NWS partners that Brady and McCulloch County are ready for severe weather, but also that the attention provided to our area is appreciated and worthwhile. You can also find links to more weather-related information on our website www.hothog.club, under the tab labeled “Weather Resources”. We look forward to seeing everyone at our Skywarn session on February 24th.
