Training for weather spotting Tuesday

Those interested in expanding their knowledge about weather patterns and being on the ground level of reporting storms can attend a weather spotter training hosted by the National Weather Service on Tuesday, May 1 at 7 p.m. at the fire hall.

Hot Springs County Emergency Management Coordinator Bill Gordon noted during the spring the spotter training has become something of a “rite of passage.” This training will be the 18th Gordon has attended.

Taught by Tim Troutman, the warning coordination meteorologist with the NWS Riverton forecast office, the training will provide information on characteristics of storm systems. This information not only helps with personal safety, but allows people to report conditions to NWS. Gordon noted NWS can get a good look at what is going on in the sky, but weather spotters are key in getting information about what’s happening on the ground.

If a storm comes barreling across the area, Gordon said, spotters also can provide information about items such as wind, hail possibility and damage, to give the NWS a better idea of whether a storm warning should be issued.

Gordon further pointed out every NWS office in the country has basically the same criteria taught to weather spotters. This means if spotters are travelling across the country and come across dangerous weather they can call 9-1-1 and inform dispatch they are a trained weather spotter and pass along information for the NWS. Having the designation of a “trained weather spotter,” Gordon said, lends more credibility to their information.

Though typically done at the government annex, this year’s training is being done at the fire hall in conjunction with a training night for the fire department. Not only is it an opportunity to learn more about severe weather signs; it also is an opportunity to see what the fire hall has to offer.