The National Weather Service is continuing to offer training classes for anyone who is interested in learning more about severe weather.

The free Storm Spotter Training Sessions gives participants the tools and ways of how to report thunderstorms or tornadoes to the National Weather Service. NWS Meteorologist Roger Vachalek explains the importance of why they have these courses, especially for those in the general public.

“For folks at home who want to be a spotter, you still should understand some of the things that are going on in the thunderstorm and what to look for. We also cover some safety aspects during the talk, and that’s good for all people to know, whether you’re a spotter or at home.”

There are no more in person sessions in the Raccoon Valley Radio-listening area, but there are two virtual meetings left, including March 30th at 1pm and Thursday, April 7th at 7pm. Vachalek mentions an advanced storm spotter class that takes place later in April.

“And for someone who is really into weather, they are going to enjoy that a lot more than somebody who is just interested mildly in weather. So I would suggest that for somebody who has a background or wants to learn a lot, lot more, those would be talks that would be very interesting for them.”   

Those classes take place in person on Wednesday, April 20th at Iowa State University at 7pm and virtually on Wednesday, April 27th at 7pm. 

Click the link below to register for a class.

https://www.weather.gov/dmx/stormspotting