Twenty two have emailed me their intent to attend the training class and become certified storm spotters. If you are planning to attend and have not yet let me know, please do,  so I can make sure of the seating and refreshments.  We have 70 seats available and that should cover everyone wanting to meet and greet Bill Parker, the Meteorologist form the National Weather Service in Shreveport, La, who will be leading the session.  In April of 2013 we had 38 attendees. Let's see if we can't beat that number.  I have 1 from Nacogdoches Co, 2 from Sabine Co, 3 from Shelby Co, 1 from Angelina Co who are signed up. This is open to all the surrounding counties.

Tom's email....tomjohnson1204@sbcglobal.net.

 
SKYWARN Storm Spotters are a storm spotter network group that works in conjunction with the National Weather Service offices around the country.  This class is free to the public and open to any and all individuals who would be willing to volunteer their time to observe and report.  Also to any who have access to communication devices, such as a HAM radio operator.  

Specific to our Shreveport Region, by going to this class, you will learn about storm structures, what information should be reported to KTRE Channel 9 and the NWS, and more importantly, how to relay your severe weather reports to them.

Being a storm spotter is an invaluable service, as storm spotters offer an extra set of eyes and ears that give word on impending weather.  Even though we have access to radar and lots of weather tools, your feet on the ground verifies what is seen on radar. The service provided gives your East Texas friends and families advanced warning on whether or not a particular storm may be producing golf ball size hail, damaging winds, flooding, or possibly a tornado.  The number one goal is to protect life and property. By having more reports coming in from storm spotters, a better warning and protection service can be given to protect our citizens who may be in harms way. It is also a great vehicle to report initial damage and  needs assessment to our first response personnel.

It should be noted that you do not have to be a meteorologist to take part in this SKYWARN class.  This is a beginner's course, so do not feel like you have to have previous experience or knowledge to attend this afternoon training session.  All emergency personnel and first response people would benefit greatly from this course.  Please feel free to spread the word and pass this story along to anyone who might find it useful.