How to be a trained storm spotter
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Central Texas is approaching that time of the year when thunderstorms become numerous. It’s part of what I call the unofficial fifth season in Central Texas called the spring storm season.
Thunderstorms happen more frequently during the spring season as the area transitions from cooler and drier weather to warmer weather with higher humidity. Information on these storms is quite valuable, especially to the National Weather Service office.
KXAN First Warning Weather forecast
The meteorologists at the local office in New Braunfels appreciate when people provide storm reports to them. It allows them to verify their forecast during severe weather outbreaks.
You have an opportunity to learn about storms by attending the annual SKYWARN training program on Saturday, March 2 at St. Edward’s University.
The severe weather training is an opportunity for amateur radio operators, emergency services personnel, first responders, and citizens like you to get valuable information about severe weather that is specific to Central Texas.
Just as important is that these “students” are instructed on how to be better prepared before and during a storm as well as providing the “how to” in reporting severe weather to the National Weather Service.
Two seminars will be taught: basic and advanced training. Basic training gives information on how storms form and how to remain safe during severe weather. Advanced training goes into more detail about severe weather ingredients and a detailed overview of radar, including the products it uses.
Rich Segal spoke with Troy Kimmel from the University of Texas on the specifics of what will be taught and the value of being a storm reporter.
Here’s how you can register for a SKYWARN training session.
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