VIENNA, IL – The National Weather Service is partnering with Johnson County ESDA and Vienna High School to sponsor a Weather Spotter Class on February 27, the organization says.
According to a press release about the event, participants can expect to learn about severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, funnel clouds, wall clouds, hail, lightning, eruptions and flash floods.
The class starts at 6:00 PM at the Vienna High School and participants must register to attend.
The NWS says they rely on trained volunteers to supplement Doppler radar information on severe storms, tornadoes and flash floods.
“These dedicated individuals spend many hours of their time learning about and detecting severe weather. Their valuable cooperation is important in the warning process,” they explain.
Storm Spotter classes are free and open to anyone interested in severe weather or public service, the organization says.
Lessons include photos and videos of recent violent tornadoes, storm damage, flash floods, hail storms and eruptions.
The “Basic Storm Spotter” class lasts about two hours and the “Elite Spotter Workshop” lasts three to four hours, the NWS explains on their website.
All class materials are provided and participants receive a certificate of completion when the class ends.
To register for the upcoming spotter training or for more information, click here.