Free Weather Watcher Online Training Available

Daytona Beach, FL – If you’d like to learn more about being an official weather watcher for the National Weather Service, you’ll have a couple of opportunities this month.  The virtual training program SKYWARN trains volunteer citizen weather watchers to feed real-time information related to threatening conditions such as hail, wind, tornadoes, and flooding. You’ll need a computer and a separate toll-free phone in order to receive the audio portion of the training.  Cell phones or tablets can also be used but some of the material may be difficult to view on smaller screens.  The basic class is being offered from 10 a.m. until noon this Saturday, December 5, and Monday, December 14. There’s also an advanced class on the 14th from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. All of the classes are free. “These are great webinars led by National Weather Service experts, and they cover everything from how storms form and the various aspects of severe weather to perhaps most importantly, severe weather safety,” said Volusia County Emergency Management Director Jim Judge. “It’s essential information for spotters, who play an important role in helping to warn the public about potentially dangerous weather conditions.” You must register in advance, which you can do at go.usa.gov.  You’ll receive an email before the class with instructions on how to participate.