http://ozarkspub.vo.llnwd.net/o37/KSMU/audio/mp3/stormspott_636.mp3
As the weather begins to warm up, the potential for severe weather in Southwest Missouri increases. KSMU's Missy Shelton recently spoke with National Weather Service Meteorologist Doug Cramer about training classes being offered for people interested in storm spotting.
As the weather begins to warm up, the potential for severe weather in Southwest Missouri increases. KSMU's Missy Shelton recently spoke with National Weather Service Meteorologist Doug Cramer about training classes being offered for people interested in storm spotting.
Cramer says despite having the very latest weather technology, it's not as good as having a person on the ground who can report what they're seeing with their own eyes. He says that's why the National Weather Service offers training for storm spotters and considers the work of spotters to be an integral part of warning the public about severe weather. Everyone is invited to participate in the training courses. Most often, sheriff's deputies, firefighters and other emergency personnel come to the classes but they're open to anyone. Those who complete the training do not receive certificates from the Weather Service but some counties will provide certificates. Cramer says there are two kinds of spotters. There are stationary spotters who spot storms from their home. They're especially important in rural areas. Then, there are spotters who get in their cars and chase the storms. Operation centers in their counties tell them where to go. These spotters communicate what they see to the Weather Service. Cramer says the spotter training is designed to make sure the spotters who chase storms know how to stay safe.