**UPDATED 2/4 at 6:42 p.m.** Mark Fox, a Warning Coordination Meteorologist at the Fort Worth National Weather Service Office, released information about an upcoming SKYWARN Storm Spotter Training program being held at the Kaufman County Sheriff's Office on Wednesday, February 13, 2013. It's a unique opportunity for local residents to learn how to spot potential severe weather.
**UPDATED 2/4 at 6:42 p.m.** Mark Fox, a Warning Coordination Meteorologist at the Fort Worth National Weather Service Office, released information about an upcoming SKYWARN Storm Spotter Training program being held at the Kaufman County Sheriff's Office on Wednesday, February 13, 2013. It's a unique opportunity for local residents to learn how to spot potential severe weather.
On April 3, 2012 an outbreak of 17 tornadoes happened in North Texas, and in part thanks to tornado warnings, there were no fatalities and few injuries. The National Weather Service gives much of that credit to trained weather spotters who were able to get warnings out to those in the path of the tornadoes. Forney suffered an EF-3 tornado that did extensive damage, but weather spotters were able to give warning to our town that a tornado was heading our way. With this training, others can become part of the severe weather warning system for Kaufman County.
Related: Mayor Rozell urges residents to sign up for emergency alert system
Soon, tornado season will be here again. However, tornadoes are not the only weather threat we face. Flooding, heavy lightning, and large hail are dangerous weather conditions as well. According to Fox, “The 2013 program will discuss thunderstorm formation, ingredients, and features associated with severe storms.” The two hour class will also review tornado formation and behavior. It will include numerous pictures and new videos of storms.
“We have quite a bit of new material for this year's spotter training program,” said Mark Fox. “We will be showing data from the severe weather events of 2012, plus emphasize how your storm observations help to save lives.” The program will discuss spotter operations and also recommended reporting procedures. Tom Bradshaw, Meteorologist-in-Charge of the Fort Worth Office said, “Weather Radar is a great tool, but it only tells part of a storm's story. The combination of spotter reports and radar data gives us the best possible picture of the storms and what's going on inside them.”
The storm spotter training is FREE to the public and you do not need to register in advance. You are not required to become an active storm spotter, but as Fox said, “This will better prepare yourself and your family for the threats that storms pose.”
Time and Location of Training: February 13, 2013, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Terrell City Services Building at 400 Industrial Blvd in Terrell, Texas. It is held in conjunction with Kaufman County Emergency Management. If you have any further questions about the training you may contact Steve Howie of the Kaufman County Office of Emergency Management at (972)-932-9696.
