Program helps keep communities safe, with volunteers providing ‘timely and accurate reports of severe weather’ to NWS
Sarasota County residents are being invited to join Sarasota County Emergency Management staff and representatives of the National Weather Service for a free SKYWARN training scheduled for 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 16, county staff has announced.
Those interested in the session will be able to attend it virtually or in person at the county’s Emergency Operations Center, which stands at 6050 Porter Way in Sarasota, a news release says.
“Seating is limited at the EOC, so early registration is encouraged!” the release adds.
To register for the Aug. 16 event, visit this link:
SKYWARN is a National Weather Service (NWS) program involving volunteers who help keep their local communities safe “by providing timely and accurate reports of severe weather to the NWS, with a focus on severe local thunderstorms,” the county news release explains. “Since the program started in the 1970s, the information provided by SKYWARN® spotters, coupled with Doppler radar technology,” and improved satellite and other data, has enabled the NWS “to issue more timely and accurate warnings for tornadoes, severe thunderstorms and flash floods,” the release points out.
“SKYWARN® storm spotters form the nation’s first line of defense against severe weather,” it adds.
Immediately following the SKYWARN training, Sarasota County Emergency Management representatives “will provide a hurricane season update and share information on disaster preparedness,” the release continues.
Those attending the Aug. 16 session in person also will have the opportunity to tour the Emergency Operations Center, the release notes.
To learn more about the SKYWARN program, visit https://www.weather.gov/skywarn/