Skywarn "Storm Spotter" training offered this April

The National Weather Service office in Duluth is partnering with local county Emergency Managers across the Northland to offer Skywarn Spotter Training this April.

Skywarn is a storm spotter training program that teaches participants to spot and report critical information when severe weather is in their area. Volunteers are trained by a NWS Warning Coordination Meteorologist and learn about storm identification and evolution, as well as how to report information to the local NWS office.

Since the NWS is unable to be everywhere at once, storm spotters are able to help save lives by being the nation’s first line of defense against severe weather. Their information is combined with resources such as Doppler radar, satellite, and lightning displays to help NWS meteorologists determine when to issue warnings and advisories for the protection of life and property.

The free trainings are for anyone, including concerned residents, police and fire personnel, dispatchers, EMS workers, public utility workers, and HAM radio operators. Anyone with an interest in severe weather is encouraged to attend, as well as individuals who have a responsibility for protecting others or are affiliated with hospitals, schools, churches, or nursing homes.

The Washburn County Emergency Management Office has partnered with the NWS for a training in Spooner on April 6 from 6pm to 8pm at the Spooner Fire Station, 1407 N. Front St.

Additional dates and locations are:

Monday, April 11: Superior, WI

Wednesday, April 13: Ashland, WI and Carlton, MN

Thursday, April 14: Grand Rapids, MN and Duluth (Coppertop Church)

Monday, April 18: Virginia, MN

Tuesday, April 19: Duluth/Pike Lake, MN

Wednesday, April 27: Washburn, WI

The full list of training locations (including virtual options), dates, and times can be found here. No registration is necessary, and a variety of trainings will be offered both in-person and online throughout the month of April.