SKYWARN SPOTTER PROGRAM

The National Weather Service relies on trained volunteers to supplement doppler radar information on severe storms and tornadoes. These dedicated individuals volunteer many hours of their time to learn about and detect severe weather. Their valuable cooperation is important in the warning process. Weather reports from trained spotters are used along with doppler radar data to issue warnings of tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, and flash floods.

For more details on any spotter training classes, you may E-mail Rick Shanklin directly.

This training schedule is subject to change. Please call the appropriate contact person for details, including any last-minute changes to the time or meeting place. The spotter training program is coordinated by Rick Shanklin, the Warning Coordination Meteorologist at the Paducah NWS office. He can be reached at 270-744-6440. Prior training is strongly recommended for anyone wishing to take an advanced training course.

EMERGENCY MANAGERS OF WESTERN KY PRESENT AWARD TO NWS:

• Western Kentucky Emergency Management Association presents Certificate of Appreciation to the Paducah Weather Forecast Office for service rendered during the May 4 and 6 tornado outbreaks.

HELPFUL LINKS:

• Informational and educational materials, such as spotter training guides and weather safety brochures, are available for ordering from the National Weather Service Headquarters Office of Meteorology web site.
• Visit the Severe Weather Education and Safety section of the Chicago National Weather Service web site.  
• Visit the Storm Prediction Center (SPC) in Norman, Oklahoma for the latest severe thunderstorm and tornado outlooks and watches, as well as research projects.